Hi! I'm from Portugal and I'm 15.
My dream was always to go live in the USA - in LA - when I turned 18.
I do, however, had kind of some difficulties finding a type of visa that could take me there - no family ties, no work experience yet nor a bachelor's degree .
I thought about dv lottery but I have some questions... I'm going to graduate from high school in June 2010, is it ok for me to apply to DV2010? Or should I wait for DV2011?
I also thought about applying for a student visa, but colleges are much more expensive if you're an international student and there are almost no loans or financial aid available. So, what should I do? Please help me! It's really important to me...

Wait until you are 18 ...to even think about it
Things can change many time in those few years ...

May not even be a lottery then ...


but your education is a must ..without it ..your going nowhere ..

Don't forget, if you are under 21 you can have both your parents apply for the DV lottery and you can get an immigrant visa too if they win. You can apply for yourself too once you graduate from high school.

Why anyone would want to live in Louisiana is beyond me!

Ian

I have a weird fascination with the place. I know I'll live there one day!

Do you think they really mean L.A. and not LA ..mind you tough one not sure which one I'd pick!

I was thinking they meant L.A. too.

Geez... you guys have no sense of humor, do you? Look... dead giveaway --> !!

Ian

"Sanctimonious Prick" <-- Look, dead giveaway

I meant Los Angeles not Louisiana..

When I said DV2010 I was talking about the one that starts this year
Does anyone know if I can apply before having my High School degree? Because by the time of the interview I'll have it but I won't have it when I apply...

There is no minimum age to apply for the program, but the requirement of a high school education or work experience for each principal applicant at the time of application will effectively disqualify most persons who are under age 18.

It's no harm, no foul anyway -- provided you're straightforward. Your biggest hurdle will be convincing the consular officer you can support yourself should you get as far as the interview.