The U.S. Department of State is accepting online applications for the FY2024 Diversity Visa lottery. The registration period opened on October 5 and will close at noon EDT on November 8. The Diversity Visa is an opportunity for foreign nationals from a list of qualifying countries that are under-represented in U.S. immigration to apply for a green card. A total of 55,000 green cards, or legal permanent resident status, are available each year, as outlined by U.S. Congress. Only one submission per person is allowed. The Diversity Visa bulletin is available to enter online.
Those selected for a diversity visa can then apply for a green card, with the individual and their immediate family being eligible. There is no fee to apply for the Diversity Visa. However, typical green card filing fees apply if chosen and the individual applies. Generally speaking, it takes approximately 7 months for notifications to be sent. Those selected must file for a green card within the same fiscal year. So the sooner individuals apply, the more time they have to complete the green card application process.
Once issued, the diversity visa holder must enter the U.S. on or prior to the expiration date noted on the visa. Diversity visas are generally valid for a 6-month period.
The following countries ARE NOT eligible to apply for a Diversity Visa in FY2024:
Bangladesh,
Brazil,
Canada,
China (including Hong Kong SAR),
Colombia,
Dominican Republic,
El Salvador,
Haiti,
Honduras,
India,
Jamaica,
Mexico,
Nigeria,
Pakistan,
Philippines,
Republic of Korea (South Korea),
United Kingdom (except Northern Ireland) and its dependent territories,
Venezuela, and
Vietnam.
Natives of Macau SAR and Taiwan are eligible.
If individuals are not eligible for the diversity visa due to their home country, there are two other options to file. If one spouse qualifies, even though the other spouse may not, the qualifying spouse can submit an entry and if selected, both may enter the U.S. Individuals may also consider their birth parents’ legal residence status at birth under some conditions.
If you have questions about the FY2024 Diversity Visa or any other immigration-related issue, contact us at ILBSG. We work with our clients in their specific situations to ensure they get the right advice.
