The U.S. welcomes thousands of immigrants through the Diversity Immigrant Visa (DV) Program, also known as the Green Card Lottery. There are 55,000 immigrant visas available annually. The DV Lottery allows people from countries with low U.S. immigration rates to live and work permanently in the United States.
This blog answers your immigration questions about the DV Lottery. It covers what you need to know and how Immigration Question can help you get legal guidance from a verified immigration lawyer.
What is the Diversity Visa Lottery?
The Diversity Visa Lottery is an annual program organized by the U.S. Department of State. It is to promote diversity among immigrants to the United States by offering visas to individuals from countries with historically low rates of immigration to the U.S.
Selected applicants receive a diversity visa, granting them and eligible family members the chance to become permanent residents.
Who Can Apply for Diversity Visa Lottery?
Applicants must meet two essential requirements to qualify for the DV Lottery:
1. Country of Origin
You must be a native of a country eligible for the DV Lottery in the year you apply. The list of eligible countries changes annually based on immigration trends.
Check the 2026 DV Lottery instructions from the U.S. Department of State to see the most recent eligible countries.
2. Education or Work Experience
You must meet at least one of the following:
- Have a high school education or equivalent, meaning successful completion of a formal 12-year course of study comparable to U.S. standards (G.E.D. certificates do not qualify).
- Have two years of work experience within the last five years in a qualifying occupation that requires at least two years of training or experience. Check out qualifying occupations in the Department of Labor’s O*Net database.
Only the principal applicant must meet these requirements. Spouses and children do not need to fulfill them.
How to Apply for the DV Lottery
1. Submit an Entry
Submit your entry electronically at the Electronic Diversity Visa (E-DV) website during the open registration period.
Note that:
- Only one entry per person is allowed. Submitting multiple entries will disqualify you.
- Late or paper submissions are not accepted.
2. Check Your Entry Status
After submission, use the Entrant Status Check on the E-DV website to find out if you were selected. You will need your confirmation number received at the time of entry.
If selected, you will get instructions on the next steps, including fees and documents.
What Happens After Selection?
3. Submit Form DS-260
The next step is to complete the Online Immigrant Visa Application (Form DS-260) for yourself and all accompanying family members.
You will need your DV case number to access the form. Be sure to:
- Update family details if you got married or had children since applying.
- Provide documents that prove relationships, such as birth or marriage certificates.
- Please print the form DS-260 confirmation page, as you will need it for your visa interview.
4. Gather Required Documents
Take the following original documents to your visa interview:
- Birth Certificate
- Criminal Records (if applicable)
- Military Records
- Police Certificate
- Passport valid for 6 months beyond intended entry date
- Medical exam results
- Two passport photographs
- Form DS-260 confirmation page
- Interview Appointment letter
5. Attend the Visa Interview
You will receive an email with instructions on how to log into the E-DV website and check your interview date and location. Once your visa number is available, your interview will be scheduled to be held at a U.S. embassy or consulate.
Visa numbers are distributed monthly and published in the Visa Bulletin, according to the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA).
6. Pay the Fees
There are no fees required to submit an entry. However, selected applicants must pay the Diversity visa application fee before the interview. This fee is non-refundable even if a visa is not issued.
Get Legal Help for Your DV Lottery Application
An Immigration Question Attorney can help you through the Diversity Visa process. Immigration Question connects you with professional legal assistance to help you:
- Understand eligibility
- Prepare and review your entry
- Complete Form DS-260
- Gather supporting documents
- Prepare for the interview
Let an experienced Immigration Question lawyer help you maximize your chances. Visit Immigration Question today.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Diversity Visa Lottery Program
1. Can I reschedule my Diversity Visa interview appointment?
If you cannot attend your scheduled interview, contact the U.S. Embassy or Consulate listed on your appointment letter as soon as possible to request a reschedule. Delaying your appointment may affect visa availability, so act fast.
2. Can my wife or children get the DV lottery?
If you got married or had children after submitting your original entry, you can add them to your case. They may qualify for a diversity visa if you provide proof of the relationship.
However, if your spouse or children existed at the time of your DV entry and were not listed, your case may be disqualified due to misrepresentation.
3. How much does it cost to get the DV lottery?
There is no fee to enter the Diversity Visa Lottery. However, if you are selected, you must pay the non-refundable visa application fee before your interview. Additional costs may include medical exams, document translations, and travel.
4. What if I missed the DV entry deadline?
You must wait until the next program opens. The U.S. Department of State announces DV Lottery instructions and timelines each year. Keep up with Immigration Question news to stay updated on deadlines and avoid missing out.
5. Can I submit more than one entry for the DV lottery?
The law allows only one entry per person. Submitting multiple entries will result in disqualification. However, spouses can each apply individually and list the other as a derivative.
6. Will I get an email or phone call if I am selected?
You must check your status only on the official Electronic Diversity Visa (E-DV) website using your confirmation number.
8. Do I need a lawyer for my DV Lottery Application?
You do not need a lawyer to submit your entry. However, if selected, many applicants find it helpful to work with an experienced Immigration Question Attorney to make accurate submissions
