Published on 05/05/2025

The results of the Green Card DV lottery are available, maybe you have already checked - and your name was not among the winners.

Yes, that’s disappointing at first, we understand that very well. The big dream of America, the hope for the Green Card through the lottery - that might seem shattered at this moment.

But, chin up! Really. Because the lottery is only  one  way to the USA. And today I want to introduce you to a strong, positive alternative where you hold the reins yourself, where your success does not depend on luck, but on your plan and your commitment: The E-2 investor visa.

I am Daniel Dolamic, founder of M&D Florida Services, and we have already helped hundreds of people realize their American dream exactly this way - through the E-2 visa. Maybe this is precisely your path!

1. The Green Card Lottery – a brief reality check

Let’s briefly talk about the DV lottery so we’re all on the same page.

The lottery you probably applied for in autumn 2024 is called DV-2026. Why 2026? Because the visas issued through it are for fiscal year 2026 – which in the U.S. starts on October 1, 2025. The results for this DV-2026 lottery will be announced in early May 2025, this year on May 3rd at 12 noon US Eastern Daylight Time, which is 6 p.m. in Europe.

The most important truth about the lottery is: the chances of winning are unfortunately very low. Millions of people worldwide apply every year for about 55,000 available Green Cards. Statistically speaking, the chance of winning is often less than 1 percent, sometimes significantly lower – fewer than 1 in 400 applicants actually receives a visa in the end. It is a lottery — pure luck which you cannot influence.

And even  if  you are among the lucky winners, that is just the beginning. The subsequent process – submitting the visa application, submitting documents, getting an interview appointment and actually receiving the visa – must be completed by the end of the fiscal year, by September 30, 2026.

The lottery is a great opportunity for the few winners, no question. But relying only on it is often frustrating. That’s exactly why today we want to show you an alternative based on initiative rather than chance.

1. My story - your advantage: why M&D understands you

Before we dive into the E-2 visa, I’d like to briefly share something personal. I probably know exactly how you feel and what you dream about right now. Why? Because I went down this path myself.

In early 2019, I immigrated to the USA with my wife and our two children – who were then 3 and 7 years old – through exactly this E-2 visa. We founded our own company here in Florida, M&D Florida Services, and have been living and working here ever since.

We experienced the excitement, the planning, the challenges of taking this step as a family. This personal experience is the heart of M&D. We don’t only advise theoretically – we understand your situation, your questions, and maybe also your worries firsthand.

1. The E-2 visa: your chance to actively shape the American dream – without a Green Card

Daniel: Okay, so what exactly is this E-2 visa?

Simply put, it is a visa for investors and entrepreneurs from certain countries which have a so-called trade and navigation agreement with the USA – the “Treaty Countries.” And the good news: Germany is included!

The core idea is: You invest a “substantial” amount into a US enterprise – this can be a new start-up, the purchase of an existing business, or also a franchise – and you come to the USA to actively manage and develop that business.

What are the major advantages compared to the DV lottery?

• Control instead of chance: The most important point: your success depends on your plan, your investment, and your commitment – not on luck! You actively design your path.
• Potentially faster: The process from decision to visa can often be much faster than the years-long waiting for lottery results and the subsequent often lengthy visa process. Processing at the consulate can sometimes take just a few weeks, although this may vary.
• No sponsor needed: You don’t need a US employer to sponsor you, nor do you have to go through the often complicated and lengthy PERM process for work visas. You are your own boss.
• Family comes along: Your spouse and unmarried children under 21 can accompany you. And a huge plus: your spouse usually automatically receives a work permit and can work freely in the USA wherever and for whomever he or she wants. Your children can attend school or university here normally.
• Extendable (potentially unlimited): As long as your business runs successfully and the requirements are met, the E-2 visa can be extended again and again – theoretically unlimited. This gives you a long-term perspective in the USA.

