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It’s that time of year again. The Department of State will begin accepting requests to register for the 2016 Green Card Lottery. Online registration begins today, October 1, 2014 and will conclude on November 3. The lottery, officially known as the Diversity Immigrant Visa Program (DV-2016), is a path for foreign nationals who meet the eligibility requirements to secure permanent resident status in the United States.

Facts about the Green Card Lottery for 2016

  • Online registration begins on the US Department of State’s website on October 1, 2014 and ends on November 3.
  • There is no fee to register for the Green Card Lottery.
  • 50,000 green card entries from those who meet the eligibility requirements will be selected.
  • Being selected does not guarantee a person will get a green card — applicants still need to  meet the standards for admissibility and to file a visa application and supporting documentation with USCIS within the designated time period.