This year's list of countries whose natives qualify for the lottery is the same as last year's. Natives of all countries can get DV-2011 lottery green cards EXCEPT Brazil, Canada, China (mainland-born), Colombia, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, El Salvador, Guatemala, Haiti, India, Jamaica, Mexico, Pakistan, Philippines, Peru, Poland, South Korea, United Kingdom (except Northern Ireland) and its dependent territories, and Vietnam. Those born in Hong Kong SAR, Macau SAR and Taiwan ARE eligible.

Here are the answers to more of your questions about the green-card lottery:

Q: Can you explain who qualifies as a "native" of a qualifying country?

A: The lottery rules define "native" in a special way. Under these rules, you are a native of a qualifying country if you were born in a qualifying country, your husband or wife was born in a qualifying country, or your parent was born in a qualifying country and you were born in a nonqualifying country in which neither parent was born nor resided at the time of your birth.

If you win the lottery, your spouse and unmarried children under 21 may also qualify for lottery green cards.

Q: May I submit green-card lottery applications for family members living outside the United States?

A: Yes, you may submit lottery entries for your family and friends abroad. You'll need to submit digital photos of each family member. If your family and friends don't have digital cameras, have them send you photos and then scan them into a computer file.

Q: I'm not working. If I win the lottery, can I still get a green card?

A: You can get a lottery green card despite being unemployed if you can nevertheless prove that you can live in the United States without requiring need-based public assistance. One way is to have a close relative or friend submit an affidavit of support for you. Unlike in family immigration cases, you can use the nonbinding U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services Form I-134, Affidavit of Support. By "nonbinding," I mean that the affidavit doesn't legally obligate your friend or relative to support you. That's why an affidavit from a close relative is best. Another way of proving that you won't become a public charge is through a job offer. Finally, you can provide proof that you have sufficient savings and other assets to live in the United States without needing public assistance.

Q: I have seen several online services for lottery entry. If I pay them to help, will that increase my chances of getting selected?

A: No! Most of these online services are rip-offs. Filing online is no more difficult than completing the forms required by the online services. I've visited a few sites that readers have asked about. Much of the information they provide is wrong. If you think you need help with your lottery entry, try one of the many not-for-profit agencies. Some provide free services; others ask for a small fee.

Q: How will I find out whether I won the green-card lottery?

A: Sometime this spring, the U.S. Department of State will notify winners by regular mail. YOU WILL NOT RECEIVE NOTICE BY E-MAIL. In recent years, immigrants were plagued by e-mail scams claiming they won the lottery and asking for money. I received one myself. Don't be fooled by these con artists!