6 Common mistakes to avoid when applying for the Green Card Lottery

The Green Card Lottery is far more straightforward than other application methods. It provides those with a dream of living and working in the United States with an easier option into the country. After all, you don’t need a job lined up or family connections to a US resident.

But, as with anything else, you can run into pitfalls. If you are not aware of these mistakes, they could compromise your chances or make the application process longer. So, let’s go over some of the most common mistakes to avoid when applying for the Green Card Lottery.

Mistakes to Avoid in Your Green Card Lottery Application

If you are researching the Diversity Visa Program, also known as the Green Card Lottery, you will read a lot of information, some of which are accurate and some that are not. Like anything else, you want to be sure you have the best possible information when applying for the Green Card Lottery, including avoiding mistakes. Here are a few common mistakes made by many that you should avoid.

Being Unfamiliar with Eligibility Criteria

The basic eligibility criteria for the Green Card Lottery are simple. You must be from a country with fewer than 50,000 immigrants to the US in the previous 5 years, and you must not already hold a Green Card. However, there are other eligibility requirements that determine your eligibility for the Green Card Program.

For example, if you are a winning entrant in the Green Card Lottery, you must provide verification that you will be able to support yourself once you live in the United States. If you are not aware of this qualification, among other requirements, it could be disappointing to learn you are not eligible if you are chosen for a Diversity Visa for the United States.

Solution

Browse our website to learn more about the frequently asked questions and ensure you meet the qualifications before applying. There’s no point in spending money on an application only to be rejected later on down the line.

Depending On Unreliable Sources for Diversity Visa Information

Avoid talking to friends or family who are unfamiliar with how the Diversity Green Card Lottery works. Although they may mean well, they may be giving you news on the Green Card Lottery that is outdated or no longer valid.

Granted, not much has changed in recent years regarding eligibility and the application process, but think of it as the difference between you getting news from a reliable source or social media.

Solution

Ensure you obtain the latest information on the Green Card Lottery from a trustworthy source, such as the US Green Card Office or the American Consulate in your country of residence. If you have any doubts regarding the validity of the information, please reach out, and we can let you know. Also, we have a newsletter, so subscribe to that if you want to stay up to date.

Using the wrong website to submit your application

There are only a few legitimate websites, such as www.usgreencardoffice.com/apply, where you can apply online for the Green Card Lottery. Accidentally using a fake website will, at best, mean your application doesn’t go through. At worst, it could put you at a much higher risk of future scams, including stealing your sensitive data and money.

Solution

The solution to this common mistake is only to use a verified and trustworthy website. Of course, that’s easier said than done. When using US Green Card Office, your application is in safe hands. US Green Card Office has submitted applications since 1998 and assisted over 400.000 families moving to the United States. Only qualified immigration officers with many years of experience in US Immigration will handle your Diversity Visa Application. That’s guaranteed.

The key thing to look out for price of the application fee, ensuring it’s not too high or low. Generally, using a paid 2023 Green Card Lottery service should cost between $80 and $200. You should be wary of anything outside of this bracket. Services offering a lifetime submission for a fixed fee should be avoided at any time.

Taking Shortcuts

Avoid the temptation to take shortcuts when registering for the Green Card Lottery. Many applications get rejected yearly due to incorrect photo size, background, or resolution. If you are disqualified, you must wait another year before you can register again, so it pays to do it right the first time.

Of course, knowing how to submit a perfect photo that can be approved isn’t easy if you haven’t done this before. But, considering you’ll have to wait a year to reapply, it’s worth taking the time to get it right.

Solution

There are a couple of parts to this solution. The first is to begin your application well in advance, so you can take care of and ensure your photo(s) are correct. It might seem like an obvious thing to say, but rushing an application at the last minute is a surefire way to make mistakes.

Second, always use the paid Green Card submission service to get the best chance of being selected. When using the paid service, you will have full access to our step-by-step guide, easy-to-understand photo requirements, and guided videos on how to take your perfect application photo.

Failing to check the Country Eligibility list

Only people born in low-immigration countries can apply for the Green Card Program. These countries have had less than 50,000 immigrants moving to the United States over the past five years. Before you proceed with the registration, ensure your birth country is on the eligibility list for the next Diversity Immigrant Visa Program.

Solution

This is one of the easiest mistakes to avoid. Simply check the list of eligible countries before beginning your application. Note that it changes every year, so check it before submitting a new application.

Applying Yourself

This isn’t a mistake to avoid as such, but it can lead to plenty of other mistakes. You can apply online, for free, through the green card lottery free registration, but only in October/November each year. You upload your photo(s) and submit your application by yourself. If everything goes to plan, your application will be accepted. If you make a mistake, your application will be declined, and you will not be able to apply again before the following year. Please be aware that the US government does not tell you if your application has been accepted or declined. So if you make a mistake on your application, you will never know why your application was not selected.

The free service does not give you a second chance, so as you can imagine, not recommended, and it’s very risky to use the free service.

There’s a surprising amount that can go wrong. For example, 65% of personally submitted applications get rejected yearly because the uploaded photo(s) did not follow the strict photo guidelines. As mentioned, you’ll have to wait another year to apply if this happens.

Solution

Simple, use the paid application service from US Green Card Office. It might seem like an extra expense, but it’s arguably worth it for the sake of your application’s guaranteed acceptance. Note this isn’t the same as winning a Green Card, but it’ll definitely get you a step closer.

Final thoughts on mistakes to avoid, to the Green Card Program

Understanding and registering for the Green Card Program involves quite a bit of thought. However, if you do it right the first time, your efforts will pay off over the long term by bringing you closer to your dream of living, working, or studying in the United States.

These are a few Green Card Lottery scams out there. To avoid them, we advise you to apply directly on our US Green Card Office official paid website to make sure your application is submitted correctly and within the correct time frame set by the US Government.