The immigration system in the U.S. is notoriously complicated. There is a lot of misinformation about the immigration process and how people can become U.S. citizens.
There are four primary avenues for lawful entry into the United States: family-based immigration, employment-based immigration, refugees and asylum seekers, and the diversity visa program. In this post, we'll explain the basics of the Diversity Visa Program in the U.S.
The information provided below is a summarized version of the American Immigration Council’s fact sheet titled: “How the United States Immigration System Works.” Originally published: June 24, 2024
This information has been reviewed by an immigration attorney and is for educational purposes only. Please consult a licensed immigration attorney for legal advice.
Diversity Visa Program: An Overview
The Diversity Visa Program was created by the Immigration Act of 1990 as a dedicated channel for immigrants from countries with low rates of immigration to the United States. A visa is a document allowing foreign nationals to enter, stay, or work in the U.S.
Applying for a Diversity Visa
Each year, only 55,000 visas are randomly allocated through a "computer lottery" for foreign nationals from countries that have sent fewer than 50,000 immigrants to the U.S. in the past five years. These visas are rare to obtain.
Diversity Program Eligibility
To be eligible for a diversity visa, potential applicants from qualifying countries must have a high school education (or its equivalent), or have, within the past five years, a minimum of two years working in a profession requiring at least two years of training or experience. Spouses and minor unmarried children of the applicant may also enter the U.S.
Learn more below about other immigration pathways in the United States.
