Known by most as the “visa lottery,” the Diversity Immigrant Visa Program for Fiscal Year 2023 is accepting applications until 12 p.m. EST on Nov. 9. Among all applications received during this period, as many as 55,000 immigrant visas or green cards may be issued to qualifying foreign nationals for 2023.
The Department of State, which runs the program, said those interested in legally immigrating to the U.S. through the visa lottery apply online. Applicants may only submit one entry during each entry period, meaning that those who attempt to submit an application more than once may be disqualified outright. Entries submitted after the deadline will not be recognized.
What Is the 2023 Diversity Visa Program?
The purpose of the 2023 Diversity Visa Program is to provide permanent resident statuses to foreign nationals living in countries with low immigration rates to the U.S. within the past five years.
Why Is This Program Called the ‘Visa Lottery’?
The 2023 Diversity Visa Program is often referred to as the “visa lottery” because that’s essentially how it works. Applications are accepted for approximately a month, and 55,000 “winners” are selected through a randomized computer drawing. This means that unlike other visas, when you apply has little bearing on your chances of success.
What Are My Chances of Winning?
Millions of people apply for the lottery visa every year. The chances of success will differ each year and depend upon the number of qualified applications received.
Last year’s program (DV-2022) received more than 7.3 million qualified entries. This meant that each of the 55,000 winners had around a 0.7% chance of winning.
Can I Include Family Members on My Entry?
Yes, but only a spouse and unmarried children 20 years old or younger.
What Information Is Needed to Apply?
Applicants are asked to provide the following information:
- Name, in the order appears on your passport (last, first, middle)
- Gender
- Date of birth (day, month, year)
- City of birth
- Country of birth
- Country of eligibility for the 2023 Diversity Visa Program
- Passport number
- Recent photographs of all applicants
- Mailing address
- Country of current residence
- Phone number
- Education level
- Marital status
- Number of children
What Should I Do If I Have More Questions?
You can refer to the State Department’s website for more information and to apply, or you can reach out to someone like our lawyer at Sebastian Simon Law Group, PLLC. Our attorney is himself an immigrant from Chile and understands well the intricated and complicated process of immigrating to the U.S.
If you want to speak with a qualified and experienced legal professional about the 2023 Diversity Visa Program or another immigration-related matter, you can request a consultation with us today.
Contact Sebastian Simon Law Group, PLLC online today or call (713) 839-0639 now to get started!
