What is the Diversity Visa (DV) program?

• A. A lottery program that awards immigrant visas to individuals from countries with high U.S. immigration rates.
• B. A program for refugees to resettle in the U.S.
• C. A merit-based visa category for skilled workers.
• D. A lottery program that awards immigrant visas to individuals from countries with low U.S. immigration rates.

Answer: (D)

The Diversity Visa program is a yearly, random lottery designed to diversify the U.S. immigrant population by giving immigrant visas to individuals from countries that have historically sent relatively few immigrants to the United States. Winners are chosen at random from entrants from eligible countries, and those selected must still meet standard visa requirements, such as education or work experience, and go through the regular visa application process. This program is separate from refugee resettlement or asylum, and it is not based on merit or skills like some employment-based visas; it targets countries with low U.S. immigration rates to promote broader national diversity.