How the DV Lottery works

The Diversity Visa (DV) Lottery, often called the Green Card Lottery, is a program administered by the U.S. Department of State that provides a pathway to U.S. permanent residency for individuals from countries with historically low rates of immigration to the United States. It’s a unique opportunity because it doesn’t require a family sponsor or an employer. Here’s a step-by-step breakdown of how the DV Lottery works:

1. Annual Registration Period (The Application Phase)

  • When: The registration period typically opens in early October and closes in early November each year. For instance, the DV-2026 registration period was from October 2, 2024, to November 7, 2024. Therefore, the DV-2027 registration period is anticipated to be from October 2025 to November 2025.
  • How to Apply: Eligible individuals must submit an electronic entry form online through the official U.S. Department of State’s E-DV website (dvprogram.state.gov).
  • Cost: The initial entry for the DV Lottery is free of charge.
  • Requirements:
    • Country of Nativity: You must be a native of an eligible country (countries with historically low immigration rates to the U.S.). The list of eligible countries changes annually.
    • Education or Work Experience: You must meet either of the following:
      • Have at least a high school education or its equivalent.
      • Have two years of work experience within the past five years in an occupation that requires at least two years of training or experience.
    • Photos: You must submit recent digital photographs (taken within the last six months) of yourself, your spouse, and all eligible children. These photos have very strict specifications (size, background, no glasses, etc.).
  • Important: Only one entry per person is allowed. Submitting more than one entry will lead to all your entries being disqualified. You must include all eligible family members (spouse and unmarried children under 21) on your application, even if they don’t plan to immigrate with you immediately.

2. Random Selection (The Lottery Drawing)

  • When: After the registration period closes, a computer program randomly selects a larger number of individuals (more than the 55,000 available visas) from all the eligible entries received globally. This over-selection accounts for individuals who may not pursue their visa or are found ineligible during the later stages.
  • Regional Allocation: Visas are distributed among six geographic regions, with no single country receiving more than 7% of the total available Diversity Visas in any given year.

3. Checking Results (Notification of Selection)

  • When: DV Lottery results are typically made available starting in early May of the year following the application period. For example, DV-2026 results became available on May 3, 2025. Therefore, DV-2027 results are expected to be available starting in May 2026.
  • How to Check: Applicants must check their status online using the Entrant Status Check tool on the official dvprogram.state.gov website. You will need the unique confirmation number you received when you submitted your entry.
  • No Direct Notification: The U.S. Department of State does NOT notify selected individuals by mail, email, or phone. Any such notification is a scam. It’s crucial to save your confirmation number and check the official website yourself.

4. If Selected (Further Processing Steps)

Being selected means you are eligible to apply for a Diversity Visa; it is not a guarantee that you will receive one. You must still qualify under U.S. immigration law and complete several more steps:
  • Online Immigrant Visa Application (DS-260): Selected individuals must complete and submit this detailed online application form for themselves and any accompanying family members.
  • Gathering Supporting Documents: You’ll need to collect various civil documents (birth certificates, marriage certificates, divorce decrees, police certificates from countries you’ve lived in, military records, educational diplomas, etc.).
  • Medical Examination: All applicants must undergo a medical examination by a physician approved by the U.S. Embassy or Consulate.
  • Visa Interview: You will attend an interview at a U.S. Embassy or Consulate in your country of residence. The timing of your interview depends on your case number and the availability of visas, which is published monthly in the Visa Bulletin. You must act quickly if your case number becomes current.
  • Paying Fees: Fees for the visa application and medical exam are paid at this stage, not during the initial lottery entry.

5. Visa Issuance and U.S. Entry

  • Visa Approval: If your interview is successful and you meet all requirements, the consular officer will issue the Diversity Visa, which is placed in your passport. You’ll also receive a sealed packet of documents that you must present to U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) upon arrival.
  • Becoming a Green Card Holder: Upon entry into the United States with your Diversity Visa, and successful inspection by CBP, you will officially become a Lawful Permanent Resident (Green Card holder). Your physical Green Card will then be mailed to your U.S. address.
  • Timeline: The entire process, from submitting your initial entry to receiving your Green Card, can take 18-24 months. All visa processing and entry into the U.S. must be completed by September 30 of the fiscal year for which you were selected (e.g., by September 30, 2027, for DV-2027).
The DV Lottery offers a fantastic chance for many to pursue life in the U.S., but it’s a competitive process that requires careful attention to detail at every stage
Check Your DV Lottery Eligibility & Begin Your Application Today
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