Can I include my parents in the DV Lottery? This is a common question among individuals who are interested in applying for the Diversity Visa (DV) program, also known as the Green Card Lottery. The DV Lottery is a unique opportunity for eligible applicants from countries with low immigration rates to the United States to win a chance at permanent residency. However, the eligibility criteria for the DV Lottery can be quite confusing, especially when it comes to including family members in the application process. In this article, we will explore the possibility of including your parents in the DV Lottery and provide you with the necessary information to make an informed decision.
The DV Lottery is designed to provide opportunities for individuals from countries with low immigration rates to the United States. The eligibility criteria for the lottery include being a native, native-born, or naturalized citizen of a qualifying country, having a high school education or its equivalent, and meeting certain other requirements. However, when it comes to including family members, such as parents, in the application process, the rules can be a bit more complex.
Firstly, it is important to note that the DV Lottery application is based on the principal applicant, which means that only the individual who meets the eligibility criteria can apply. In other words, your parents cannot apply for the lottery on your behalf. However, there are a few ways in which you may be able to include your parents in the process.
One option is to include your parents as derivatives on your application. Derivatives are family members who are eligible to receive a Green Card based on their relationship with the principal applicant. If you are the principal applicant, you can include your parents as derivatives if they meet the following criteria:
1. They are your biological or adoptive parents.
2. They are your spouse or unmarried children under the age of 21.
3. They are your siblings who are unmarried and under the age of 21.
If your parents meet these criteria, you can include them as derivatives on your application. However, it is important to note that derivatives are not eligible to win the DV Lottery on their own. They can only receive a Green Card if the principal applicant wins the lottery and is granted permanent residency.
Another option is to apply for a separate DV Lottery application on your parents’ behalf. If your parents are eligible to apply for the lottery, they can submit their own application, which will be independent of your application. This means that if they win the lottery, they will be granted permanent residency separately from you.
In conclusion, while you cannot include your parents in the DV Lottery application as principal applicants, you may be able to include them as derivatives on your application or have them apply for the lottery independently. It is important to carefully review the eligibility criteria and requirements for both you and your parents to determine the best course of action. Remember that the DV Lottery is a competitive process, and the inclusion of family members may not guarantee success, but it can certainly enhance your chances of obtaining permanent residency in the United States.
