Our Facebook has been a flutter of activity this week, mainly about the USA Green-card lottery with many asking why the UK is never allowed to play? Well, it’s due to the amount of applicants they get from diverse countries. Apparently there are already a high number of applicants from the UK every year. However good news if you are from Northern Ireland, you are actually eligible this year. So Good luck!
LOTTERY REQUIREMENT #1
You must be from an eligible country. The following countries are NOT eligible: Bangladesh, Brazil, Canada, China (mainland-born), Colombia, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, El Salvador, Haiti, India, Jamaica, Mexico, Nigeria, Pakistan, Peru, Philippines, South Korea, United Kingdom (*except Northern Ireland) and its dependent territories, and Vietnam.
LOTTERY REQUIREMENT #2
You must meet the following educational requirements:
- A high school education or its equivalent, defined as successful completion of a 12-year course of formal elementary and secondary education;
OR
- Two years of work experience within the past five years in an occupation requiring at least two years of training or experience to perform.
TIPS
- Don’t Cheat The System: The State Department uses advanced software to detect multiple lottery entries, and you will be automatically disqualified if you enter more than once.
- Double Check Your Entry: Even minor typos on critical information, such as the spelling of your name, can result in disqualification. Make sure you enter everything completely and correctly.
- Consider Your Nationality Options: If you do not reside in a qualifying country, you may be eligible based on your country of birth, your spouse’s nationality, or your parents’ nationality. Read the full instructions for more information.
- Don’t Forget to Follow Up: The 2016 lottery winners will be published in May of 2015. The only way to see if you won is to check your entrant status here. You will not be contacted by the government.
- Don’t Get Scammed: You should not be paying anyone to help you enter the lottery. Be wary of any “expert” who isn’t a qualified immigration attorney–especially if it sounds too good to be true.
SUM OF IT
After a bit of research I found the ‘official’ reason the UK was not chosen as one of the countries this year: courtesy of the USA.gov website: “The Diversity Visa program makes up to 55,000 visas available to people who meet strict eligibility requirements from countries with low rates of immigration to the United States.” The online registration period for the 2014 program should open in fall 2012.
COMPETITION TIME
Coming to movie theaters just in time for Halloween is Dracula Untold starring Welshman and former Brits in LA member, Luke Evans. In celebration of the film and Luke’s success we are running a competition for a chance to become a Brits in LA Key Member, and join in on our free screenings and discount program for a year. Just answer this simple question: what is the name of the 2002 West End musical based on Boy George’s life, that Luke starred in?
Send us your answer in an email to britsinla@gmail.com. Winner will be announced next week.
Speaking of Luke Evans. Did you know that he appeared in one of the early Toscars films? It was titled Don’t Press Benjamin’s Buttons and just goes to show that everyone has to start somewhere. Visit The Toscars on Facebook to find out how you can participate next year.
DO YOU LIKE THE SIXTIES?
This Thursday, October 9th, I’m having a great big birthday bash (21 again!) and you are all invited. Get your discounted tickets now by visiting our Eventbrite page, which you can access by clicking HERE. The advance price is just $20 with a free drink using the code ‘darling’ or $25 at the door. This fabulous event features performances by Star Search’s Nina Whitaker, and our own Maria-Elena Infantino and Desi Valentine. It’s gonna be a fun, fun night!!
Till next time
Cheers!
Craig
