DIVERSITY VISA

Each year, the Diversity Visa (DV) Lottery program makes 55,000 immigrant visas available through a lottery for individuals who come from countries with low rates of immigration to the United States. Of these visas, 5,000 are allocated for use under NACARA, beginning with DV ’99. The Department of State (DOS) conducts the lottery each year and randomly selects approximately 110,000 applicants from among all qualified participants.

The DOS reviews approximately 110,000 applications, as many will not complete the visa process. However, once 55,000 are issued or the fiscal year ends, the DV program closes. If you receive a visa through the Diversity Visa Lottery Program, you will be authorized to live and work permanently in the United States. You will also be allowed to bring your spouse and any unmarried children under the age of 21 to the United States.