How easy is it to win the U.S Green Card Lottery?

On the other hand, it's free - what have you got to lose? DON'T sign up with any organisation that charges you for the privilege of submitting an application - they're expensive and unnecessary.

You're only supposed to enter once, and since they've now switched to a computer-based system, I wouldn't try and game the system, as I imagine they'll find you out fairly quickly. Good luck! (oh, and you'll have to wait a few months until it starts up again for next year)

So, check the small print, although if you can now apply online, I guess that would be too easy to do so they probably have banned it.

it sounds incredibly hard and yes most countries don't get allocated now because as someone said the whole idea of it is to encourage diversity. i can do it because i was born in hong kong. but uk isn't in the list.

and yes, it's FREE to apply, anything you have to pay for is bullshit.

I can swallow a whole apple without chewing.

can anyone answer a question for me

if uh... a guy i know

lived in the US when he was really young (between ages 1-7) and had a green card and he still has it... a "resident alien" card with no expiry date on it (important part)

can that guy renew it even if he hasn't lived in the US for over 2 decades?

no, you gotta start all over. green card is for "permanent residents" and you showed you wanted to be a permanent resident elsewhere.
btw i think 'how do i get a reentry permit' looks helpful http://www.uscis.gov/portal/site/uscis/menuitem.5af9bb95919f35e66f614176543f6d1a/?vgnextoid=645466e7d9fd4210VgnVCM100000082ca60aRCRD&vgnextchannel=7cd99ddf801b3210VgnVCM100000b92ca60aRCRD

you mean my friend

what if it's a really cute picture on the original green card

Yeah, there is a residency requirement attached to green cards:

(from NSCIS website)

You may be found to have abandoned your permanent resident status if you:

* Move to another country intending to live there permanently
* Remain outside of the United States for more than 1 year without obtaining a reentry permit or returning resident visa. However, in determining whether your status has been abandoned, any length of absence from the United States may be considered, even if less than 1 year
* Remain outside of the United States for more than 2 years after issuance of a reentry permit without obtaining a returning resident visa. However, in determining whether your status has been abandoned any length of absence from the United States may be considered, even if less than 1 year
* Fail to file income tax returns while living outside of the United States for any period
* Declare yourself a “nonimmigrant” on your tax returns

but would it make it easier for someone to re-up?

i think it depends of how your applying? assuming you were granted the visa initially bcuz one of your parents was a citizen or had permanent residency now that your over 21 u dont have the same status. you can still apply but u dont automatically qualify. if one of your parents is still a us citizen u get priority & itll be easier to qualify iirc

but if your applying through a job or for work then the reason for granting u the visa is different so the previous status doesnt matter

what if it's a really cute picture on the original green card

― sir gaga (s1ocki), Saturday, May 8, 2010 10:10 PM (Yesterday) Bookmark

^ can somebody answer this