Countries with Visa Lotteries Like the USA Green Card

The U.S. Green Card Lottery, officially known as the Diversity Visa (DV) Program, is a unique immigration program that allows people from countries with low immigration rates to the U.S. to apply for permanent residency (a Green Card). While other countries don't have a visa lottery program exactly like the U.S. Green Card Lottery, there are a few countries with similar programs that aim to attract immigrants or give a chance for permanent residency through a lottery or a points-based system.

Here are some countries that have similar visa or residency programs:

1. Canada (Express Entry and Provincial Nominee Program):

• While Canada doesn’t have a lottery system exactly like the U.S. Green Card Lottery, it uses a points-based system called Express Entry to invite individuals to apply for permanent residency. Applicants are ranked based on factors like age, education, work experience, and language proficiency.

• Additionally, each Canadian province has its own Provincial Nominee Program (PNP), which allows provinces to nominate individuals for permanent residence. Some PNPs may have draws or lotteries, though it's not as random as the U.S. DV Lottery.

2. Australia (SkillSelect):

• Australia’s immigration system is points-based and not a lottery, but SkillSelect allows individuals to submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) for permanent residency, which can result in an invitation to apply (ITA) for a visa.

• Similar to the U.S. lottery, the selection process is not guaranteed, but the invitations are issued periodically, and applicants with the highest points are prioritized.

3. New Zealand (Skilled Migrant Category):

• Similar to Canada and Australia, New Zealand has a points-based system for skilled workers, and while it doesn't operate a lottery system, there are periodic draws for applicants who meet the minimum points threshold.

• The Skilled Migrant Category allows individuals with the right skills to be invited to apply for residency based on a points system.

4. Denmark (Green Card Scheme):

• Denmark used to offer a Green Card Scheme (now discontinued) that allowed skilled workers to apply for residence based on points. Though not exactly a lottery, it had some features that are similar in terms of the points-based system for immigration.

5. Ireland (Immigrant Investor Programme):

• Ireland offers an Immigrant Investor Programme for individuals who can make substantial investments in Ireland, such as purchasing property or investing in businesses. While it’s not a lottery, it provides a way for individuals to gain residency through investment, which may appeal to those looking for a pathway similar to a visa lottery.

6. United Kingdom (Points-Based Immigration System):

• The UK has transitioned to a points-based immigration system after Brexit, which evaluates applicants based on their qualifications, job offer, language skills, and other factors. While it’s not a lottery system, it does offer a pathway for skilled workers and other categories of individuals to apply for long-term residence.

7. Singapore (Global Investor Program):

• Similar to Ireland’s program, Singapore's Global Investor Program offers residency to individuals who make substantial investments in the country. Again, this isn’t a lottery but does provide a similar opportunity for residency through financial means.

8. New Zealand's Entrepreneur Residence Category:

• Though not a lottery, New Zealand has an Entrepreneur Visa program that can lead to permanent residency if applicants can establish a business. Some draws are made for entrepreneurs with significant business proposals or contributions.

9. Estonia (Startup Visa):

• Estonia offers a Startup Visa to foreign entrepreneurs who want to start a business in the country. While it's not a lottery, it’s a relatively unique visa program aimed at attracting new entrepreneurs and talents to live and work in Estonia.

Countries with Temporary or Niche Lottery Programs:

Some countries offer lottery-like programs or randomized selections for specific categories of people, such as investors, but they aren’t as widely available or well-known as the U.S. Green Card Lottery. These programs often focus on attracting high-net-worth individuals, investors, or those with specific skills that are in demand.

Summary:

While there are no exact equivalents to the U.S. Green Card Lottery, several countries have programs that invite immigrants or skilled workers based on points, investment, or even specific draws, which can give the impression of a lottery-like system. However, most of these systems are points-based or dependent on factors such as skills, work experience, or financial investment rather than being completely random. The U.S. Green Card Lottery is unique in its structure and accessibility, as it offers a chance for individuals from countries with historically low immigration to the U.S. to apply for permanent residency.