For many people around the world, moving to the United States is a lifelong dream. However, without a job offer, family sponsorship, or a special category visa, that dream can feel out of reach. The American Diversity Visa (DV) Lottery, commonly known as the Green Card Lottery, is one of the most accessible legal pathways to permanent residency in the U.S.
Every year, the U.S. government makes up to 55,000 immigrant visas available through this program. The goal is to diversify immigration by giving people from countries with historically low migration rates to the U.S. a fair chance to live and work permanently in America.
This guide provides everything you need to know about the American Diversity Visa Lottery: eligibility rules, application steps, required documents, how to check results, and what happens if you are selected.
What is the DV Lottery and Who is Eligible?
The Diversity Visa Lottery is officially administered by the U.S. Department of State. Those selected and approved through the program are offered the opportunity to apply for a Green Card, which provides:
- The right to live and work permanently in the United States.
- Access to better education, healthcare, and job opportunities.
- The possibility of applying for U.S. citizenship after meeting residency requirements.
Country Eligibility
Only applicants from countries with low immigration numbers to the U.S. can apply. The list of eligible countries changes every year. Countries such as India, China, Mexico, Nigeria, and the Philippines are often excluded due to their high number of U.S. immigrants. Always check the official eligibility list before submitting your entry.
Education or Work Experience Requirements
To qualify, applicants must have:
- At least a high school diploma or equivalent, OR
- Two years of work experience in the past five years in an occupation that requires at least two years of training or experience.
Failure to meet these basic requirements leads to automatic disqualification, even if you are selected in the lottery.
READ: Top 5 USA Visa Types You Can Get Without an Employer Sponsorship
When and How to Apply for the DV Lottery
The DV Lottery typically opens once a year, between early October and early November. Applications must be submitted online only through the official website: dvprogram.state.gov.
Key Rules to Remember
- It’s free to apply. Avoid unofficial websites or agents that charge fees or make false promises.
- Only one entry per person per year is allowed. Duplicate entries result in disqualification.
- Married couples can each apply separately if both meet the eligibility requirements. This effectively doubles their chances.
The Application Form (DS-5501)
The online entry form requires detailed personal information, including:
- Full legal name (as shown on your passport)
- Date and place of birth
- Country of eligibility
- Valid passport details (unless exempt)
- Recent digital photographs (meeting strict U.S. visa photo standards)
- Education level and work details
- Marital status and number of children
- Current contact details (mailing address, phone, and active email)
Accuracy is critical. Small errors like typos, incorrect birth dates, or outdated photos can result in rejection.
What Happens After You Apply?
After submission, the system generates a confirmation page with a unique confirmation number. Save and print this number, it is the only way to check your results.
The U.S. government does not send emails, letters, or calls to notify winners. If you receive any such message, it is a scam. Always check your status yourself.
How and When to Check Your DV Lottery Results
Results are usually released the following May, around six months after the application period closes. The results remain available until the end of September of the processing year.
To check your status, go to the official Entrant Status Check portal on dvprogram.state.gov and enter:
- Your confirmation number
- Last name
- Year of birth
If selected, you’ll see instructions on the next steps. If not selected, the system will display a clear message.
What to Do If You’re Selected in the DV Lottery
Winning the DV Lottery is only the first step. Selection makes you eligible to apply for a Green Card, but you must still go through the visa application and interview process.
Complete Form DS-260
Fill out the DS-260 immigrant visa application online through the Consular Electronic Application Center (CEAC). Make sure the information matches your original DV entry.
Gather Required Documents
Prepare the following:
- Valid passport
- Birth certificate
- Police clearance certificates
- Medical exam results (from an approved U.S. physician)
- Marriage/divorce certificates if applicable
- Proof of education or work experience
- Passport-size photos
Attend Your Visa Interview
You will be scheduled for an interview at a U.S. embassy or consulate. The consular officer will review your documents, ask questions, and decide if your visa is approved.
Pay the Fees
The current immigrant visa fee is around $330 per applicant. Payment is usually made at the embassy or consulate on the interview day.
Travel to the U.S.
If approved, your visa will be placed in your passport, and you’ll receive a sealed immigration packet. You must enter the U.S. before the visa expiration date. Once admitted, your Green Card will be mailed to your U.S. address.
READ: USA Job Grant Visa Sponsorship Opportunities 2025/2026: Complete Guide for International Workers
Important Reminders About the DV Lottery
Before you submit your DV Lottery application, it’s important to keep a few key reminders in mind. These details can help you avoid mistakes, stay within the rules, and improve your chances of being selected.
- Only use the official U.S. State Department website.
- Never pay anyone to “guarantee” selection, the process is random.
- Avoid submitting multiple entries per year.
- Always use updated photos that meet U.S. visa requirements.
- Selection does not guarantee a Green Card, you must still meet health, legal, and financial requirements.
- Check your results personally using your confirmation number.
The Diversity Visa Lottery is one of the most straightforward opportunities to legally immigrate to the United States. It offers hope to thousands of people worldwide who may not qualify through employment or family sponsorship routes.
However, success requires attention to detail, timely preparation, and quick action if you are selected. Apply only through the official government website, safeguard your confirmation number, and carefully follow all instructions if chosen.
For accurate and updated details, always rely on the U.S. Department of State’s official guidance, and stay alert to potential scams. By applying correctly and preparing in advance, you could be on your way to securing permanent residency and building a new future in the United States.
