The US DV-25 Visa is open for registration, but not for Indians

The United States is renowned as the land of opportunity, where dreams come to life. For those who have dreamt of living the American Dream, the DV-25 Visa Program presents a unique opportunity.

From October 4 to November 7, 2023, registration for the DV-25 Visa program is open, offering a limited number of immigrant visas (green cards) to individuals from countries with historically low immigration rates to the U.S.

What is the DV-25 Visa Program?

The Diversity Visa Program, also known as the Diversity Visa Lottery or Green Card Lottery, aims to diversify the immigrant population by providing opportunities to individuals from countries that have historically sent few immigrants to America. It’s a lottery-based system, offering hope to thousands of aspiring immigrants from around the world.

Are Indians Eligible for DV-25 Visa?

Indians, if born and living in India, are not eligible for the DV-25 visa program. Countries like India, due to their high rate of immigration to the U.S., do not qualify. However, individuals from other eligible countries have a chance to seize this opportunity.

How Many Visas Are Available?

For the Fiscal Year 2025, the U.S. State Department will administer the program, making 55,000 Diversity Visas (DVs) available. While there is no cost to register for the program, selectees who proceed to the interview stage will be required to pay a visa application fee.

The Selection Process: It’s All About Chance

Once the application period concludes, a computer conducts a random selection from the pool of eligible entries. The entire process is a game of chance, hence the term ‘lottery-based system.’

What Happens After Selection?

Selection is just the first step. It doesn’t guarantee approval. Applicants must still meet the requirements for an immigrant visa, including medical examinations and background checks. If selected and deemed eligible, applicants will be scheduled for a visa interview at a U.S. embassy or consulate in their home country, where they’ll provide additional documentation to support their application.

Countries Ineligible for DV-25 visa

Not all countries are eligible for the DV-25 visa program. If more than 50,000 natives of a country immigrated to the U.S. in the previous five years, individuals from that country are ineligible.

These countries include Bangladesh, Brazil, Canada, China (including mainland and Hong Kong-born), Colombia, Dominican Republic, El Salvador, Haiti, Honduras, India, Jamaica, Mexico, Nigeria, Pakistan, Philippines, South Korea, Venezuela, and Vietnam.

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