The occupation “Microbiologists” is in O*NET Job Zone 4 (Specific Vocational Preparation 7.0 to under 8.0). Two years of experience in this occupation within the last five years meets the Diversity Visa work-experience requirement. The consular officer decides at the interview, from the work you actually did and your evidence.
The facts for this occupation
| O*NET-SOC code | 19-1022.00 |
|---|---|
| Job Zone | 4 |
| Specific Vocational Preparation (SVP) | 7.0 to under 8.0 |
| Occupation group | Life, Physical, and Social Science |
| DV work-experience route | Qualifies |
What the DV rule requires
To qualify through work, the Department of State requires “two years of experience in the last five years, in an occupation which, by U.S. Department of Labor definitions, requires at least two years of training or experience that is designated as Job Zone 4 or 5, classified in a Specific Vocational Preparation (SVP) rating of 7.0 or higher.” Otherwise you need a high school education: a twelve-year course of formal elementary and secondary study comparable to a U.S. high school; equivalency certificates such as the GED are not accepted.
Department of State: confirm your qualifications ↗ · O*NET OnLine: Job Zones ↗
How to prove two years in this occupation
- Letters from your employers or trainers with their name, address and title, and a description of the work you did.
- Your start and end dates and your working hours, so the officer can count two full years within the last five years.
- A résumé, and examples of your work where they help. The burden of proof is on you.
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Questions about this occupation
Does the occupation “Microbiologists” qualify for the DV lottery?
Yes. It is in O*NET Job Zone 4, so two years of experience in it within the last five years meets the work-experience route.
What Job Zone and SVP does the occupation “Microbiologists” have?
Job Zone 4, with Specific Vocational Preparation 7.0 to under 8.0, in the O*NET 31.0 database.
How many years of experience do I need?
Two years of experience within the last five years, in an occupation in Job Zone 4 or 5 (SVP 7.0 or higher). Otherwise you need a completed twelve-year course of elementary and secondary education.
This page includes information from the O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under the CC BY 4.0 license. O*NET® is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. LotteryUSA has modified all or some of this information (it states whether each occupation meets the DV work-experience route). USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications. Retrieved 2026-10-21.