The U.S. immigration system provides many paths to potential citizenship. Though the most common methods include family and work visas, there is one minor and misunderstood route: the diversity visa. Also known as the immigration lottery visa, the diversity lottery visa, or the “good luck” visa, the diversity visa is based largely on chance in the beginning stages but has many of the issues plaguing the rest of the immigration system. 

The diversity lottery was created to help immigrants from countries with low rates of immigration enter the U.S. It accounts for around 50,000 visas. In 2021, there were 55,000 allocated. Taking a measure of the past five years of immigration, the Department of State determines which nations’ citizens qualify for the visa. 

This year, 170 nations were determined as eligible for the diversity lottery. These included 53 nations in Africa, 32 in Asia, 56 in Europe, 14 in Oceania, 24 in South America, and the Bahamas in North America. Qualified applicants from the designated countries will be put into a computerized lottery and from there, the 55,000 names will be selected with no more than 7% coming from any one country. 

To qualify for the diversity lottery, the immigrant must have at least a high school level completed education or two years of work experience in a relevant field determined by the State Department. The criteria are no less strict once applicants are selected. Even though the diversity lottery can expedite the early stages of the immigration process, the 55,000 applicants must still pay fees, pass multiple screening interviews, and have completed the immigrant visa application and submitted the necessary supporting documents.

If you or a loved one are attempting to qualify for an immigrant visa, whether through the diversity lottery or a more traditional path, an experienced immigration attorney can expedite and protect your application, increasing your chances of success. Unlike in a criminal trial, if your case goes to immigration court, you are not required to have legal representation. This can lead to you or your loved one having to make your case using a language you may not be comfortable with and a legal system that is not your own.

An immigration attorney has the knowledge to represent you in the best possible way and knows how to efficiently navigate the bureaucracy of the filing process. The best immigration attorneys can make the process nearly painless. The best way to find an immigration attorney is with Attorney at Law.

At AAL, our nationwide network of attorneys and law firms allows us to match you with the best attorney in your area. Our partners have the experience, legal knowledge, and resources to fight for you against any opponent, even the U.S. government. 

In addition to experience and resources, we also choose our partners based on empathy. Our partners understand the difficulty of the process you are going through. That is why our partners are not only rated highly in professionalism, but also in client care and satisfaction.

Don’t wait. Contact AAL today for a free, no obligation consultation and begin your journey to citizenship.