The Diversity Visa Lottery, more commonly known as the DV Lottery or Green Card Lottery, is one of the most competitive immigration pathways to the United States. Each year, the programme allocates immigrant visas to applicants from countries with historically low levels of immigration to the US. Successful applicants, and their immediate family members, are given the opportunity to apply for permanent residency—allowing them to live and work lawfully in the United States.
What this article is about: This guide explains the DV Lottery in detail, including its purpose, who can apply, the eligibility requirements, how to complete the application correctly, and what happens if you are selected. It provides practical information to avoid disqualification, prepare for interviews, and understand the responsibilities that come with US permanent residency.
The DV Lottery is not a guaranteed route and demand far exceeds the number of visas available. For many, however, it is a rare chance to access permanent residence without employer or family sponsorship. Understanding the rules, timelines, and legal requirements is critical for anyone considering entry into the lottery.
Section A: Understanding the DV Lottery
The Diversity Visa (DV) Lottery is a programme in US immigration law designed to diversify the immigrant population by selecting applicants from countries with historically low rates of migration to the United States. It was established under the Immigration Act of 1990 and is administered annually by the US Department of State.
Under INA §203(c), up to 55,000 diversity immigrant visas are authorised each fiscal year, but since the implementation of NACARA allocations, **approximately 50,000 visas are effectively available** to DV selectees. These are distributed among six geographic regions, with limits on the number issued to any one country in a given year.
1. What is the Diversity Visa Lottery?
The DV Lottery is a computer-randomized selection process. Eligible applicants submit their entries online during the annual entry period, typically in the autumn. Unlike employment-based or family-sponsored routes, the DV Lottery does not require a US employer or relative to file a petition. Entrants selected in the draw—“selectees”—may then apply for an immigrant visa abroad or, if eligible and lawfully present in the US, for adjustment of status.
2. Why the US uses the DV Lottery
US immigration policy heavily features family and employment categories. The DV programme complements these by broadening the geographic diversity of permanent residents, creating opportunities for people from under-represented nations and contributing to the social and economic mix of new immigrants.
3. Number of visas available and country eligibility
Each year about **50,000** DV numbers are practically available after accounting for NACARA. Country eligibility is reassessed annually. If more than 50,000 nationals of a country have immigrated to the US in family and employment categories over the preceding five years, that country is excluded for the upcoming DV cycle. By way of example, large-flow countries such as India, China (mainland-born), Mexico and the Philippines are frequently ineligible. The **United Kingdom (excluding Northern Ireland) is typically ineligible**, while **Northern Ireland remains eligible** as a distinct exception. Always check the official instructions for the relevant DV year before entering; submitting from an ineligible country results in automatic disqualification.
Section B: Eligibility Requirements
Although the DV Lottery is open to millions worldwide, strict eligibility rules govern who may apply. Failure to meet these requirements, or submitting inaccurate information, will lead to disqualification. Applicants must review the criteria carefully before submitting an entry.
1. Country of origin requirements
The most important factor is the applicant’s country of birth, not citizenship or current residence. Only those born in countries listed as eligible in the annual programme instructions may enter. If an applicant’s country of birth is not eligible, there are two alternatives:
– Spousal cross-chargeability: If your spouse was born in an eligible country, you may claim their country of birth, provided both spouses are listed on the entry and issued visas together.
– Parental cross-chargeability: If neither of your parents was born in or legally resident in your country of birth, you may claim the country of birth of one parent if that country is eligible.
These exceptions are tightly defined and must be used correctly. Any error will result in disqualification.
2. Education or work experience criteria
In addition to country eligibility, applicants must meet minimum education or work standards:
– A high school education or its equivalent (completion of a 12-year course of elementary and secondary education comparable to a US high school diploma).
– Alternatively, two years of work experience in the past five years in an occupation requiring at least two years of training or experience. The US Department of Labor’s O*NET database is used to verify qualifying occupations.
Applicants without either qualification will be refused at interview, regardless of other circumstances.
3. Common disqualification factors
Frequent reasons for rejection include:
– Submitting multiple entries in the same year (only one per person is permitted).
– Providing incorrect personal details such as name, marital status or date of birth.
– Uploading photographs that fail to meet official specifications.
– Using false or fraudulent documents to satisfy education or work experience requirements.
Accuracy and honesty are vital. The Department of State uses advanced systems to detect duplicate entries and inconsistencies.
Section B Summary
To qualify, applicants must be born in an eligible country and meet either the education or work experience requirements. Spousal or parental cross-chargeability is available in limited situations. Errors, multiple entries or fraudulent information almost always result in disqualification.
Section C: The Application Process
Applying for the DV Lottery is free and straightforward, but it must be done precisely according to the US Department of State’s instructions. Because the process is entirely electronic, any deviation from requirements results in disqualification.
1. How and when to apply online
Entries are submitted electronically through the official US State Department DV Lottery website. The entry period usually opens in early October and closes in early November. Paper applications are not accepted.
Upon submission, applicants receive a unique confirmation number. This is the only way to check an entry’s status and must be retained carefully. Neither the State Department nor US embassies send confirmation emails or letters. All results are available solely through the Entrant Status Check system on the official website.
2. Required information and documents
The online entry form requires accurate personal information, including:
– Full legal name (as shown on the passport)
– Date and place of birth
– Gender
– Marital status and details of spouse and children (if applicable)
– Contact details
– Digital photographs meeting strict technical requirements
Photographs are a common reason for rejection. They must comply with the official size, resolution and recency rules, similar to those used for US visas and passports.
Unlike the rescinded 2021 requirement, a valid passport is **not required at the entry stage**. However, a valid, unexpired passport is mandatory later in the process if selected.
