Diversity Immigrant Visa Lawyer
If you’re interested in applying for permanent residency in the United States through the Diversity Immigrant Visa (DV) Program, also known as the Green Card Lottery, ARM Lawyers can help. Our diversity immigrant visa lawyer and experienced immigration legal team understand the specific requirements of the DV process and can guide you from online registration through final visa issuance.
Call today or fill out our contact form to schedule a free consultation with our diversity immigrant visa lawyer, Lauren Allu.
Understanding the Diversity Immigrant Visa (DV) Program
The Diversity Immigrant Visa Program was established to encourage immigration from countries with historically low rates of immigration to the United States. Each year, up to 55,000 diversity visas are allocated to randomly selected applicants who meet strict eligibility criteria.
Key Points:
- Random Selection: The program uses a computerized lottery system to select entrants from eligible countries.
- Annual Entry Window: Applicants typically have about a one-month period each fall to submit their entries at the official dvprogram.state.gov website.
- No Sponsorship Required: Unlike family- or employment-based visas, the DV Program does not require a U.S. sponsor.
- Potential Path to Green Card: If selected, winners can apply for an immigrant visa (or adjust status if lawfully present in the U.S.), ultimately receiving a green card.
Our diversity immigrant visa lawyer can help confirm your eligibility, address any concerns about eligibility requirements, and guide you through each step if you’re selected.
DV Program Eligibility
To qualify for the Diversity Immigrant Visa Program, you must:
- Be a Native of an Eligible Country:
- Each year, the U.S. Department of State publishes a list of eligible countries.
- If your country of birth is not eligible, you may still qualify through your spouse’s or parents’ country of birth under certain conditions.
- Meet Education or Work Experience Requirements:
- High School Education (or equivalent): Successful completion of a 12-year course of elementary and secondary study.
- Work Experience: Two years of qualifying experience (within the last five years) in an occupation that requires at least two years of training or experience to perform.
- Submit a Valid Entry:
- Only one entry per individual is allowed during the diversity visa program annual registration period.
- Multiple entries under the same name can result in disqualification.
Our diversity immigrant visa lawyer will verify you meet these requirements before you invest time in the application process.
Diversity Immigrant Visa Application Process
The DV Program process unfolds in several stages:
- Online Registration (During the Annual Entry Period):
- Complete the online form at dvprogram.state.gov during the official registration window.
- Provide accurate personal details and upload a compliant digital photograph.
- Confirmation and Selection:
- After registration closes, the U.S. Department of State randomly selects entrants.
- Winners (selectees) are announced the following year via the Entrant Status Check on the same website.
- If Selected—Filing Immigrant Visa Application (Form DS-260):
- Selectees living abroad submit Form DS-260 online through the Consular Electronic Application Center (CEAC).
- If you’re lawfully present in the U.S., you may explore adjustment of status (Form I-485) instead, though consular processing is more common for DV selectees.
- Document Submission:
- Submit required civil documents (birth certificates, police certificates, etc.) as instructed by the Kentucky Consular Center (KCC).
- Pay the associated visa fees.
- Interview and Medical Examination:
- Attend a medical exam by a panel physician authorized by the U.S. Embassy/Consulate.
- Go to the visa interview at your designated U.S. embassy or consulate (or, if adjusting status, at a USCIS field office).
- Visa or Green Card Approval:
- If approved, you receive a DV immigrant visa (for consular processing) or a notice of green card approval (if adjusting status in the U.S.).
- You must enter the U.S. (if consular processing) before the visa expires to become a lawful permanent resident.
Our diversity immigrant visa lawyer can guide you through each of these steps, ensuring your application is accurate and timely.
Key Forms for the DV Program
While the initial lottery entry does not require USCIS forms, selectees must complete various documents and forms if chosen:
- Online DV Entry Form:
- Submitted at dvprogram.state.gov during the registration period.
- Form DS-260 (Immigrant Visa and Alien Registration Application):
- Filed online with the Department of State after you’ve been selected.
- Collects detailed biographical and background information.
- Form I-485 (Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status), if applicable:
- For selectees lawfully in the U.S. opting for adjustment of status rather than consular processing.
- Supporting Documents:
- Birth Certificates, Marriage/Divorce Records, Police Certificates, Court Records, etc.
- Financial Affidavit of Support (Form I-134) may be required in some cases to demonstrate you will not become a public charge.
Our diversity immigrant visa lawyer will help you compile and review all necessary documents before submission to minimize the risk of errors or delays.
DV Program Priority Dates and Wait Times
- No Traditional “Priority Date” for DV:
- Unlike other immigrant categories, there is no waiting for a priority date to become current.
- Instead, selectees must check the Visa Bulletin each month to see if their DV rank number (case number) is current and eligible for visa processing.
- Annual Deadline:
- All DV applications must be processed and visas issued by the end of the fiscal year (September 30) for that lottery.
- Unused visas do not carry over to the following year.
- Variable Case Processing:
- The speed of case processing depends on rank number order, completeness of your application, and U.S. consulate backlogs.
Your diversity immigrant visa lawyer can advise on typical timelines, help you follow the Visa Bulletin, and ensure you act swiftly to secure your visa within the strict annual deadlines.
Why Choose ARM Lawyers as Your Diversity Immigrant Visa Program Lawyer
When you partner with ARM Lawyers, you benefit from:
- Comprehensive Support: From confirming eligibility to collecting and reviewing documents, we handle the technicalities so you can focus on your future.
- Expert Guidance: Our team has handled numerous DV Program cases, providing insight into common pitfalls and best practices.
- Timely Communication: We stay on top of deadlines, ensuring your visa application remains on track.
- Client-Centered Approach: We tailor our services to your individual background, ensuring personalized attention and advice.
Contact Our Diversity Immigrant Visa Program Lawyer Today
If you’re considering entering the Diversity Immigrant Visa Program or need help completing your DV lottery process after selection, ARM Lawyers is here to help. We understand the importance of accuracy, timing, and legal guidance in navigating the Green Card Lottery process. Our diversity immigrant visa lawyer can help your through the entire process.
Get Started:
Call us or fill out our online contact form to schedule a consultation with our diversity immigrant visa lawyer. Let ARM Lawyers assist you on your path to lawful permanent residency in the United States.