Of course, there are also requirements for the E-2 visa. Let’s briefly outline the most important ones:

• Nationality: You must be a citizen of a treaty country (Germany, Austria, and Switzerland are included!).
• Substantial investment: You must invest a “substantial” amount. What does that mean? There is no fixed minimum! “Substantial” means the investment must be proportionate to the overall value or startup costs of the business and sufficient to operate the business successfully. The smaller the business, the higher the percentage of your investment must be. Important: The money must be “at risk,” meaning irrevocably invested and exposed to business risk. Just money in an account is not enough.
• Real & active business: The business must be a bona fide, active enterprise (or about to commence operations) that offers goods or services for profit. A pure mailbox company or passive investment (like stocks or undeveloped land alone) does not qualify.
• Not marginal: The business must not be “marginal.” That means it must have the capacity (either immediately or within five years of start) to generate significantly more income than just to support you and your family’s livelihood. Ideally, the business also creates jobs for US citizens or contributes meaningfully to the US economy. This five-year perspective is especially important for startups.
• Develop & direct: You must be in a position to develop and direct the enterprise. Typically, this is shown through at least 50% ownership of the business or operational control (e.g. as managing director).

That might sound a lot at first, but don’t worry – that’s exactly why there are experts like us. On our YouTube channel, you’ll find many videos about the E-2 visa.

1. Why M&D Florida Services?  Our expertise is your key

Why should you take this important step with M&D Florida Services? Because we offer more than just advice.

• Specific experience & success: We have specialized in the E-2 visa for over 6 years. During this time, we have successfully guided over 300 clients from Germany, Austria, Switzerland, and other countries on their way to the E-2 visa and their new life in the U.S. Our clients are active in over 35 U.S. states plus Washington D.C. – we know the U.S. far beyond Florida!

• My qualifications - your advantage:
  • I took this path myself with my family. I know the hurdles and the joys.
  • I studied in the U.S. myself and earned my Bachelor’s  and  my Master’s here at the University of South Carolina. So I know the American system not only as a consultant but also from the inside.
  • Unique advantage: Through my company Daniel Dolamic LLC, I am also licensed as a business broker here in Florida. That means: We can not only advise you strategically but also practically support you in the search, evaluation, and purchase of a suitable business for your E-2 visa. This is an integrated service you won’t often find.
  • Proof of quality: And perhaps the most important point that underscores our expertise: Due to our successful work with E-2 investors – that is, the demonstrably positive impact of our clients on the US economy through investments and job creation – the US immigration authority USCIS itself granted me a Green Card through the demanding EB-2 National Interest Waiver (NIW) process. This is not an automatic path for E-2 investors but an acknowledgment that the  results of our work  – meaning the successful businesses of our clients – are in the national interest of the USA. This is the best proof for you that we know what matters for a successful E-2 application.

• Strong network: Over the years, we have built a valuable network of experienced immigration lawyers, tax advisors (CPAs), formation agents, and many other contacts that we leverage for you.

• Comprehensive services: From the initial idea to company formation (in all 50 states!), the professional business plan, through to support after visa issuance – we offer you the complete package.

• Honesty & authenticity: What you see with us

On our YouTube channel, you’ll find several interviews with clients who have taken their path with M&D. They share their experiences, challenges, and successes.

One thing is very important to us: authenticity. All success stories and interviews you see and hear from us are from  real  clients that  we personally advised. We want to give you a genuine insight into how the process works and what life here can be like – transparent and honest. That’s why the videos with our clients are not scripted or created with prearranged questions.

We don’t make unrealistic promises. The path to the E-2 visa requires commitment and solid planning. But we promise to support you with all our experience and dedication and to give you a realistic assessment of your chances. You can rely on that.

• E-2 visa, DV lottery & Green Card: how do they relate?

Many wonder: How does the E-2 visa fit with the DV lottery? And what about the Green Card? Let’s clarify that.