3. Avoiding scams and fraudulent services
Because of its popularity, the DV Lottery attracts widespread fraud. Applicants should be alert to websites or agencies claiming to guarantee selection or charging for entry. The US government does not charge any fee to submit an entry.
Fraudulent emails are also common. The US government never notifies winners by email. Entrant Status Check is the only legitimate method to confirm selection.
Section C Summary
The DV Lottery application is free, must be submitted online during the official entry period, and requires accurate information and photographs. Applicants should safeguard their confirmation number, disregard unofficial communications and avoid fraudulent agencies. A passport is required later in the process, but not at the entry stage.
Section D: Selection and Next Steps
Winning the DV Lottery does not automatically grant a Green Card. Selection only provides the opportunity to apply for an immigrant visa or, if eligible and present in the US, for adjustment of status. All applicants must still satisfy statutory requirements before being issued permanent residency.
1. How winners are chosen
Selections are made by a computer-generated random draw. Each valid entry has an equal chance of selection within its region. Results are typically released the following May, and applicants must use their confirmation number to check online.
The number of selectees usually exceeds the number of visas available, since some will not proceed or will be found ineligible. Acting quickly and following instructions is therefore crucial.
2. What to do if you are selected
Selectees must complete the DS-260 Immigrant Visa Application online. Depending on their location, they will either:
– Attend a consular interview abroad, or
– Apply for adjustment of status through USCIS if lawfully present in the US.
Required documentation includes:
– Valid passport
– Birth certificates
– Marriage and divorce records (if applicable)
– Police certificates from each country of residence for more than 6 months since age 16
– Military records (if applicable)
All documents must be authentic, complete and translated if not in English.
3. Consular interview, medical exam, and final approval
Applicants must undergo a medical examination by an authorised physician before attending their interview at a US consulate or embassy. During the interview, a consular officer assesses eligibility, reviews documentation, and determines whether to issue the immigrant visa.
If approved abroad, the visa is placed in the applicant’s passport and they may travel to the United States to be admitted as a lawful permanent resident. If adjusting status inside the US, USCIS will issue the Green Card once processing is complete.
Eligible family members listed on the original entry may also qualify, provided they attend their own interviews and meet all requirements.
Section D Summary
Selection is only the first step. Selectees must complete the DS-260, submit extensive documentation, pass a medical exam, and attend an interview before approval. Careful preparation and timely action are vital to avoid losing the opportunity.
FAQs
What are the chances of winning the DV Lottery?
The odds vary each year depending on regional quotas and the number of entries. Millions apply annually, meaning the overall chance of selection is low—often less than 1%. Every eligible entry within a region, however, has the same probability.
Can I apply more than once?
No. Only one entry per person is allowed each year. Multiple entries result in automatic disqualification. Married couples may each submit their own entry if both meet the criteria, which doubles the family’s overall chance.
What happens if I make a mistake in my application?
Minor errors may not always disqualify an application, but inaccuracies in critical details—such as name, date of birth or marital status—can lead to refusal. Applicants must take great care to complete the form accurately.
Do family members get visas if I win?
Yes. A spouse and unmarried children under 21 can be included as derivatives, provided they were listed on the original entry. Each family member must meet eligibility requirements and attend a consular interview or adjustment process.
Is there a fee to enter the DV Lottery?
No. Entry is free. Fees are only payable later in the process if selected, at the immigrant visa or adjustment of status stage. Any request for payment at the entry stage is fraudulent.
Conclusion
The Diversity Visa Lottery provides a rare route to US permanent residency without employer sponsorship or family ties. For many, it is the only pathway available, but it is highly competitive and requires strict compliance with the rules.
Applicants must first confirm eligibility based on country of birth and education or work experience, then submit a complete and accurate entry during the official registration period. Selection is only the first step. Winners must file the DS-260, gather documentary evidence, attend a medical examination and interview, and satisfy all statutory requirements before being issued a Green Card.
The programme is free to enter and transparent, but it is unforgiving of mistakes and a frequent target of fraudulent actors. Success therefore depends not only on being selected, but also on diligent preparation and compliance with US immigration law at every stage.
Glossary
| DV Lottery | The Diversity Visa Lottery, an annual programme run by the US Department of State allocating immigrant visas to applicants from under-represented countries. |
| Diversity Visa | The immigrant visa issued under the DV Lottery programme, allowing the holder to apply for permanent residency (Green Card) in the United States. |
| Consular Interview | The in-person interview at a US consulate or embassy where visa eligibility and documents are assessed. |
| Visa Bulletin | A monthly publication by the US Department of State showing visa number availability and priority dates, including for DV selectees. |
| USCIS | United States Citizenship and Immigration Services, the federal agency responsible for administering immigration benefits such as Green Cards, naturalisation and asylum. |
Useful Links
| US State Department DV Lottery Page | Official entry portal and instructions for the Diversity Visa Lottery. |
| USCIS – Green Card Information | Guidance on Green Cards, adjustment of status and immigration benefits. |
| US Embassy & Consulates Worldwide | Local information on interviews, medical exams and visa processing. |
| Visa Bulletin | Monthly publication of immigrant visa availability by the US Department of State. |
Author
Founder & Principal Attorney Nita Nicole Upadhye is a recognized leader in the field of US business immigration law, (The Legal 500, Chambers & Partners, Who's Who Legal and AILA) and an experienced and trusted advisor to large multinational corporates through to SMEs. She provides strategic immigration advice and specialist application support to corporations and professionals, entrepreneurs, investors, artists, actors and athletes from across the globe to meet their US-bound talent mobility needs.
Nita is an active public speaker, thought leader, immigration commentator, and immigration policy contributor and regularly hosts training sessions for employers and HR professionals.