The Department of State has released instructions for the 2017 Diversity Immigrant Visa Program (DV-2017), more commonly known as the “green card lottery”. The electronic entry window is now open through November 3, 2015. If you are willing and able, hop to it! Our Australian lawyer, Paul Altmann, was a lucky winner in DV-2006!
Many people are eligible to enter the lottery. However, people born in the following countries which are already well-represented in the U.S. are not eligible to enter: Bangladesh, Brazil, Canada, China (mainland born), Colombia, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, El Salvador, Haiti, India, Jamaica, Mexico, Nigeria, Pakistan, Peru, Philippines, South Korea, United Kingdom (except Northern Ireland) and its dependent territories, and Vietnam. Even if an individual is born in one of these countries, s/he may still be eligible to apply based on his/her spouse’s country of birth. In some circumstances, s/he can also apply based on his/her parents’ country of birth.
Entering the lottery is inexpensive (there is no filing fee!), but please be very careful to read all the specific requirements, directions and guidelines — each year thousands of applicants are disqualified for failing to follow them!
Please also be aware that even if an individual “wins” the lottery, s/he may still not obtain a green card. We strongly recommend that all lucky winners retain legal counsel to help navigate the complex process to apply for a green card. Please be aware that even if an individual does win the lottery, s/he may still not be eligible for a green card. It is most cost-effective to apply for the lottery and then if s/he is a lucky winner, retain legal counsel to help navigate the complex process to apply for a green card.
To enter the lottery, visit www.dvlottery.state.gov. To reiterate: entries will only be accepted until noon (EST) on November 3, 2015. Good luck to you and your employees!