DV-2001 IMMIGRANT VISA PROGRAM
From October 4 to November 3, 1999 the United States Department of State will run the "DV-2001" diversity visa lottery program to give out 50,000 permanent resident visas("green card"). This program presents a good opportunity for those people who want to immigrate to the U.S. but do not have any particular skills, money or family members already living in the U.S. However, there are certain eligibility and technical requirements in the program that must be met in order to become a winner of the lottery program. It is advised that you retain an immigration attorney to handle this matter to avoid any costly mistakes.
Eligibility Requirements
To enter the lottery, an applicant must be able to meet two basic requirements: nativity in an eligible country and certain education/training standard.
1) Eligible Countries
Certain countries are already sending many immigrants to the U.S. Thus, the lottery program excludes those people who were born in the following countries:
Canada, China (except Hong Kong), Columbia, Dominican Republic, El Salvador, Haiti, India, Jamaica, Mexico, Philippines, Poland, South Korea, Taiwan, United Kingdom (except Northern Island), and Vietnam.
However, there are a few exceptions to this rule. For instance, if you were born in an ineligible country but your spouse was born in an eligible country, you can apply, using your spouse's country of birth. All those who were born in countries not listed in the above, including North Korea and Japan, are eligible to apply.
2) Education/Training
An applicant must have either a high school education or two years of work experience within the past five years in an occupation requiring at least two years of training or experience to perform.
How to Enter
There is no specific form to use for the entry. Simply use a plain sheet of paper and type or print in English the following personal information:
1)
Full name
2) Date & place of birth
3) Applicant's native country if different from country of birth
4) Name, date & place of birth of the applicant's spouse and children
5) Full mailing address
6) A recent photo of applicant(1.5" x 1.5"). Photo should be attached to
the paper with clear tape.
7) Applicant's signature
Where to Send
Send the application in a regular-size envelope (6"-10" x 3.5"-4.5") by using regular or air mail. In the upper left hand corner of the envelope, the applicant must show his/her country of nativity, followed by the applicant's name and full return address. The mailing address for all entries is the same, except for the zip code, which is different according to the applicant's region of nativity.
The address is DV-2001 Program, National Visa Center, Portsmouth, NH 002xx* U.S.A. (*Asia...10; S.America...11; Europe...12; Africa...13; Oceania...14; N.America (Bahamas)...15)
Note only one entry should be mailed for each applicant. It can be submitted by the applicant directly or through another person such as a lawyer.
Notice of Result
Registrants will be selected at random by computer from among all qualified entries. Those selected will be notified by mail from April to July 2000. Persons not selected will not be notified.
Being selected for the lottery does not guarantee you a permanent resident visa. You still must meet all other requirements under U.S. law. Once you are notified of the selection, it is recommended that you promptly hire a qualified immigration attorney to complete the processing of the visa application in a timely and accurate manner.
By John H. Kim, Esq .
The author is an immigration attorney practicing in New York City. Mr. Kim can be reached at (212) 679-3482; Jhk789@aol.com. Mr. Kim also heads the New York Chapter of the National Association of Korean Americans(NAKA) Nakagny@aol.com (212) 679-3482.
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