10.04.16
Online registration for the Diversity Immigrant Visa Program opened on October 4, 2016 and will remain open through November 7, 2016 until 12:00 noon, Eastern Standard Time. Eligible applicants can now complete their online registration. The Diversity Immigrant Visa Program, often referred to as the "Diversity Lottery," is a congressionally mandated program administered by the Department of State. The purpose of the program is to provide an opportunity for nationals from countries where there is a historically low rate of immigration to immigrate to the United States and become permanent residents. The spirit behind this program is to create a more diverse country. This year 50,000 Diversity Visas are available. In order to be eligible for the program an individual must meet two requirements:
  1. The individual must be born in a qualifying country (see instructions for limited exceptions to this requirement); and
  2. The individual must meet the educational/work experience requirement by having either:
    1. At least a high school education or its equivalent, defined as the successful completion of a 12-year course of formal elementary and secondary education; or
    2. Two years of work experience within the past five years in an occupation requiring at least two years of training or experience to perform.
Additionally, all individuals must be admissible to the United States. Natives of the following countries are not eligible to apply due to the high volume of immigrants from these countries: Bangladesh, Brazil, Canada, China (mainland-born), Colombia, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, El Salvador, Haiti, India, Jamaica, Mexico, Nigeria, Pakistan, Peru, Philippines, South Korea, United Kingdom (except Northern Ireland) and its dependent territories, and Vietnam. There is no cost to register for this program. Individuals with more than one entry will be disqualified. The Department of State warns applicants against waiting until the last week of registration to apply, as heavy user traffic may cause website delays and technical issues. More information about the Diversity Lottery program and how to apply can be found here: https://travel.state.gov/content/visas/en/immigrate/diversity-visa/instructions.html#below. The instructions (available in several languages) also provide further information on which nationals are eligible for this program. Please note that the above has been provided for educational purposes only. Please contact Clark Lau LLC for more information.