The Diversity Immigrant (DI) Visa Program offers immigrant visas to people from countries with low immigrant rates. Depending on where you are from, you may qualify for the Green Card Lottery. To find out, consult with an immigration lawyer in Duluth.
At Barrios Virguez, we understand all aspects of the Green Card Lottery. Our Augusta immigration lawyer is available to discuss the DI program in detail. For more information, get in touch with us.
Diversity Visa Program Eligibility
The Diversity Immigrant Visa program makes immigrant visas available to a limited number of people from various countries. These visas are offered to individuals who meet certain eligibility requirements. To qualify for the program, you must be a citizen of a nation that has a low immigration rate to the United States and have graduated from a high school or have equivalent work experience.
To meet the program’s high school education requirements, you must complete a formal round of elementary and secondary equivalents. This must be similar to a 12-year program in the United States. Those who earn a G.E.D. or other equivalency certificates are ineligible for the program.
In terms of work experience, you must have worked for a minimum of two years within the last five years. Along with this, you must work a job that requires at least two years of training or experience, per U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) definitions listed in the O*Net Online Database. You must also hold a position classified in a Specific Vocational Preparation (SVP) rating of at least 7.0.
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Diversity Visa Program Registration
Up to 55,000 immigrants are eligible to enter the United States annually via the Diversity Immigrant Visa Program, according to the U.S. Department of State (DOS). You can file an entry online for free. The process involves the following steps:
1. Submit Your Entry
All entries must be filed through the Electronic Diversity Visa (E-DV) website. You can only do so during a designated registration period. There is only one entry allowed per person.
2. Applicant Selection
DOS randomly selects DV applicants based on the number of visas available in each country or region. It notifies entrants online to let them know if their visa request has been accepted. Entrants can use the confirmation number they received when they submitted their entry to check the status of their entry.
3. Selection Follow-Up
If you get selected for a visa, congrats. At this point, you will get a notification through the E-DV site to tell you that you have been selected for further processing. You will need to complete a few more steps before you go to a consular interview to verify your eligibility for a visa.
4. Confirm Your Eligibility
You must confirm that you meet the program’s school or work requirements. This requires you to provide proof that you are in compliance with these mandates. If you need help with this part, hire a green card lawyer in Augusta, and they can make sure you submit the required materials.
5. Submit Your Application
You must fill out Form DS-260. This is required for you and all family members applying for the program. If your family circumstances have recently changed, you need to add any new family members to your case.
6. File Your Supporting Documents
You will need to provide your birth certificate, court, prison, and military records, and other supporting documents. If, for any reason, you cannot obtain a required document, you must send an explanation as to why you cannot get it. In addition to sending along these documents, you must bring them with you to your visa interview.
7. Complete Your Visa Interview
Go to your visa interview as scheduled. If, for any reason, you cannot attend, you may be able to reschedule. In this situation, notify the U.S. embassy or consulate right away to request a new interview date and time.
8. Finish the Process
If your interview goes well, you may have your request for a diversity visa approved. You will get to see your visa and make sure all of the information on it is accurate. If you notice any errors, let the embassy or consulate know about them.
You may move through the Green Card Lottery but still get denied a visa. If this happens to you, the team at Barrios Virguez may be able to help you out. To learn more, reach out to us.
What to Do if Your Diversity Visa Request Gets Rejected
If a consular officer does not have sufficient information or is missing supporting documentation, your request for a diversity visa may be declined. You may have the option to appeal. With help from an Augusta immigration attorney, you may ask for reconsideration of your request.
With reconsideration, you must provide plenty of evidence to support your case. An immigration attorney in Augusta can help you gather documents that may be used to contest the original rejection. They can also work with you to build an argument that may lead to a reversal.
There may be times when you can use a waiver application to get past the denial of a diversity visa. Also, you may be able to file Form I-130 with a waiver application. Humanitarian parole may be an option in rare instances for children to get diversity visas after denials as well.
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Tips to Apply for the Green Card Lottery
Do not expect a submission to the Green Card Lottery to deliver your desired result. The results are completely random, and you have the same chance as anyone else from your country to get this visa. Here are tips to help you apply for a diversity visa and make sure your submission goes through without delay:
- Review all of the entry instructions carefully. Any mistake you make could lead to a denial of your visa request.
- Submit your entry through the E-DV website. Any other site that claims it will accept your submission may be trying to steal your personal information.
- Do not submit more than one entry. If you do, you will be disqualified.
The team at Barrios Virguez knows all about the Green Card Lottery. We can walk you through the process of submitting an entry and tracking the lottery’s results. To request a free consultation, contact us today.
Call or text 678-888-2222 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form