USA visas and residency
Do you need information about USA visas and residency? Learn about green cards and different kinds of visas. Read about visa requirements and the US diversity visa lottery. Find information about family reunification and public charge issues.
How to apply for a green card (permanent residency)
How to apply for a green card (permanent residency)
A green card (permanent resident card) is a card that shows you are a lawful permanent resident of the USA. Refugees are required by law to apply for after living in the USA for one year. If you are an asylee, you may also be able to apply after one year. Learn how refugees, asylees, and other immigrants can apply.
Learn moreThe DV lottery (diversity immigrant visa program)
The DV lottery (diversity immigrant visa program)
The Diversity Immigrant Visa Program is also called the DV lottery, the visa lottery, or the green card lottery. Every year from 1995 to 2020, the USA awarded 50,000 visas through the program. In 2021, 55,000 visas will be awarded. People get chosen by random selection (by chance) in the visa lottery. If you win a visa, you can live, work, and study in the USA. After 5 years, you can apply for citizenship.
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