Entering the Green Card Lottery Legitimately

Every year, the U.S. State Department holds what’s known as the "diversity visa lottery program."  This program, which is also called "the green card lottery," gives the winners a chance to apply for an immigrant visa and enter the United States.

The winners of the green card lottery are always randomly selected.  It is completely free to enter the green card lottery.

Beware of Green Card Lottery Scams

There are many fraudulent companies attempting to scam those entering the green card lottery. These types of companies victimize people who are desperate for a new life in the United States.  Here are some tips that you should know about so that you are not scammed.

The Green Card Lottery is Free.  You know you are being scammed if the company claims that, for a fee, you can increase your chance of winning the green card lottery. There’s no fee to enter the green card lottery. Paying a fee will only line the pockets of the company that is collecting the fee; it has nothing to do with increasing your chances of winning.

You Cannot Submit Multiple Entries.  Make sure you submit only one entry into the green card lottery.  Extra entries will disqualify you.

Be Careful About Who You Give Your Important Information.  Never send your personal documents to anyone or any company who is unfamiliar to you. If you do this, you run the risk of having your identity stolen.

Make Sure You Are Dealing with an Official Government Web Site or Office.  Double check the web site that you are getting your green card lottery information from -- official government web sites and email address will end with .gov. If a web site attempts to charge you for any official government forms, stay away from the site as it is probably fraudulent. Legitimate green card lottery documents are free, and the government will not charge you for them.

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Conclusion

As long as you keep these tips in mind, chances are that you are in no danger of becoming the victim of a con artist. The most important thing to remember when entering the green card lottery is that if a company is attempting to solicit money from you, they are in no way affiliated with any government or state agency.

The green card lottery is a legitimate way to obtain a year-long visa into the United States.  Educate yourself, and you’ll avoid being the victim of a costly scam.

"Entering the Green Card Lottery Legitimately" contributed by Hugh Blackwell