The "Green Card" Lottery is the colloquial name for the Diversity Immigrant Visa Program (DV 2009). The program makes available 50,000 immigrant visas annually to persons from countries with low rates of immigration to the United States.

Applicants for DV 2009 must apply online before noon EST December 2, 2007. Selection is done by a computer-generated lottery drawing. The link is http://www.dvlottery.state.gov/.

The visas are distributed among six geographic regions. Natives of the following countries are not eligible to participate in DV 2009 because there were more than 50,000 immigrants to the United States from each of these countries over the past 5 years: Brazil, Canada, China (mainland-born), Colombia, Dominican Republic, El Salvador, Haiti, India, Jamaica, Mexico, Pakistan, Peru, Philippines, Poland, Russia, South Korea, United Kingdom (except Northern Ireland) and its dependent territories, and Vietnam. Natives of other countries are eligible.

The requirements for DV 2009 are simple. An applicant must be a native of a country that is eligible for DV 2009 and must have the required education/work experience credentials. It is a great opportunity for individuals to "win" a green card. There are no fees to submit the application.

We strongly encourage eligible clients to apply for DV 2009 before the December 2 deadline to avoid any computer glitches or delays.

The content of this article is intended to provide a general guide to the subject matter. Specialist advice should be sought about your specific circumstances.