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What is a Green Card? A Green Card is a document confirming your status as a permanent resident of the United States of America. A green card holder has the right to permanent residence and work in the United States. This is a step toward obtaining U.S. citizenship, although holding a green card does not in itself obligate naturalization. A green card can be obtained in a variety of ways: Family Immigration: If you have relatives (such as a spouse, parents, or children) who are US citizens or green card holders, they can file a petition against you. Job: An employer can petition you for a green card based on a job offer. Green Card Lottery: Every year the US government holds a lottery that is open to citizens of countries with low immigration rates to the US. Lottery winners get the opportunity to apply for a green card. Asylum or refugee status: People persecuted in their home country because of their religious beliefs, nationality, social group or political opinion may be eligible for refugee or asylum status. Other Categories: There are several other specific categories under which people can apply for a green card. It is worth noting that the process of obtaining a green card can be lengthy and requires strict compliance with all the rules and conditions provided by US immigration laws. Stages of passage: from filling out the DV lottery application to moving to the USA Participation in the DV Lottery (or Diversity Visa Lottery) is a popular way to try to obtain the right to permanent residence in the USA. Below are the main steps for entering the lottery and then moving if you win: Applying for the DV Lottery: Visit the official lottery website (usually dvlottery.state.gov). Fill out the form following the instructions on the website. You will be required to provide photographs of yourself and all members of your household that meet strict requirements. After submitting your application, you will receive a unique confirmation number. Save it as you will need it to check your results. Checking Results: On the designated dates (usually May of the following year), you can check the lottery results on the same website using your unique confirmation number. If you win: You will need to fill out Form DS-260 on the Consular Electronic Application Center. Pay the fee (as of last update it was $330 per person). Wait to be notified of your interview date by the U.S. Embassy or Consulate. Medical examination: Before the interview, you must undergo a medical examination at an accredited clinic. Interview at the embassy or consulate: Bring all required documents, including passports, birth certificates, diplomas, marriage or divorce certificates (if applicable), and medical examination results. After successfully passing the interview, you will receive an immigrant visa, which will be valid for a limited time. Moving to the US: Once you enter the US on an immigrant visa, you become a permanent resident. Your green card will be mailed to the US address you provided. USCIS Fee Payment: Before or after arriving in the US, but before receiving your green card, you will need to pay a USCIS fee (as of last update it was $220). It is important to know that winning the lottery does not guarantee a green card. You will still need to meet all immigration requirements and your case will be assessed on an individual basis. Also keep in mind that the number of visas available is limited and even after winning you will need to act quickly.