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The US Diversity Visa Lottery, also known as the Green Card Lottery, is an annual program administered by the US State Department.
This initiative provides individuals from countries with low immigration rates to the United States an opportunity to apply for permanent resident status. However, the program's popularity has unfortunately made it a target for fraudulent activities. Michael Waller, an attorney with the US Federal Trade Commission (FTC), cautions against scammers who claim they can enhance an applicant's chances of winning the lottery or assist in the application process. These fraudsters often demand payment for their supposed services, but in reality, they cannot influence the outcome of the lottery.
In some cases, scammers may even falsely inform individuals that they have won the lottery, despite never having entered, and then request money to process their non-existent application. The Diversity Visa Program annually awards up to 50,000 immigrant visas through a random selection process. For many individuals and families, this represents a rare opportunity to obtain a green card, particularly if other immigration pathways are not available to them. It is crucial to understand that the selection process is entirely random, and no external factors can affect the outcome.
To protect oneself from potential scams, it is essential to be aware of common fraudulent tactics. Scammers may attempt to exploit applicants by promising to increase their chances of winning, sending fake notifications of lottery success, or demanding upfront fees for processing applications. It is important to note that the US State Department never notifies winners via email or mail, and the only legitimate way to check one's status is through the official website. Prospective applicants should be cautious of any requests for payment before a visa appointment, as the government does not require fees in advance.
Legitimate fees are only paid directly at the US Embassy or Consulate during scheduled interviews. The sole official method for entering the Diversity Visa Lottery is through the website dvlottery.state.gov, and applicants should be wary of any other websites or individuals claiming to offer assistance with submissions. It is worth noting that individuals are limited to one entry per year, and submitting multiple entries will result in disqualification. However, if an applicant's spouse is eligible, they may submit a separate application and both partners can include each other in their respective entries.
The application period for the Diversity Visa Lottery typically runs from early October to early November each year. During this time, eligible individuals can submit their entries online. To qualify, applicants must meet specific requirements such as possessing at least a high school education or its equivalent or having two years of work experience in an occupation requiring at least two years of training or experience. To safeguard against fraudulent schemes, it is imperative to utilize only the official website for all Diversity Visa Lottery-related activities. Applicants should exercise caution when receiving unsolicited communications claiming lottery success, particularly those requesting financial transactions.