Through the Diversity Visa Immigrant Program ("Green Card Lottery"), Congress mandates 50,000 immigrant visas each year to be distributed randomly among eligible applicants from countries with traditionally low immigration rates to the U.S. The strict eligibility requirements include a high school diploma and two years of work experience in a qualifying occupation that requires at least two years at least two years of training. Visas are distributed among six geographic regions, with the greatest number of visas going to regions sending the fewest number of immigrants to the U.S. over the last five years. Countries sending more than 50,000 immigrants receive no visas. Currently, the list of ineligible countries includes Brazil, Canada, China (mainland born), Colombia, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, El Salvador, Gautemala, Haiti, India, Jamaica, Mexico, Pakistan, Peru, Philippines, Poland, South Korea, United Kingdom (except Northern Ireland) and dependent territories, and Vietnam.
To discuss your qualifications for the Diversity Visa Immigrant Program, please contact the immgiration attorneys at Szabo, Zelnick & Erickson, P.C.