The State Department has announced the winners of the 2022 Diversity Immigrant Visa Program, which is better known as ‘The Green Card Lottery’. Over 55,000 people will benefit from getting a U.S. green card allowing them to stay and work in the U.S.
This is available only for applicants from countries with lower levels of immigration to the U.S. Countries like India & China that supply the largest number of H1-B and F1 vis applicants do not qualify for the Diversity visa lottery.
How To Find Out If You Have Been Selected In The Green Card Lottery
The Electronic Diversity Visa (E-DV) website is the only source of accessing the results of the green card lottery. To check results, all applicants need to enter their confirmation number which was obtained when filling out the entry form. No mails or emails are sent out to announce results.
The Diversity Visa 2021 program results are available on the E-DV website until September 30, 2021.
It is important to remember that selection does not guarantee a U.S. visa yet. In order to receive a DV to immigrate to the United States, selectees must still meet all eligibility requirements under U.S. law.
If You Have Been Selected In The DV Lottery Program – What Are The Next Steps
If you receive notification through the E-DV website that you have been selected in the Diversity Immigrant Visa (DV) Program, you have to fulfill certain requirements. These vary depending upon whether you are physically present in the U.S. at the time or outside the country.
If you are physically present in the United States, you may be eligible to adjust status to obtain permanent residence through the DV Program.
If you are in your home country, or anywhere outside of the U.S. –
- The primary applicant has to provide documents showing a high school education, or its equivalent, or two years of qualifying work experience.
- The principal DV applicant has to provide a valid passport unless he is stateless, nationals of a Communist-controlled country or beneficiaries of individual waivers approved by the Secretary of Homeland Security and the Secretary of State.
- The applicants including family members must complete Form DS-260.
- Submit certified copies (online) of any supporting document requested by Kentucky Consular Center and bring the originals to the interview.
Interview
If you have fulfilled all the above requirements, and the Kentucky Consular Center has reviewed the completed DS-260, you will be scheduled for an interview. The details of the interview including date, time and location will be available on the E-DV website. This is for all the applicants including spouse and children.
All DV applicants should view the most recent updated information on the availability of diversity visa number on the Visa Bulletin.
Complete medical exam, required vaccinations and bring original documents, passport and photographs to the interview.
Green Card Lottery Winners: THIS Is How You Should Prepare For The Interview
Effects of Rescinding Muslim Country Travel Ban
President Biden has rescinded the travel ban put against Muslim-majority countries by former President Trump. This included Chad, Iran, Libya, North Korea, Syria, Venezuela, Somalia and Yemen.
As a result, the State Department accepted and reviewed immigrant visa applications that were denied on the basis of the suspension and restriction on entry and will have those applications reconsidered. Those applying for the Diversity green card lottery from these countries will now have a fair chance at the opportunity to work and live freely in the U.S. if found to be eligible.
Good Luck!
