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On October 1, 2013, online registration opened for the 2015 Diversity Immigrant Visa Program (also known as the "green card lottery"). Until registration closes on November 2, 2013, applicants from eligible countries may submit electronic applications to be considered in a random selection for permanent immigrant visas (green cards) to the U.S. Applications are free, and winners must attend a visa appointment. Spouses and children may be included in one application.
In addition to being a native of an eligible country, applicants must also possess either a high school diploma or two years of work experience within the last five years in an occupation that requires at least two years of training.
Eligible countries are those that have sent relatively low numbers of immigrants to the U.S. in the past five years. Any country that has sent more than 50,000 permanent immigrants to the U.S. in the past five years is considered "high admission" by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services. Natives of "high admission" countries are ineligible to apply for the green card lottery.
The high admissions list changes each year — for 2015, Nigeria is a new entrant. Other countries include Bangladesh, Brazil, Canada, China (mainland-born), Colombia, the Dominican Republic, Ecuador, El Salvador, Haiti, India, Jamaica, Mexico, Pakistan, Peru, the Philippines, South Korea, the United Kingdom (excluding Northern Ireland) and its dependent territories, and Vietnam.
Given the current visa backlog for certain employment-based categories, individuals from eligible countries who are seeking employment-based green cards may consider concurrently applying for the lottery. Note that issues of dual intent could arise for people in certain temporary visa categories if they apply for the green card lottery.
Although still uncertain if it will pass, immigration reform legislation might eliminate the green card lottery program altogether.
