What is a diversity based immigrant visa? Or What is the Visa Lottery?

If you are a native of (or married to a native, or have parents who were natives) a qualifying country, are 16 years of age or older, possess a high school diploma or two years experience in a job that normally requires at least two years of training, you can apply for the visa lottery.

It doesn't mean you will get a greencard. If you win the lottery and they send you notice that you won, you will have to prove you are not inadmissible for any reasons such as certain crimes, health problems, or that you entered or stayed in the U.S. illegally prior to your application for a lottery visa.

There is a new application required each year if you did not get called in the year you applied. There is no roll over. It usually takes about eight months for you to be notified you have won the visa lottery. After that, make haste to apply for the greencard becuase if time runs out on you and you don't get the card within that year, you lose your chance and have to apply all over again.