ADMINISTRATIVE PROCEDURES
There are plenty of ways that you can use to immigrate to the US, and the diversity program is one of them. If you’re thinking of moving to the US and coming from a country with minority yearly immigrants to the US, here’s how you can enroll in this program.
What Is A Diversity Program, And Why Would You Be Interested In Applying For It
The diversity program is a visa lottery open to individuals from countries with less than 50,000 immigrants moving into the US annually. If you are interested in migrating to America, you may be interested in this program since it’s less competitive than the regular green card application. It allows you to have a chance to become a permanent resident in the US.
Who Can Apply
Generally, anyone can apply for this program. However, the immigration office only allows people from nations with fewer immigrants to the US to use this option. Aside from this, you should have no criminal record; otherwise, you’re inadmissible into the US.
Eligible And Ineligible Countries
Initially, several people from European countries were frequently admitted into America. However, the need to accept people from other countries with fewer applications in the general green card lottery became inevitable.
The immigration office updates the list of eligible and ineligible countries every year, so you might want to check out your country’s eligibility status before applying. You can check out the latest update on countries that can or can’t apply for this program.
Requirements And Documentation Needed
The diversity program is a rigorous process that requires several documents, forms, and other necessities to make you eligible to apply for the visa. You should provide the following as part of your application:
- • A photocopy of the DOS invitation letter for the diversity visa
- • A photocopy of your birth certificate
- • Application fees
- • Arrival and departure records (Form I-94)
- • Certified court record copies for individuals who’ve been arrested before
- • Copy of passport page with non-immigrant or immigrant visa
- • Photocopy of the DOS receipt for visa application fees
- • Two recent passport-sized photos
- • Vaccination record and medical report (Form I-693)
- • Waiver of inadmissibility application (Form I-601)
Where And How To Apply
The immigration office dictates that all applications should be made online. If you’re in an eligible country, visit the diversity visa website for the appropriate period. Create an account, fill out the application forms, attach your documents, and submit the application. Interested people should note that the agency does not accept any paper applications.
Most applications for this visa are from people abroad, and the agency encourages individuals abroad to apply for it. However, if you are already in the US and want to take your chances on this lottery, you can still apply.
The diversity visa is valid for a lifetime, but applicants have until the end of the year to apply for it to visit the US and activate their green card.
After Applying
Once you submit your application, you can find the application’s status on the ‘Entrant Status Check.’ The status check avails all information about your application’s proceedings and what you should do on the next step of the visa application. No other ways are available to find out your application’s status.
If you win the diversity lottery, you will receive a notification regarding the success of the ‘Entrant Status Check.’
You will be eligible to receive every governmental benefit as any other American citizen.
Cost, Validity, And Processing Time
A diversity visa costs $330 per person, which you should pay before your interview. Applicants should note that the money is non-refundable. Successful applicants have lifetime access to the US since they become legal citizens. Processing the visa can take 7 – 14 months to complete.