One of the most popular ways of getting permanent citizenship in the US for people from other countries is through the green card lottery system. While there are some people who are sponsored by friends or relatives, many people opt for the green card lottery system especially if the conditions are favorable for them.

The green card processing is something that could test people’s patience and hence it would be prudent to know more about the system; it helps if you know what you’re against. The three steps involved in green card processing are as follows:

Step 1: Immigration Petition

There are two ways of securing a green card for people who move from foreign shores to the US—one is the green card lottery system and the other is when a family member who is already a US citizen sponsors the person.

Step 2: Immigrant Visa Availability

The US Department of State specifies a particular number to a person who has is coming into the US. This process could take a very long time as compared to getting it either by the green card lottery or telling the authorities that you have a family member who is already in the US.

Step 3: Immigrant Visa Adjudication

If you’re not applying for the green card through the lottery or through a family member’s sponsor, then a number is issued to the individual by the DOS. After this, either they could apply for an immigrant visa with the DOS or change their status to “permanent” at the USCIS. At this stage, a background check is done to ensure that the person has no criminal history. The individual’s application could be hence rejected, if the USCIS finds that there is some discrepancy in the stated “facts”. Individuals have to live in the country until the green card processing is taken care of. And since this could very often take several years, you should have a high endurance level.

Advantages of Green Card Lottery Application

Even though the green card lottery is just that, a lottery system, it puts you at a higher chance of getting a green card especially if all the other factors are in your favor. The green card is a much better way to live in the US, especially if you know you would be there for a considerable duration, say 3-5 years.

The fact that this lottery is for all those people whose countries are under represented in the US should make this a favorite for those coming from the “eligible” nations. And you must apply for this well ahead of your stay schedule—generally the green card lottery is held two years in advance. Considering that you would be pitted against thousands of other applicants with similar advantages, it’s always nicer to apply as soon as you can. While you’re given enough time to apply for a green card, you should also note that you may not hear from the respective officials for sometime.

In case you have “won” you’re notified of your green card “victory”. According to many people, even though the chances of getting a green card through the lottery may not be very impressive, the fact that the other methods are more time-consuming makes this worth a shot. You don’t really lose much; you apply for the green card in case all the other factors make you “eligible” and play the waiting game. Green card processing typically takes a lot of time and hence green card lottery that takes a relatively shorter time is an option that many people consider. Weigh the pros and cons involved in the many ways of securing a green card and take the approach that best suits you.