WHAT IS THE DIVERSITY VISA (DV) PROGRAM?
The Diversity Visa (DV) Program, commonly referred to as the Green Card Lottery, is an annual U.S. government initiative that provides up to 50,000 immigrant visas each year to nationals of countries with low rates of immigration to the United States.
The program aims to promote diversity in the U.S. immigrant population and offers successful applicants a direct path to permanent residency.
KEY FEATURES OF THE DIVERSITY VISA PROGRAM
- Annual Allocation: Approximately 50,000 visas are made available each fiscal year.
- Random Selection: Applicants are selected through a computer-generated lottery system.
- Eligibility by Country: Only individuals from countries with low U.S. immigration rates in the previous five years may apply.
- No Sponsorship Needed: Applicants can apply independently — no family or employer sponsorship required.
- Pathway to Green Card: Winners and their eligible family members (spouse and unmarried children under 21) can obtain U.S. permanent residency.
ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS
- Country of Birth:
You must be a native of an eligible country as defined annually by the U.S. Department of State.
Individuals from countries with high immigration rates to the U.S. are not eligible to apply. - Education or Work Experience:
Applicants must meet one of the following requirements:
- Hold at least a high school education or its equivalent, or
- Have two years of work experience within the past five years in a qualifying occupation requiring at least two years of training or experience.
- Application Period:
- The program typically opens once per year, usually in October–November.
- Applications must be submitted electronically through the official U.S. Department of State website (dvprogram.state.gov).
- One Entry Per Person:
Submitting multiple entries will result in automatic disqualification.
BENEFITS OF THE DIVERSITY VISA
- Provides a direct path to U.S. permanent residency (Green Card).
- Includes eligible family members (spouse and children under 21).
- No need for employer or family sponsorship.
- Opportunity to live, work, and study anywhere in the United States.
- Eligibility to apply for U.S. citizenship after meeting residency requirements.
HOW LA BREA CAN ASSIST YOU
Applying for the Diversity Visa requires accuracy, timing, and compliance with strict application standards.
At La Brea, we provide expert guidance throughout the DV Lottery process:
- Eligibility Assessment: Evaluate your eligibility based on country of birth, education, and work background.
- Application Preparation: Ensure all details, documents, and photographs meet official DV Program specifications.
- Submission Support: Assist in correctly submitting your entry during the official registration window.
- Result Monitoring: Help you track the official lottery results and advise on next steps if selected.
- Post-Selection Assistance: Guide you through the visa application, interview preparation, and Green Card issuance process.
By partnering with La Brea, you increase your chances of a successful Diversity Visa journey — ensuring every step is accurate, compliant, and stress-free.
