Green Card Lottery Frequently Asked Questions (Green Card Lottery FAQ)
Is there a green card lottery Application Fee?
No, there is no green card lottery application fee. If however, you are selected to win the green card lottery, you must pay a processing fee. An attorney may be hired to review and submit your application. Each year, millions of green card lottery applications are rejected due to not following the application guidelines.
Do I need an attorney to apply for the Green Card Lottery?
No. You do not need a lawyer in order to participate in the diversity visa lottery (Green Card Lottery) program. However, the chances of your application being rejected due to error may be greatly reduced by hiring a lawyer to prepare your green card lottery application. Each year, millions of applications are rejected due to not following the guidelines set by the Department of State.
Can I apply for the green card lottery outside of the United States?
Yes, you may submit an application for the green card lottery abroad, as long as you meet the requirements set forth by the Department of State.
Is there a minimum required age in order to apply for the diversity green card lottery?
There is no minimum age for green card lottery applicants, however, the education requirements set forth by the Department of State, will essentially exclude applicants that are under 18.
Can I apply for the Green Card Lottery even though I have a pending nonimmigrant visa petition?
You may apply for the green card lottery even if you have a pending nonimmigrant visa application. You do not need to specify that you have applied for the green card lottery on your nonimmigrant visa petition.
Is there a limit to the number of green card applications that I can submit?
Any individual can only file one green card lottery application each year. If the applicant submits more than one application, they will be disqualified by the Department of State. The applicant’s spouse, however, is free to file a green card lottery application as well. In this case, if one party wins the green card lottery, the spouse may enter as well.
How will I know if I win the Green Card Lottery?
You will NOT receive notification if you are selected via email. Notifications are available in May of each year through the Department of state website www.dvlottery.state.gov. If you receive a notification via email, you can be assured that it was sent by a third party NOT affiliated with the government. You will only receive notification by email after you are selected and have responded to the notifications on the Department of State website. The status of your DV-2013 application may be viewed beginning May, 1 2012 to June 30th 2013.