Anyone here get a green card through the diversity lottery?

[SlopinMunkyDude]

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I have a French friend who is wanting to immigrate to the United States and who hopes to study medicine here in this country.

I'm just curious to know if anyone has been through the Diversity Lottery and knows how it operates. I found the US State Department website a bit convoluted and generally not all that helpful.

Would my friend need to go to the US Consulate in France? Or simply, where do you begin?

Thanks a lot. Kind of a random topic, I know.

 

[dr.z]

I have a French friend who is wanting to immigrate to the United States and who hopes to study medicine here in this country.

I'm just curious to know if anyone has been through the Diversity Lottery and knows how it operates. I found the US State Department website a bit convoluted and generally not all that helpful.

Would my friend need to go to the US Consulate in France? Or simply, where do you begin?

Thanks a lot. Kind of a random topic, I know.

You just apply on-line. The on-line application started last year. I haven't won that thing in so long, but I know of people who have won it. It is offered once a year. I would say the period is between October and November (don't quote me). They will post it on the US State Department as they begin another cycle.

You just apply through the web, and the computer picks winners. It is a real lotto.

 

[uproarhz]

I have a French friend who is wanting to immigrate to the United States and who hopes to study medicine here in this country.

I'm just curious to know if anyone has been through the Diversity Lottery and knows how it operates. I found the US State Department website a bit convoluted and generally not all that helpful.

Would my friend need to go to the US Consulate in France? Or simply, where do you begin?

Thanks a lot. Kind of a random topic, I know.

It's funny you ask that. Most people don't even know of the program. I got here through that program. My parents applied 6 years ago, when I was under 18. So I didn't have to do anything for it and I barely remember details. I also think since we were out of the US at the time of applying we got a lawyer here in US to help us out with things. I don't remember the dates and all that stuff. All I can remember is that you submit the application, they do their draw (when we applied they took about 100,000 applications to grant them the chance of an interview). Then you go for the interview (they schedule it for you and tell you where to go and all) and you have to show either proof of financial stability (usually huge reserves of cash to ensure that you can support yourself once you got here and you won't be a burden to the soc. sec. system or anything) and you also have to show your police record of every country you've ever lived in for more than six months I think and ... I think finally after the interviews and you proving yourself worthy!!! they give out 50,000 green cards a year. But this is all based on 6 years ago info.
Hope that helps somewhat and good luck to your friend

PM me if you have any questions. I can ask my parents if you need more info.

 

[RayhanS1282]

Yeah...I got my green card last year via DV adjustment after being here for 12 years. The rules have changed but I think you still have to fill out a DV form and then submit it. If you get selected or "win" then you have to fill out a long ass form and go through the whole processing thing which on average takes a couple of months. That's all I know...hope it's been helpful.

 

[Smooth Operater]

can Canadian apply for this program too? if so, the chance of getting it is probably pretty low since "Each year, the Diversity Lottery (DV) Program makes 55,000 immigrant visas available through a lottery to people who come from countries with low rates of immigration to the United States"

 

[Bubchik]

there certain countries that are excluded and the list changes every year (last year they excluded Russia). So you should check out their rules. I applied for my brother and he(and his family) won and came two years ago. In that cycle applications were due by Oct 31st, but last year it was Dec 1st. You will have to fill out a very short application on-line and attach a digital photo(special format). Then wait for a while and hopefully you'll receive smth in mail within a year (for my brother it was 4 month). The best part: it is FREE. Here is the link to more info.
Good luck.

 

[Bubchik]

Just found the list of the countries that are not eligible. Sorry, Canada is one of them, unless yr parents were born somewhere else..
Here is the linK: travel.state.gov/visa/immigrants_types_diversity3.html

 

[Bubchik]

sorry, here is the link again
http://travel.state.gov/visa/immigrants_types_diversity3.html

 

[Preet]

Thank God for the Diversity Visa. I would have never met my fiance if it wasn't for the DV. I just know a little about it. I do know that every year they have a list of countries and they only consider applications from those particular countries. If your country is not on the list, then you wait and see if it will be on the list the following year. They have started taking applications online now. Its just like a lottery. Not everyone who applies will get the visa but only a select few will be awarded visas and this number depends on how many persons they allow from a certain country for that year.

 

[Smooth Operater]

Bubchik, thanks for your reply! what if I have two citizenships: a Taiwanese and a Canadian citizenship? Am I still eligible?

 

[Bubchik]

Bubchik, thanks for your reply! what if I have two citizenships: a Taiwanese and a Canadian citizenship? Am I still eligible?

Is Taiwan on the list? Just check out the link.

 

[Smooth Operater]

Is Taiwan on the list? Just check out the link.

Yes, Taiwan is on the list. My parents and I were born in Taiwan and received Canadian citizenship statue 8 years ago. So, I am wondering would there any problem when I try to apply for DV? Thanks for helping me out! Buchick 😛

 

[Bubchik]

I you still have Taiwanesse citizenship, just go ahead and apply. It is free, it is on-line and the most time you spend is 10 min. Also the worst thing that will happen is they will reject you.But it is a great opportunity. By the way after you win the lottery, you have to pass a mandatory interview and they cut some people there, if you pass the interview they will give you visa to enter US right away (valid for 6 mnth) and you will receive a green card upon entry. Then you can apply to schools right away if you already have canadian BA/BS