• E-2 application after DV participation: Can you apply for an E-2 visa even if you applied for the lottery (and maybe didn’t win)? The answer is clear: yes! Simply participating in the lottery is usually not a problem for a later E-2 application. Authorities know that the lottery is just one of many options.
• DV participation with E-2 visa: Are you allowed as an E-2 visa holder to continue participating in the DV lottery? Again: yes, this is allowed. The E-2 visa requires intent to leave the USA after status expires, but applying for the lottery is generally considered speculative and doesn’t contradict that intent for E-2 purposes.
• DV win during E-2 stay: What happens if the incredible happens and you win the lottery while already living and working in the USA with an E-2 visa? Then you have the possibility to file an Adjustment of Status (AOS) application directly in the USA. This means you apply for the Green Card at USCIS with form I-485, without having to leave the country. Time factor is critical: this process must be fully completed by September 30 of the relevant DV fiscal year. We even had a client who won the lottery while his E-2 application was pending. His E-2 visa was still approved, and he later successfully adjusted his status to Green Card. This shows both are possible in parallel but require careful planning.
• E-2 visa and the path to the Green Card: Now the perhaps most important question for many: Does the E-2 visa lead to a Green Card? We have to be honest: The E-2 visa is a  non-immigrant visa. There is  no direct, automatic  path from the E-2 visa to the Green Card.

BUT: A successful E-2 business  can  open doors and  enable  indirect ways to the Green Card. These are individual and often complex processes, but here are some examples without giving legal advice or making promises:

• EB-5 investor Green Card: If you increase your investment significantly (currently $800,000 in certain areas or $1.05 million otherwise) and demonstrably create at least 10 full-time jobs for US citizens, you could later  qualify  for an EB-5 Green Card.
• EB-1, EB-2, EB-3 (employment-based): If you or your spouse have extraordinary ability (EB-1), an advanced degree (EB-2), or certain professional qualifications (EB-3)  and  a US employer is willing to sponsor you (which mostly requires a complex labor certification, PERM), pathways may arise here.
• EB-2 National Interest Waiver (NIW): This is the path I took. If you can prove that your activity (e.g., through your successful E-2 business) is of substantial national interest to the USA and you have outstanding abilities or an advanced degree, you can under certain circumstances apply for a Green Card via the EB-2 NIW process – even without an employer sponsor. But this is a very demanding process requiring a high qualification and significant contribution to the US economy or society.
• Family-based Green Card: If you have a close relative (spouse, parents, child over 21) who is a US citizen, or a spouse who is a Green Card holder, a pathway to the Green Card might result.
• DV lottery: And of course, the possibility always remains during your E-2 stay to still win the lottery and do the Adjustment of Status as discussed.

Again: These are only possible  perspectives, no guarantees. Each case is different and must be examined individually, ideally with an experienced immigration lawyer.

• Conclusion: Don’t give up, become active!

So, what do we take away? Even if the door of the DV lottery remained closed for you this time – your dream of a life in the USA doesn’t have to end with that!

The E-2 visa is a strong, realistic, and above all, a plannable alternative. It puts control back into your hands. It requires initiative, planning, and of course an investment, but it is a path you can actively shape.

The process can be complex, yes. But you don’t have to go it alone. With our specific E-2 expertise, my very personal experience as a family man who took this step himself, my license as a business broker, and our established network, we at M&D Florida Services are ready to support you on your path – from the first idea to a successful start in the USA and beyond.

Don’t give up your dream. Learn about the E-2 visa. Talk to us. It could be exactly  your  path to the USA!

• Your next step: here’s what’s next!

Are you curious? Want to learn more? Here are some concrete next steps for you:

1. Free E-2 guide: Download our comprehensive, free E-2 visa guide. There you’ll find all important information, requirements, and tips summarized compactly. The link is here:    https://mailchi.mp/95d7b7c1178d/e2-visum-guide

1. Subscribe to YouTube channel: If you want to see more videos like this – about the E-2 visa, company formation, life in the USA, and of course more interviews with our clients – then subscribe to our channel now: https://www.youtube.com/MDFloridaServicesInc

1. Free initial consultation: Do you already have more specific questions or want to discuss your personal situation? First fill out our questionnaire and then book your appointment. Together we’ll see if the E-2 visa could be suitable for you.

1. Our websites: Visit us online! At  https://md-florida.com  you’ll find everything about our E-2 visa consulting. And if you are specifically interested in buying or selling a business in Florida, check out  https://danieldolamic.com  - this is our business brokerage site