GREEN CARD THROUGH DIVERSITY VISA LOTTERY

 

 

INTRODUCTION

 

The Diversity Immigrant Visa Program (DV Program) makes up to 50,000 immigrant visas available annually, drawn from random selection among all entries to individuals who are from countries with low rates of immigration to the United States. The DV Program is administered by the U.S. Department of State (DOS).

 

COUNTRY OF RESIDENCE

 

Most lottery winners reside outside the United States and immigrate through consular processing and issuance of an immigrant visa. To learn more, visit the U.S. Department of State's website.

 

Diversity Visa Winners Legally Residing In the United States: Apply Through USCIS

There are, however, a small number of lottery winners each year who, at the time of “winning the lottery,” are residing in the United States in a nonimmigrant or other legal status. For these winners residing inside the United States, USCIS processes adjustment of status applications. The following information applies to winners legally residing in the United States only:

 

ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA

 

For an applicant to adjust status under the DV Program, you must establish that you:

• Have been selected for a diversity visa by DOS’s lottery;

• Have an immigrant visa immediately available at the time of filing an adjustment application (Form I-485, Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status); and

• Are admissible to the United States.

 

 

VISA AVAILABILITY

 

A Diversity Immigrant-based adjustment application cannot be adjudicated until a visa can be allocated, as indicated in the Visa Bulletin’s current Diversity Immigrant rank cut-offs for a particular month.

 

APPLICATION PROCESS

 

To obtain a Green Card, you must file Form I-485.

Supporting Evidence for Form I-485

Submit the following evidence with your Form I-485:

• Form G-325, Biographic Information, if you are between 14 and 79 years of age

• Two passport-style photos

• Copy of birth certificate

• Form I-693, Report of Medical Examination and Vaccination Record

• Copy of passport page with nonimmigrant visa (if applicable)

• Copy of passport page with admission (entry) or parole stamp (if applicable)

• Form I-94, Arrival/Departure Record

• Certified copies of court records (if the individual has been arrested)

• Copy of the principal applicant’s selection letter for the diversity visa lottery from DOS

• Copy of the receipt from DOS for the diversity visa lottery processing fee

• Form I-601, Application for Waiver of Grounds of Inadmissibility (if applicable)

• Applicable fees

 

OTHER CONSIDERATIONS

 

The adjustment of status process for diversity visa winners must be completed by September 30 of the fiscal year the lottery pertains to. Visas cannot be carried over to the next fiscal year. Schedule a consultation with our expert immigration attorneys today to understand diversity visa lottery and apply for this visa to obtain your green card.