Obtaining a Green Card through the Lottery: DV Lottery (Diversity Visa Lottery)

By Asim Kilinc, Immigration Attorney at CK Law Firm

For millions of people dreaming of living and working permanently in the United States, the DV Lottery (Diversity Visa) offers a great opportunity. Organized annually by the U.S. government, this lottery gives applicants from all over the world a chance to win a Green Card. However, this process involves much more than just a simple lottery. By reading this article, you can find answers to the following questions:

• What is the DV Lottery?
• Who Can Apply for the DV Lottery?
• DV Lottery Application Process
• Steps to Follow After Winning the DV Lottery
• Living in the U.S. with the DV Lottery

If you have questions about the E2 Investor visa type besides these, please remember that you can contact me via the comments section below this article, directly through LinkedIn, or through the website of CK Law Firm, the Immigration Law Firm I co-founded!

What is the DV Lottery?

The Diversity Visa Lottery, commonly known as the DV Lottery, is a program organized annually by the U.S. government. This program offers individuals from certain countries the chance to gain permanent residency in the U.S., commonly known as a Green Card. Approximately 50,000 people win a Green Card through this lottery every year. The DV Lottery is aimed at citizens of countries that do not send many immigrants to the United States. This program aims to increase ethnic diversity in the U.S.

Who Can Apply for the DV Lottery?

To participate in the DV Lottery, the applicant’s place of birth must be in one of the eligible countries determined by the U.S. Additionally, applicants must have at least a high school education or have worked in a specialized job for at least two years within the last five years. Individuals who do not meet the education or work experience requirements cannot participate in the DV Lottery.

DV Lottery Application Process

1. Online Application: Applications can only be submitted online through the official website of the U.S. Department of State. The application period usually begins in October and ends in November. During this time, the application form must be filled out carefully, and all required information must be provided completely.
   
2. Required Information and Documents: During the application process, applicants are asked for personal information, educational background, place of birth, and current residential address. Additionally, a digital photo that meets the specified criteria must be uploaded. Entering incorrect or incomplete information may result in the application being considered invalid.
   
3. Results Announcement: After applications are completed, winners are selected through a random lottery. Results are usually announced six months after the application period closes, typically in May. Applicants can check their results through the U.S. Department of State’s website. Winners must contact the U.S. Embassy to continue the Green Card application process.

Steps to Follow After Winning the DV Lottery

1. Green Card Application Process: Those who win the DV Lottery must follow specific steps to obtain an entry visa to the U.S. and apply for a Green Card. These steps include gathering the necessary documents, undergoing medical examinations, and attending a consular interview. Completing each step carefully and on time is crucial for a successful application.
   
2. Medical Examination and Police Records: During the Green Card application process, applicants must undergo certain medical examinations and present a clean police record before entering the U.S. These documents are submitted to U.S. authorities as part of the application process.
   
3. Consular Interview: After all documents are collected, applicants are called for an interview at the U.S. Embassy. This interview is conducted to assess whether the applicant is eligible to immigrate to the U.S. During the interview, questions may be asked about the applicant’s plans for settling in the U.S., educational background, and work history.
   
4. Visa Approval and Entry into the U.S.: Applicants who successfully pass the interview will receive the necessary immigrant visa to enter the U.S. After the visa is approved, applicants must enter the U.S. within a specified period and complete the Green Card application process shortly after entry.

Living in the U.S. with the DV Lottery

Winning the DV Lottery grants permanent residency and the right to work in the U.S. This opportunity provides a significant advantage in terms of establishing a new life, taking advantage of work and educational opportunities. However, there are important legal and logistical steps to consider throughout this process. After obtaining a Green Card, understanding the rights and responsibilities involved is critical to sustaining life in the U.S.

Conclusion

The DV Lottery offers a significant opportunity for those dreaming of living and working in the U.S. However, the application process and the steps that follow require careful attention. At CK Law Firm, we provide all the legal support you need during the DV Lottery application process and help you complete this process smoothly. We are by your side at every step of your application. Remember that you can reach out to me and my team through the CK Law Firm website, via info@cklawfirm.org email, or directly through LinkedIn!

Who is Lawyer Asım Kılınç?

Lawyer Asım Kılınç, as a founding partner of CK Law Firm, stands out with his mastery of both international law and the American legal system, gained through years of experience. Completing his Master’s degree at Southern Methodist University Dedman School of Law, Kılınç is registered with the Missouri Bar and specializes in U.S. immigration law. His deep knowledge and experience in immigration law have significantly contributed to CK Law Firm’s successes in this field. Having participated in the preparation processes of over 1,000 cases in immigration law, Lawyer Kılınç has proven his expertise in this field, providing comprehensive and professional legal support to his clients, facilitating their adaptation to their new lives in the U.S.

Strengthening CK Law Firm’s leadership in immigration law, Lawyer Kılınç offers reliable and effective legal consultancy services to his clients, standing by them in their journey to establish a new life in the U.S. He works to ensure that his clients receive the highest quality service in citizenship, Green Card, work permit, and other immigration processes, providing support to his clients throughout the entire process, from the beginning to U.S. citizenship.