Back to Blog
News & UpdatesNorcoUpdated: January 20, 20269 min read

Green Card Lottery Eligibility in Norco: DV Lottery Requirements for Arab Immigrants

Find out if you qualify for the Diversity Visa lottery and how to register correctly

SoCal Immigration Services
Reviewed by: Maria Santos, DOJ Accredited Representative

Quick Answer

The Diversity Visa (DV) Lottery offers a chance for immigrants from underrepresented countries to obtain green cards. For Norco residents and their families abroad, understanding the eligibility requirements is the first step. SoCal Immigration Services helps families determine eligibility and register correctly.

Reviewed for accuracy by

Maria Santos

DOJ Accredited Representative • 15+ years experience

The Diversity Visa (DV) Lottery offers a chance for immigrants from underrepresented countries to obtain green cards. For Norco residents and their families abroad, understanding the eligibility requirements is the first step. SoCal Immigration Services helps families determine eligibility and register correctly.

What is the DV Lottery?

The Diversity Visa Lottery is a U.S. government program that randomly selects up to 55,000 people annually for immigrant visas.

Key Facts:
• Free to enter - never pay to register
• One entry per person per year
• Registration typically October-November
• Results available the following May
• Selection doesn't guarantee a visa

Country Eligibility

You must be born in an eligible country. Most Arab countries ARE eligible:
  • Egypt - ELIGIBLE
  • Jordan - ELIGIBLE
  • Lebanon - ELIGIBLE
  • Syria - ELIGIBLE
  • Iraq - ELIGIBLE
  • Yemen - ELIGIBLE
  • Palestine - ELIGIBLE
  • Morocco - ELIGIBLE
  • Tunisia - ELIGIBLE
  • Algeria - ELIGIBLE
  • Libya - ELIGIBLE
  • Sudan - ELIGIBLE

Countries NOT Eligible

These countries have high immigration rates and are excluded:
  • Bangladesh
  • Brazil
  • Canada
  • China (mainland)
  • Dominican Republic
  • El Salvador
  • Haiti
  • Honduras
  • India
  • Jamaica
  • Mexico
  • Nigeria
  • Pakistan
  • Philippines
  • South Korea
  • United Kingdom (except N. Ireland)
  • Venezuela
  • Vietnam

Education Requirements

You must meet ONE of these requirements:
OptionRequirementEvidence Needed
EducationHigh school diploma or equivalentDiploma, transcripts
Work Experience2 years in qualifying occupationEmployment letters, O*NET job listing
CombinationSome education + some experienceMust total equivalent qualification

Qualifying Work Experience

If using work experience instead of education:

• Must be in occupation requiring 2+ years of training
• Must have 2 years of experience in past 5 years
• Job must be in O*NET database at SVP 7.0+
• Examples: Chef, electrician, nurse, mechanic
• Non-qualifying: General labor, retail, driving

Cross-Chargeability Rules

Born in an ineligible country? You may still qualify:

Spouse Cross-Chargeability:
• If your spouse was born in an eligible country
• You can use their country of chargeability
• You must immigrate together

Parent Cross-Chargeability:
• If neither parent was born or resided in your birth country
• You can claim their country of birth

Registration Process

How to register for the DV Lottery:
  • Go to dvprogram.state.gov during registration period
  • Complete online form (free - no fees ever)
  • Upload qualifying photo (strict requirements)
  • Include spouse and children under 21
  • Submit before deadline (no extensions)
  • Save confirmation number immediately
  • Only ONE entry per person

Photo Requirements

Photos must meet exact specifications:
RequirementSpecification
Size600x600 pixels (2x2 inches)
FormatJPEG (.jpg)
File Size240KB maximum
BackgroundPlain white or off-white
RecencyTaken within 6 months
Head PositionFacing camera directly
ExpressionNeutral, eyes open
GlassesNOT allowed (even prescription)

Common Disqualification Reasons

Entries are disqualified for:
  • Multiple entries (only one allowed)
  • Incorrect photo specifications
  • Born in ineligible country (without cross-charge)
  • Not meeting education/work requirements
  • Incomplete or inaccurate information
  • Missing spouse or children
  • Using paid submission services incorrectly

After Selection

If selected in the lottery:

• Check results at dvprogram.state.gov (May)
• Complete DS-260 immigrant visa application
• Gather required documents
• Pay processing fees
• Attend medical examination
• Interview at U.S. embassy
• All steps must complete before September 30

Norco DV Lottery Services

SoCal Immigration Services helps Norco families with:
  • Arabic and English speaking staff
  • Eligibility evaluation
  • Cross-chargeability analysis
  • Photo preparation assistance
  • Registration review before submission
  • Winner processing (DS-260, documents)
  • Interview preparation

FAQFrequently Asked Questions

Q:Is Egypt eligible for the green card lottery?

A: Yes! Egypt and most other Arab countries are eligible for the DV lottery. Only countries with high immigration rates to the U.S. are excluded.

Q:Do I need to pay to enter the lottery?

A: No! The DV lottery is completely free. Never pay anyone to submit your entry. Scammers charge fees for something that's free. Register only at dvprogram.state.gov.

Q:I don't have a high school diploma - can I still enter?

A: Yes, if you have 2 years of work experience in a qualifying occupation (one that requires at least 2 years of training). We can help determine if your job qualifies.

Q:Can my spouse and I both enter?

A: Yes! Each person can submit one entry. If either of you wins, both can immigrate together. This doubles your chances.

Q:I was born in a non-eligible country but my spouse wasn't - can I enter?

A: Yes! You can use your spouse's country of birth (cross-chargeability) if they were born in an eligible country. You must immigrate together.

Q:What happens if I submit more than one entry?

A: Both entries will be disqualified. Only submit ONE entry per person. Spouses should submit separate entries under their own names.

Disclaimer: This article provides general information about immigration services in Norco and does not constitute legal advice. SoCal Immigration Services is a document preparation company, not a law firm. For legal advice specific to your situation, please consult with a licensed immigration attorney.
Published: January 20, 2026Last Updated: January 20, 2026

Want to Enter the Green Card Lottery from Norco?

Let our Arabic-speaking team help you determine eligibility and submit a correct entry. Don't risk disqualification from simple mistakes.

Serving Norco and all of Southern California

Related Articles

Customer Support

How can we help you today?