The 2024 Diversity Visa Lottery, also known as the green card lottery, opened its application process on October 5 and will close on November 8. Unfortunately for Hong Kong-born applicants, they are no longer eligible to participate. Since 2020, Hong Kong has been considered part of mainland China, which has disqualified residents from the lottery.
Immigration attorney Hsu Chun-liang has noted a significant decrease in inquiries regarding U.S. immigration from Hong Kong residents since the eligibility change. He explains that the green card lottery application process was relatively straightforward, allowing most applicants to navigate it independently until they won, at which point they would seek professional assistance. With this option now closed, many individuals from Hong Kong are turning to alternative immigration pathways.
One such alternative is the National Interest Waiver (NIW), which has emerged as a popular choice for many professionals from Hong Kong. The NIW is designed for applicants with specialized skills or those who can make significant contributions to the U.S. It does not require employer sponsorship, and its flexible approval process appeals to many. Hsu points out that one of the key advantages of applying for an NIW is that individuals need only hold a master’s degree to qualify, making it less reliant on employer backing. Moreover, the application process can be expedited, which is particularly attractive for professionals eager to immigrate.
However, the inability to participate in the green card lottery does have an impact on the younger generation in Hong Kong. Mr. Lai expressed that the biggest consequence for him is the challenge of visiting his sister in the U.S. as easily as he once could. With the lottery now closed, moving to the U.S. has become significantly more difficult, leading many of his friends to consider immigration options in countries like the UK, Australia, and Canada instead.
Addressing common misconceptions about the Diversity Visa Lottery, Hsu reassured those on student or exchange visas that they typically need not worry about being perceived as having immigrant intent. He explained that the odds of winning the lottery are low, and applicants must wait for an available slot, meaning it’s generally not seen as part of an immigration strategy. Hsu also advised applicants to submit recent passport photos taken within the last six months; failing to do so could jeopardize their application.
Additionally, he recommended that individuals with associate degrees describe their education as having “some university degree” to accurately reflect their academic background. Lastly, he urged applicants to refer to local civil registry offices for the appropriate pinyin format when providing family information to avoid any inconsistencies that could lead to unnecessary complications.