To live and study in the United States is an incredible experience and unique opportunity coveted by students around the world, and data shows the US popularity as one of the most popular destinations for international students. However, this can be a bittersweet journey, as one finds out pretty quickly about all the limitations that come with the student visa, taking away from the full experience of taking advantage of the many opportunities available in the free world.
What is the Diversity Visa Lottery?
Sometimes called the “DV Lottery” or “Green Card Lottery”, it is a process administered by the U.S. Department of State in which individuals may submit an online “entry” to be considered for being issued permanent resident visas (green cards).
It is held every year from October to November, and there is a one-month window for the opportunity to apply.
In 2022, the online registration period begins on Wednesday, October 5, 2022, at 12:00 noon, Eastern Daylight Time (EDT) (GMT-4) and concludes on Tuesday, November 8, 2022, at 12:00 noon, Eastern Standard Time (EST) (GMT-5).
Each year, around 12 million people participate in the DV Lottery, and around 55,000 people are issued an immigrant visa (green card). It truly is a lottery!
Another important thing to note is that certain countries that have sent over 50,000 immigrants to the US in the last 5 years are ineligible, including Canada, South Korea, Mexico, and Nigeria.
What are the requirements to apply for the Diversity Visa Lottery?
Diversity Visas are issued only to chosen participants who fulfill the following requirements:
- Be native of an eligible country: Remember, countries that have sent over 50,000 immigrants to the US in the last 5 years are ineligible.
- High School Education: This means successful completion of a formal course comparable to a 12-year course in the United States. Any equivalency certificates (like the G.E.D.) are not acceptable.
If an applicant does not fulfill the education requirements, they may qualify with work experience. Types of work eligible for entering the Diversity Visa Lottery are specified by the U.S. Department of Labor.
You are not eligible for a diversity visa if you do not have the required education or qualifying work experience.
- Valid passport – This is crucial! If a Diversity Visa Lottery application is completed with information from an expired passport, the application will be automatically denied.
These are the only requirements. Speaking English or having been issued a United States visa before is NOT required. Just note that the listed requirements above are non-negotiable and there are no exceptions. We highly recommend you review the official DV lottery instructions here for a full picture of what you need.
Can F-1 visa holders apply for the DV Lottery?
The answer is yes! It would not affect your current student status as long as you are in good standing and maintaining your F-1 visa status. Please note that you must always consult with your DSO if you have any questions about your F-1 visa and any changes of status that might affect your stay in the U.S.
While it’s true that having “immigrant intent” (applying for an immigrant visa) as an F-1 visa holder would mean that an individual is no longer eligible to enter the U.S. with non-immigrant status (including student or tourist, considered nonimmigrant visa types), the good news is that previous guidance from U.S. Department of State and the U.S. Department of Homeland Security has indicated that simply submitting an entry for the DV Lottery does not constitute an individual demonstrating “immigrant intent” to the U.S.
If an international student is selected in the Diversity Visa Lottery, they should always meet with their school’s DSO or International Student Advisor (who may recommend consulting with an immigration attorney as well) before moving forward with a Green Card application process.
How can I apply for the Diversity Visa Lottery?
You can apply on the government official website: https://dvprogram.state.gov/
Note: Be careful with non-official websites. There are many websites that offer services such as “Visa Agent” or “Visa Consultant”. Applicants are encouraged to not use any of these services but instead apply on their own. The Diversity Visa Lottery application is free to fill out, and any offers to help you in exchange for payment should be addressed with caution and if accepted you will do so at your own risk.
You will be asked for your personal information such as your biographical data, education level, and family. It is critical that the application is completed carefully and without any spelling errors or missing information.
Please note: It is not guaranteed that you will get a green card if you apply, and submission of more than one entry will disqualify all entries for that person.
Submission of more than one entry for a person will disqualify all entries for that person.
What happens after someone is selected for the Diversity Visa Lottery?
The only way to know if someone has been selected for the Diversity Visa Lottery is by checking notifications through the official Diversity Visa Website.
It’s important to note that being selected does not guarantee you will receive an immigrant visa (green card). Selected individuals must meet all U.S. law requirements.
If an international student is selected and they are physically present in the United States, they may be eligible to adjust their status to obtain permanent residence through the Diversity Visa Program.
International students must always consult with their DSO, International Student Advisor, and/or Immigration Attorney before making any changes to their F-1 visa status.
Would you apply for the Diversity Visa Lottery?Let us know what your thoughts are and remember to stay connected with us to get news and important information relevant to the F-1 Student Life! Good luck!
https://dvprogram.state.gov/
https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/us-visas/immigrate/diversity-visa-program-entry/diversity-visa-instructions.html
https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/us-visas/immigrate/diversity-visa-program-entry/diversity-visa-if-you-are-selected/diversity-visa-confirm-your-qualifications.html
