Business Immigration Insights

Since 1990, the United States has granted up to 50,000 green cards each year to immigrants selected through the “Diversity Visa Lottery.”  Recently, the US Department of State announced delays in processing these cases due to COVID-19.  This development further exacerbates challenges caused by COVID-19, including the temporary suspension of visa appointments and USCIS in-person services, which we reported on last month, and the April 22 Executive Order halting immigrant visa admissions for 60 days.  See our analysis of the Order here.

As the results of the 2012 Diversity Visa Lottery are released, the State Department is again warning applicants about the increase in visa lottery scams.  The scams include letters notifying applicants that they have "won" and that they must quickly pay a fee in order to continue with the process.  Those chosen for participation in the program will not be notified by mail; rather, applicants must check their status online, and follow the instructions for registration.  The State Department's FAQs on this issue can be found HERE

The State Department has announced the registration period for the Congressionally mandated 2012 Diversity Visa (DV) lottery.  The DV lottery allows nationals from certain countries to apply for immigrant visas ("green cards") outside of the normal immigrant visa process.  Individuals already being sponsored for immigrant visas by family members or employers may participate as well.  Requirements include being a national of an eligible country (although an applicant may qualify based on his or her spouse's nationality) and high school education or work experience.  The online ...