- Access the Official DV Lottery Website: Visit the official U.S. Department of State website (dvprogram.state.gov).
- Click on the Application Link: During the open application period, click on the “DV Entry Form” link.
- Enter Personal Information:
- Name: Enter your full name as it appears on your passport.
- Gender: Select your gender from the dropdown menu.
- Date of Birth: Carefully fill in your birthdate (day, month, year).
- City of Birth: Enter your birthplace.
- Country of Birth: Select Bangladesh or your eligible country of birth from the dropdown.
- Passport Details: Include your valid passport number, expiration date, and issuing country.
- Photograph Submission: Upload a recent passport-size photo with a plain background that meets the U.S. Department of State’s guidelines.
- Contact Information:
- Address: Provide your current address in full.
- Country of Residence: Indicate your present country of residence.
- Email Address: Use a valid, frequently checked email, as you’ll need it for application updates.
- Education or Work Experience Details: Select the highest level of education you’ve completed or provide proof of work experience in a qualified field.
- Marital Status and Dependents: Provide information about your marital status and include the details of any dependents.
- Submit and Print Confirmation: Once completed, submit the application and print the confirmation page, as this is your proof of application.
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Applying for the Green Card Lottery
- Submitting Multiple Applications: Applying more than once per person per year will result in disqualification.
- Incomplete or Incorrect Information: All details must be accurate to avoid disqualification.
- Photo Mismatch: Photos that do not follow U.S. Department of State guidelines will lead to rejection.
- Expired Passport: Only valid passports are accepted, and the information must match exactly with the application form.
Green Card Lottery Selection Process
- Random Selection: Once the application period closes, the Department of State conducts a randomized selection process.
- Notification of Winners: Selected applicants are notified through the Entrant Status Check page on dvprogram.state.gov. The U.S. government does not notify winners via email or postal mail.
- Submission of Additional Documents: Selected applicants will need to submit additional documents to continue the immigration process, including medical and police clearances.
- Interview at U.S. Embassy: Applicants will undergo a final interview at the U.S. Embassy in Dhaka or their country of residence.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Green Card Lottery
Can I Apply with My Family?
Yes, you can include your spouse and unmarried children under the age of 21 in your application. Family members can also submit individual applications if they meet the eligibility requirements.
How Much Does It Cost to Apply?
The application is free. Be wary of any websites that claim to process applications for a fee.
How Will I Know if I’m Selected?
Check your status through the official DV Lottery website, as notifications are not sent directly via email or postal mail.
When is the Green Card Lottery Application Period?
The application period usually starts in early October and runs through early November. Be sure to apply within this period.
Can I Reapply if I’m Not Selected?
Yes, if you’re not selected, you can apply again during the next available lottery cycle.
What Happens After Winning the Green Card Lottery?
Winning the lottery does not guarantee a Green Card; it only allows the selected applicants to apply for it.
- Submit Form DS-260: Fill out the DS-260 Immigrant Visa and Alien Registration Application form.
- Medical Examination: Undergo a medical examination at an approved facility.
- U.S. Embassy Interview: Attend an interview at the U.S. Embassy.
- Final Review: Upon successful completion of these steps, applicants are either approved for permanent residency or denied based on specific criteria
Green Card USA Lottery and Requirements
To participate in the U.S. Green Card Lottery (Diversity Visa Program), applicants must meet specific requirements set by the U.S. Department of State. Below is a breakdown of these requirements to ensure eligibility.
Country of Birth
- Eligibility by Country: Only applicants born in countries with historically low rates of U.S. immigration are eligible to apply. Each year, a list of eligible countries is published, and Bangladesh is typically included.
- Alternative Qualification: If you were born in an ineligible country but have a spouse or parent born in an eligible country, you may still qualify by claiming their country of birth.
Education or Work Experience
- Educational Requirement: Applicants must have at least a high school diploma or an equivalent educational credential. This qualification shows that you have completed at least 12 years of primary and secondary education, as defined by U.S. standards.
- Work Experience Requirement: If you do not meet the educational requirement, you can qualify based on work experience. Applicants must have at least two years of experience within the last five years in an occupation that requires at least two years of training or experience, as defined by the U.S. Department of Labor’s O*NET database.
Passport Requirements
- Valid Passport: All primary applicants must possess a valid passport at the time of application. This passport information must be entered accurately to avoid disqualification.
- Exemptions: Certain exemptions are made for individuals who cannot obtain a passport due to government restrictions or other specific circumstances, but these are rare and must be supported by credible documentation.
Photo Specifications
- Recent Photo: Submit a recent, passport-style photo that meets the U.S. Department of State’s specifications. This includes a plain background, a clear, centered face, and accurate sizing (typically 600 x 600 pixels).
- Technical Specifications: Follow precise guidelines regarding photo size, lighting, and background to avoid disqualification.
Submission of Accurate Personal Information
- Correct Information: Ensure that all personal details, including name, date of birth, gender, and place of birth, match your passport and other legal documents.
- No Duplicate Applications: Each applicant can only submit one entry per year. Submitting multiple applications per individual results in automatic disqualification.
Additional Tips for Green Card Lottery Applicants
- Timely Submission: Applications are accepted only during the official open period, typically from early October to early November.
- Save Your Confirmation Number: This number allows you to check the status of your application and is essential for follow-up.
The U.S. Green Card Lottery is an exciting opportunity for Bangladeshi nationals aspiring to live and work in the United States. By following the guidelines above, applicants can increase their chances of successfully navigating the Green Card Lottery application process. Share this guide with anyone you know who dreams of starting a new life in the U.S., and remember: attention to detail is the key to a successful application!
These requirements ensure applicants are eligible and capable of integrating into the U.S. economy and society. Meeting these criteria is the first step towards a successful Green Card application.
