Diversity (Lottery) Visa

Each year the Department of State selects over 50,000 applicants throughout the world for issuance of diversity-based visas.  To be eligible, an applicant must:

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1. Be a native of on of the selected countries with historically low rates of immigration to the United States; and,

2. Meet the education/work experience requirement of the DV program by either a) possessing a high school equivalent diploma or degree, or b) possessing at least two (2) years' work experience within the past five years in an occupation that requires
at least two years of training or experience to perform.

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There is no fee for applying for the diversity visa, though you will be required to pay customary visa processing fees should you be selected in the lottery.  Once you receive your green card, after five (5) years of lawful status and not abandoning your intent to maintain your green card, you would become eligible for naturalization. 

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Not all countries are eligible for their citizens to apply for a DV visa.  To find out whether your country is eligible to receive a DV visa, click here.

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