Can I participate in Green Card lottery if now I'm studying in the USA and I have F-1 visa?

Yes you can. No it doesn't.

Yes, you can definitely participate in the GC Lottery if you are in the US on an F-1 student visa. No, it will not affect your chances on way or the other when you apply for the renewal of your visa.

You are free to participate in the visa lottery. It has no effect on your chances to obtain another F-1 visa. Please click the link below for additional information. --------- Carl Shusterman, Esq. Former INS Trial Attorney (1976-82) Board Certified Immigration Attorney (1986 - Present) Subscribe to our Free Immigration Newsletter 600 Wilshire Blvd., Suite 1550 Los Angeles, CA 90017 (213) 394-4554 x0 Web: www.shusterman.com (English) www.inmigracion-abogado.com (Spanish)

You sure can apply for the GC lottery. One thing you want to keep in mind is that any type of visa application has something that is called "Implied Intent". In essence, when you apply for a tourist visa, for example, you are implicitly telling the US government that it is not your intent to remain in the US with that visa. Same thing goes for an F-1 visa; it is a little different because of procedures and things you are eligible for after you graduate with a degree from a university in the US. It should not effect your application to extend the F-1, but be prepared to give an answer if they ask about your application for the GC Lottery. The question may be along the line of "do you have a desire to remain in the US permanently?" Again, the chances of this happening are very VERY low, but it may happen. Best of Luck, Law Office of Ilir Kavaja 30 Newbury Street Boston, MA 02116 617-515-5545 www.KavajaLaw.com