Green Card Lottery Now Open

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On October 4, 2016, The United States Department of State began accepting applications for the 2018 Diversity Visa Lottery, with a deadline of November 7, 2016.  Eligible applicants are highly encouraged to apply as there are 50,000 immigrant visas available annually and drawn from random selection.

 

Most lottery winners reside outside of the United States, but there are a few that are in the United States through nonimmigrant or other legal status.  These individuals may also be eligible for the lottery, and if chosen, may adjust their status in the United States so long as all requirements for adjustment are satisfied.

 

The purpose of the Diversity program is to ensure that the U.S. has a diverse immigrant population within the United States, and therefore the focus of this program is based on countries with low immigration rates.  In addition to the requirement of being a citizen of one these countries, there are additional requirements, including educational requirements and work experience requirements.

 

Citizens of the following countries that may not apply for the 2018 green card lottery include: Bangladesh, Brazil, Canada, China (mainland), Colombia, Dominican Republic, El Salvador, Haiti, India, Jamaica, Mexico, Nigeria, Pakistan, Peru, Philippines, South Korea, United Kingdom (except Northern Ireland) and its dependent territories, and Vietnam.

Additional information may be found at the U.S. Department of State website (https://www.dvlottery.state.gov/) and the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services website (https://www.uscis.gov/green-card/other-ways-get-green-card/green-card-through-diversity-immigration-visa-program/green-card-through-diversity-immigrant-visa-program).

For more information and assistance with this program, or any other options available, please contact one of our experienced attorneys to assist you.

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