A look at the 2018 diversity green card lottery

Immigrants residing in California may wish to obtain a green card in order to become a permanent resident of the United States. Depending on what country they were born in, such people may be eligible to submit an application for the 2018 diversity green card lottery.

Large numbers of immigrants enter the country each year from countries such as India and Mexico, explains Forbes. Because of the smaller number of immigrants from certain other countries, a lottery system was created. If more than 50,000 foreign nationals from any country immigrate to the United States over the previous five years, its citizens would not be eligible to participate. However, those who were in born in countries with lower numbers may have a chance at obtaining a green card and becoming a permanent U.S. resident through this system.

There are a few criteria that people must meet in order to participate in the lottery, according to the Department of State. Applicants must have been born in an eligible country in order to qualify, but they do not have to still be living there. For example, if a person was born in Cameroon but is already living in the U.S., he or she would still be eligible to apply. In addition, applicants must have either two years of work experience in a qualifying occupation or the equivalent of a high school education.

There are 50,000 visas up for grabs in 2018. Married couples may each submit an application. Applications must be submitted online, and applicants must check their status online to see if they have been selected.