Diversity Immigrant Visa Program: FAQ

You’ve probably already heard of the Diversity Immigrant Visa Program—an amazing opportunity to win a U.S. green card without spending a dime, by simply registering online. Each year, the U.S. State Department issues around 50,000 green cards, and, to many people, this is the only way they can make their dreams come true and immigrate to the United States. Thousands of people and their families from all over the world have put their hopes into the Diversity Immigrant Visa Program.

Why it has been put on hold?

The Diversity Immigrant Visa 2020 program has been put on hold as a result of the Covid-19 outbreak. Additionally, in June 2020, former U.S. President Donald Trump proclaimed an immigration ban blocking most legal immigration to the U.S. which stopped the processing of diversity visas as well. Around 40,000 of the 55,000 available diversity visas for FY 2020 remained unissued by the September 30, 2020 deadline.

On August 17, 2021, the U.S. Court ordered the Biden Administration to issue 9,095 diversity visas from Fiscal Year 2020. The reserved visas will be processed and issued in random order. This has brought back hope to thousands of people who dream of traveling to the United States and settling there. If you’re one of the selected people for the DV for FY 2020 but haven’t received your visa yet, you may still have a chance to win the lottery.

What is a Diversity Visa lottery?

Diversity immigrant visa program, also known as the green card lottery is a U.S. government lottery program that enables people from all over the world to win the U.S. green card, officially known as a permanent resident card, and legally migrate to the United States.

Who is eligible for the Diversity Visa program?

When determining your DV eligibility, your country of birth as well as your educational background matter. To qualify, you must be a resident of the country with a low rate of immigration to the United States. However, if you’re not a native of such a country, there are two other ways to base your eligibility on:

• your parents’ country of birth,
• your spouse’s country of birth.

In case either one of your parents or your spouse comes from a country that has a low rate of immigration, then you may qualify as well. Additionally, you must have a high school diploma or two years of working experience. Having no criminal record is also a must.

How can I apply for the Diversity Visa lottery?

To apply for the Diversity Visa Program, you simply need to register here: https://dvprogram.state.gov/. You can check your application status on this website as well.

What documents do I need to submit?

After you submit a DS-260 application form for yourself and your family members, you’ll learn how to proceed and what supporting documentation to send. Typically, these include:

• Birth certificates;
• Court and prison records;
• Military records;
• Police certificates;
• Photocopy of valid passport biographic data page.

Note that instructions and required documents vary from country to country, and you’ll be notified if there are any additional requirements.

When can I apply for a DV?

You can apply for a DV each year. Yet, keep in mind that there is a limited period when you can register for the DV program during each fiscal year. Typically, this period lasts from late September or early October through early November.

Do I need to pay to participate in a DV program?

No, you don’t need to pay to register for the DV program, applying is completely free of charge.

Can I bring my spouse or children in case I win?

Yes, you can bring your immediate relatives with you, and they’re referred to as Diversity Visa derivative applicants. Children must be under 21 years old and unmarried.

The recent Build Back Better Act (BBB) has been introduced in the House of Representatives. It aims to recapture unused visa numbers for family-and employment-based green card applicants waiting in backlogs. The outcome of this act could help thousands of people who are still waiting for their green cards. Contact us for more information.