The US Diversity Immigrant Visa Program is open
The Diversity Immigrant Visa Program for 2026 (DV-2026), often referred to as the "Green Card Lottery," has commenced. This program allows eligible immigrants to pursue their "American Dream." Annually, up to 55,000 visas are available through this initiative, with no registration fees required, emphasizing the program's free access. The U.S. government cautions applicants about numerous scams, noting that agencies and "experts" often offer paid services to assist with visa applications. However, using such services does not improve one's chances of selection, and no one can guarantee a win in the lottery. While applicants may seek assistance, they should do so at their own expense and remain vigilant against scams.
The lottery is open until November 5, coinciding with the U.S. presidential election day, and is conducted entirely online. Upon completing the registration, participants receive a unique number, essential for checking the application's status. Results will be announced on May 3, 2025, accessible on the State Department's website. It is important to note that the Department will not contact winners directly; participants must check their status online.
Eligibility for the lottery is limited to individuals from countries with low U.S. immigration rates who meet specific educational or professional requirements. Candidates must either have a high school diploma or its equivalent or have worked in a qualifying profession for at least two years within the last five, with the position requiring a minimum of two years of training.
The European Blue Card
Often regarded as the European counterpart to the American Green Card, the European Blue Card serves a distinct purpose. As outlined on its website, the Blue Card was established in 2011 to attract highly educated non-Europeans specifically. It functions as both a work and residence permit. To qualify, applicants must satisfy three criteria: they must originate from a non-European state, possess a higher education degree, and have either a work contract for at least six months or a secure job offer with a gross annual salary that meets the threshold set by the member states.
Unlike the Green Card lottery, there is no lottery system for obtaining the European Blue Card. Applications can be submitted online at any time without any registration fee, and a response is typically provided within 90 days. The Card allows for employment in other European countries, covering both short and long stays, and it provides a pathway to permanent residency after 2 to 5 years, depending on the country of residence. This period is calculated by considering all work durations across one or several EU countries. Additionally, candidates have the opportunity to seek job opportunities through an established online network. Most EU countries issue the European Blue Card, excluding Denmark and Ireland.
Is the Green Card a unique American feature?
Finding a counterpart to the American Green Card lottery system is challenging. While Austria has implemented the Red-White-Red Card, it operates under a different framework as part of the country's points-based visa policy. This system evaluates applicants based on four "objective" criteria: age, qualifications, professional experience, and language skills, with additional consideration for the level of education attained within Austria for highly educated individuals. These highly educated applicants benefit from more favorable immigration conditions, such as not needing a prior job offer and undergoing fewer checks. Additionally, individuals with skills in shortage sectors are more likely to obtain their card, showcasing the distinct nature of the Austrian approach compared to the American system.
Countries like Australia, France, Canada, and the United Kingdom are refining their immigration strategies to "welcome fewer, but better," focusing predominantly on qualified and highly qualified immigrants. In contrast, the United States employs a dual approach: maintaining stringent immigration requirements while also offering the more inclusive Diversity Immigrant Visa Program. This program is open to all eligible populations, with exclusions for only nine states that have seen significant immigration flows in recent years: Cuba, Mexico, Venezuela, Haiti, Honduras, the Dominican Republic, El Salvador, Brazil, and Colombia. For those aspiring to relocate, the green card lottery remains a potent symbol of the "American Dream," highlighting its unique status among global immigration programs.
Useful links:
