DV lottery
Last Update: July 17, 2026
The Diversity Immigrant Visa program is a U.S. government lottery program to obtain a U.S. Permanent Resident Card. A random drawing determines the winners from among the 10–12 million people who enter the lottery every year, which is also known as the green card lottery.
The United States is a country of immigrants. The number of people coming to the United States is much higher from certain countries than from others. US immigration laws regulate immigration from particular regions of the world in order to maintain diversity in the population.
Applicants from countries with low immigration numbers in the past five years may apply for the Diversity Immigrant Visa program, which provides 55,000 immigrant visas annually.
Entry is only possible through the Department of State website, which is free of charge. Fees are only required for lottery winners.
When can I apply for DV Lottery?When DV Lottery is open?
DV lottery opens every year for about a month. It is usually possible to apply between early October and early November. Only during this period will the entry form be available for submission. There will be no acceptance of entries through the U.S. Postal Service.
What are the requirements of DV lottery application?
In order to qualify for the Diversity Immigrant Visa (DV) Program, the principal applicant must
- born in an eligible country
- have a high school educations (A 12-year course of formal elementary and secondary education completed successfully) or its equivalent, or two years of qualifying work experience.
Without the required education or qualifying work experience, one is not eligible for a diversity visa. Only the principal applicant must meet the requirement. The spouse and children do not need to meet this requirement. If you do not meet the educational or work experience requirements, you might not be eligible for a diversity visa.
How DV lottery winners are selected? Is DV Lottery first come first serve? Is the DV lottery really random?
Diversity Visa lottery winners are selected randomly by a computer program with certain numbers of visas allocated to each region of the world. There is no country that receives more than 7% of the available Diversity Visas.
What documents do I need for DV Lottery?
- For registration in the DV Lottery, applicants must submit the following information:
- Last name, first name(s)
- Date, place and country of birth
- Photo (of principal applicant and any dependents)
- Address
- Educational attainment at the highest level
- Passport information (number, country of issue, and expiry date of the passport)
- Situation in marriage
- if applicable, information on children and spouse
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Before interview, you need to prepare the following documents
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Courier registration
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Visa application
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Passports
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Birth certificate
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Adoption certificate
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Marriage/divorce certificate
- Police certificate
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Court and prison records
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Military records
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Visa photo
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Evidence of financial support
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Proof of relationship
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Results of medical examination
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English translation of civil documents
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Evidence of required education or work experience
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Other documents reflecting name change
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Visa fee
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What are the next step after winning DV Lottery?
1.Fill out the online DS-260 application immediately to schedule an interview appointment with the U.S. Embassy or Consulate.
2. Confirm Your Qualifications
3. Submit Your Immigrant Visa and Alien Registration Application
4. Submit Supporting Documents(if required)
Which country is eligible for DV Lottery?
Every year is different, you may check on US government website.
How many times can I apply for DV Lottery?
Each person is only allowed to enter the Diversity Visa Lottery once per year! Anyone who submits more than one form will be disqualifed.
Can I marry after winning DV Lottery?
A US consulate interview takes place at least half a year after you win the lottery. Green Card eligibility will automatically be extended to the new family member if you marry or have a child during this time.
How long is a DV visa valid?
It is usually valid for up to six months from the date of issuance, unless your medical examination expires sooner.
Can I apply DV Lottery without education?
In order to qualify, you need a high school diploma or at least two years' experience in a position that requires two years of training.
Your DV application will not be considered if you do not meet the educational and experience requirements.
What is the age limit for DV Lottery?
While a minimum age is not required to apply, the requirement of a high school education or work experience for each principal applicant at the time of application effectively excludes most persons under the age of 18.
There are no restrictions upwards.
How do I know if my visa is approved?
The only way is to use your confirmation number to access the Entrant Status Check available on the E-DV website at dvprogram.state.gov.
Can I apply for DV lottery without passport?
No, you must have a passport.
How can I apply for U.S. lottery?
Entries for the DV program must be submitted electronically at dvprogram.state.gov in the entry period.
How can I increase my chances of winning DV Lottery?
All eligible family members should register for the lottery in order to increase your family's chances of success.
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