The registration period for the Diversity Visa Program 2025 (DV-25) for entry into the United States is open from October 4 to November 7, 2023. This program, often referred to as the Diversity Visa Lottery or Green Card Lottery, is a sought-after avenue for individuals from eligible countries to enter the United States, attracting hundreds of thousands of applicants annually.
Here’s a comprehensive overview of DV-25:
What is the Diversity Visa Program?
The Diversity Visa Program, also known as the Diversity Visa Lottery or Green Card Lottery, provides a limited number of immigrant visas (green cards) to individuals from countries with low rates of immigration to the United States. Its primary objective is to enhance diversity within the immigrant population by extending opportunities to people from nations that historically send fewer immigrants to America.
Are Indians eligible?
No, individuals born and residing in India are not eligible for participation in the Diversity Visa Program. This restriction is due to the high rate of immigration of Indian citizens to the United States.
How many visas are available under the program?
Annually, the U.S. State Department administers the Diversity Visa Program to allow immigrants from various countries to apply for visas. For the fiscal year 2025 (FY2025), a total of 55,000 Diversity Visas (DVs) will be available.
What’s the cost of application?
Registering for the DV program is free of charge. However, applicants selected for an interview will be required to pay a visa application fee before submitting their formal visa application.
How are individuals selected?
Following the closure of the application period, a computer randomly selects entries from among all eligible submissions. The selection process is entirely based on chance, which is why it is referred to as a lottery-based system.
What happens after selection?
If an applicant’s entry is selected, they become eligible to apply for an immigrant visa. Nevertheless, selection does not guarantee approval. Applicants must still meet the requirements for an immigrant visa, including a medical examination and background checks. Those who are selected and deemed eligible will be scheduled for a visa interview at a U.S. embassy or consulate in their home country. During the interview, they will need to provide additional documentation and information to support their visa application.
Which countries are not eligible for DV-25?
For DV-2025, natives of certain countries and areas are not eligible to apply. This exclusion is due to more than 50,000 natives of these countries immigrating to the United States in the previous five years. The ineligible countries and areas include Bangladesh, Brazil, Canada, The People’s Republic of China (including mainland and Hong Kong-born), Colombia, Dominican Republic, El Salvador, Haiti, Honduras, India, Jamaica, Mexico, Nigeria, Pakistan, Philippines, Republic of Korea (South Korea), Venezuela, and Vietnam.
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