The Diversity Visa (DV) Lottery Program may be your best option if you’ve always wanted to live and work legally in the United States. Through this free and random lottery system, the U.S. government offers up to 55,000 green cards annually
However, how does it operate? And how can you improve your chances of getting chosen? This guide provides all the answers you need and takes you step-by-step through the DV lottery application process.
Q: What Is the Diversity Visa Lottery?
A: The Diversity Visa Lottery, otherwise known as the Green Card Lottery, is a U.S. government program that offers people from countries with low immigration rates the opportunity to live permanently in America.
If you win the lottery, you get a green card.
Winners of the lottery:
- Receive a U.S. green card
- Can live and work legally in the U.S.
- May apply for U.S. citizenship later
The program is run by the U.S. Department of State and opens once a year—usually in October.
Q: Who Can Apply for the DV Lottery?
A: Not everyone is eligible. To apply, you must meet two major requirements:
1. Country of Birth
You must be born in a country that qualifies. The U.S. excludes countries that have sent over 50,000 immigrants in the past five years. Commonly excluded countries include:
- Mexico
- India
- China
- Nigeria
- Canada
- The United Kingdom (except Northern Ireland)
Each year, the eligible country list is updated. If your country is excluded, you may still qualify through your spouse or parents if they were born in a qualifying country.
2. Education or Work Experience
You must have either:
- A high school diploma or its equivalent (12 years of elementary + secondary education), or
- Two years of work experience in the past five years in a job that requires at least two years of training or experience
- If you don’t meet one of these, your entry will be disqualified—even if you’re randomly selected.
Q: How Do I Apply for the Diversity Visa Lottery?
A: The application process is completely free and only available online. Here’s how to apply:
Step 1: Go to the Official Website
Only apply through the U.S. State Department’s official site: dvprogram.state.gov
Beware of scams and third-party sites that charge money. The real application is 100% free.
Step 2: Submit Your Entry During the Open Period
The lottery usually opens in early October and closes in early November. You must apply during this window. Late entries are not accepted.
Step 3: Fill Out the DV Entry Form (Form DS-5501)
This online form asks for basic details like:
- Full name
- Date and place of birth
- Gender
- Country of eligibility
- Passport number (from most countries)
- Highest education level
- Marital status
- Number of children
Step 4: Upload a Digital Photo
You must submit a recent passport-style photo of yourself, your spouse, and all unmarried children under 21. It must follow strict guidelines:
- Taken within the last 6 months
- No glasses
- White background
- Straight-on view of the face
Photos that don’t meet the rules can disqualify your entry.
Step 5: Save Your Confirmation Number
After you submit, you’ll get a confirmation number. Save this! It’s the only way to check your results later. The government doesn’t email or call you if you win.
Q: When and How Do I Check My Lottery Results?
A: You’ll need to check your status in May of the following year.
Go to dvprogram.state.gov and use your confirmation number to see if you’ve been selected. If you win, you’ll get instructions for applying for your immigrant visa.
Selection doesn’t guarantee a green card—you’ll still need to pass interviews, medical exams, and background checks.
Q: What Happens If I’m Selected?
A: If you win, here’s what comes next:
- File Form DS-260, the immigrant visa application
- Prepare supporting documents, including birth certificates, police records, and medical exams
- Attend a visa interview at the U.S. embassy or consulate in your country
- If approved, you’ll receive your immigrant visa
- You must enter the U.S. within 6 months of visa issuance to activate your green card
You can also include your spouse and children (under 21 and unmarried) in your application.
Q: What If I am Not selected?
A: Don’t give up. The DV program is random, and millions of people apply each year. You can try again next year—as long as your country remains eligible.
In the meantime, explore other U.S. immigration options like:
- Employment-based visas
- Family sponsorship
- Student visas
- Asylum (if applicable)
Q: Can I Apply More Than Once a Year?
A: No. You can only submit one entry per year. If you apply more than once, you will be disqualified entirely—even if it was an accident.
However, married couples can each submit a separate entry and list the other spouse as a dependent, effectively doubling their chances.
Q: Can I Apply from Inside the U.S.?
A: Yes. You can apply whether you’re abroad or already inside the U.S. on a temporary visa. But if you win, you must meet all legal requirements and be eligible to adjust your status to permanent resident.
Final Thoughts
Applying for the Diversity Visa Lottery Program is one of the easiest and most affordable ways to try for a green card. It requires no fee, no sponsor, and no job offer. But you must follow the rules exactly—one mistake can cost you the opportunity.
If you’re eligible and the application window is open, don’t wait. Prepare your documents, photos, and personal info ahead of time so you can submit it early.
For guidance, visit Immigration Question to connect with a trusted immigration attorney who can review your eligibility or help if you’re selected.
