U.S. Clarifies Work Experience Rules for Green Card Lottery

The U.S. Department of State has outlined the work experience requirements for applicants of the Diversity Visa Lottery who do not possess a high school diploma or its equivalent.

These applicants can qualify through work experience, but must meet specific conditions. The Department of Labour's O*Net OnLine database is utilized to assess whether an applicant's work experience is adequate, categorizing occupations into five "job zones" based on the level of preparation required.

It is crucial for applicants to verify their occupation's classification using the O*Net OnLine tool prior to submitting their entry. Failure to meet the work experience requirements will result in immediate disqualification at the visa interview, which also extends to all accompanying family members, preventing them from receiving visas.

This information is particularly vital for applicants from African countries, where there may be limited awareness of the specific technical requirements related to job zones and SVP ratings.