Each year in the U.S., more than 50,000 immigrant visas are made available through the U.S. Department of State (DOS) Diversity Visa Program. The green card lottery randomly selects individuals from countries with low rates of immigration to the U.S. Typically, winners of the green card lottery reside outside of the United States at the time of winning, however, that does not mean immigrants who already reside in the U.S. cannot win. If you need help with your green card application, contact a determined Middlesex County, New Jersey Green Card Lawyer who can help you understand how the green card lottery works.
How does the green card lottery work?
For immigrants to obtain a green card in the U.S., they must file Form I-95. Alongside this form, immigrants must submit supporting evidence such as:
- Copy of their birth certificate
- Report of Medical Examination and Vaccination Record Form I-693
- Two passport photos
- Arrival/ Departure Record Form I-94
- Copy of the principal applicant’s selection letter
- Copy of the receipt for the DV lottery program fees
If applicable,
- Copy of passport page with non-immigrant visa
- Copy of passport page with parole stamp
- Certified copies of criminal records if they’ve ever been arrested
- Application for Waiver of Grounds of Inadmissibility Form I-601
- Any fees
Furthermore, individuals who win the green card lottery may wonder if their families will also receive green cards alongside them. Immigrants’ spouses and children will also receive green cards if they win the green card lottery. However, if the winners’ children are over the age of 21 years old or are married, they will not qualify for a green card. The program however, is restricted to certain countries. As mentioned above, the program is only offered to immigrants from eligible countries that have low rates of immigration to the U.S.
What are the eligibility criteria?
Individuals who must adjust their status under the diversity visa program must establish that they have been selected through the lottery. They must have an immigrant visa ready and available at the time of filing Form I-485 Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status. Additionally, to be eligible they must be admissible to the U.S.
Could fraudsters scam me into thinking I won the lottery?
Individuals should be aware that fraudsters could try to trick them into thinking they have won the DOS’s diversity visa green card lottery program. They may ask the individual to send them money, however, that is a scam. Individuals should be careful about being scammed by fraudsters. It is critical to speak to a trusted and dedicated Middlesex County, New Jersey green card lawyer to help avoid this issue.
If you wish to apply for the diversity visa program green card lottery, please don’t hesitate to contact our skilled team members today. Our firm is committed to helping our clients obtain green cards in the U.S.
