Introduction: Diversity Visa Program was established in the Immigration Act of 1990, from the year 1995 they started allowing immigrants from other countries to visit, work and live in the United States.
This program allowed 55,000 people annually to apply for the green card lottery if won they get a chance to apply for the application. One of the main motives for the Electronic Diversity Visa was to increase immigration diversity which had low rates.
What to expect after immigrating to the U.S.
Types of Visa and Purpose:
| Visa | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Nonimmigrant Visas | Tourism, study, or work |
| Immigrants | Live and work in the U.S. permanently |
| Humanitarian Visas | Fleeing persecution or other dangerous |
| Speciality Visas | Groups (religious workers, investors) |
A diversity visa or DV lottery comes under the immigration visa which allows people from worldwide to draw for a chance to be a U.S. citizen the only conditions are that they either have an education or work qualification and be a national of an eligible country to apply.
The DV Lottery results usually are published after 6 months after the application which is in the month of May.
Green Card:
If you are wondering why Green Cards are called green cards then the reason is simple and dates back to decades-old common logic. The card was in colour from 1950 to 1964 hence it is called Green Card to date.
There are certain Pros and Cons to getting Lawful permanent residents (LPRs) of the United States. The most amazing is being to get their citizenship, label to work legally and make money which is not high paying back in their own country. Use their educational institute, medical care system, and other publically available infrastructures.
On the other hand, green card holders must file taxes which is absolutely necessary, must not commit crimes, must not be outside of the U.S. for more than 6 months and must apply for citizenship if they wish to vote or hold certain government jobs.
Yes, you can travel to your original country and also return to the U.S. but your travel duration is limited you cannot remain outside of US for more than 6 months to 1 year.
Maintain Permanent Residency in the US:
Even after winning Diversity Visa and getting Green Card, you have to constantly main your Permanent Residency in the US.
| Green Card Renewal | Expires after 10 Years |
| Travelling Outside the U.S | Need re-entry permit if exceeds 6 months |
| Compliance with Tax | File U.S. income tax returns |
| Crimes | Certain crimes: lose permanent residency status |
| Abandonment of Residence | Should not spend more time outside the US |
| Applying for Citizenship | For Eligible Candidate |
