2011 Diversity Immigrant Visa Program

The Diversity Lottery (DV) Program makes 55,000 immigrant visas available through a lottery to people who come from countries with low rates of immigration to the United States.

Of the 55,000 available visas, 5,000 are allocated for use under NACARA beginning with DV’99. The Department of State (DOS) holds the lottery every year, and randomly selects approximately 110,000 applicants from all qualified entries. The DOS selects the approximately 110,000 applications because many will not complete the visa process. Unfortunately, once the 55,000 visas are issued or the fiscal year ends, the DV program is closed.

Recipients of immigrant visas through the Diversity Visa Lottery Program will be authorized to live and work permanently in the United States. Recipients are also allowed to bring their spouse and any unmarried children under the age of 21 to the United States.

Eligibility Requirements:

• Applicant must be a native of one of the eligible countries;  and
• Applicant must meet either the education or work experience requirement of the DV program

Entering the Diversity Visa Lottery

You cannot enter the Diversity Visa Lottery through the USCIS website or by filing any application with USCIS. The program is managed by the U.S. Department of State and the entry must be made online.

The 2011 Lottery online entry begins at Noon Eastern Daylight Time, on October 2, 2009, and ends at Noon Eastern Standard Time on November 30, 2009.

To see if you qualify for the Diversity Visa Lottery Program, please call us at (845) 353-3500, email us at info@visalawyergroup.com or SCHEDULE A FREE CONSULTATION and speak to one of our qualified attorneys today.

Source: Department of State