The Diversity Immigrant Visa Program makes 50,000 visas available annually. These are drawn from random selection among entries of individuals who are from countries with low rates of immigration to the United States. Most of the lottery winners reside outside the United States and immigrate through consular processing and issuance of an immigrant visa.
Winning the Visa Lottery While Residing in the United States
If you win the lottery while residing legally in the U.S., the process is different. In this case, USCIS will process the adjustment of status application. For the applicant to adjust status under the DV Program, you must establish that you:
- Have been selected for a diversity visa by DOS’s lottery;
- Have an immigrant visa immediately available at the time of filing an adjustment application (Form I-485, Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status); and
- Are admissible to the United States.