Each year, 55,000 immigrant visas are made available through a Diversity Visa Lottery to natives of countries with low rates of immigration to the United States.
The US Department of State selects applications randomly from all qualified entries.
When are applications accepted?
Diversity Visa Lottery entries for the federal fiscal year 2027 are expected to be accepted beginning in early October 2025, typically around 12:00 noon Eastern Daylight Time, and will close in early November 2025 at 12:00 noon Eastern Standard Time. Exact dates will be confirmed by the U.S. Department of State closer to the official registration launch.
Who can apply for a Diversity Visa?
A DV lottery applicant must possess a valid and unexpired passport as well as either a high school diploma or two years of qualifying work experience within the past five years.
Please note that spouses can each file a Green card lottery application if they each meet the DV lottery eligibility requirements independently. If one spouse is selected, both will be eligible for green cards, as will all their minor children.
A “winner” can save his/her employer significant time, money, and aggravation by avoiding the normal green card lottery process. Applicants currently possessing H or L visas need not worry about concurrently stating immigrant and nonimmigrant intent. Applicants currently possessing other types of visas should review this issue carefully before applying for the lottery.
How can one apply for the Diversity Lottery?
Foreign nationals eligible and interested in applying can find additional information on the State Department’s Diversity Visa Lottery website, including the DV Lottery Registration Form that must be completed online. There is no cost for foreign nationals to register for the Diversity Visa Lottery.
Entrants will be able to check the status of their Diversity Visa applications and determine if they have been selected beginning May 3, 2025.
What happens after an applicant receives a lottery selection?
A lottery applicant selected in the Diversity Visa (DV) Program will be given the opportunity to begin the application process for U.S. permanent residence (a Green Card) on his or her own behalf and on behalf of their spouse and any unmarried children under the age of 21. The principal applicant is responsible for ensuring that all eligibility and documentation requirements are met.
If selected in the Green Card Lottery, the applicant must pay the required non-immigrant visa and immigrant visa fees as part of the formal application and interview process administered by the U.S. Department of State.
If permanent residence is granted (i.e., the issuance of a Green Card), the DV program winner will receive legal status authorizing them to live and work permanently in the United States.
Late entries or incomplete documentation after selection may result in disqualification, so it is crucial to follow all instructions carefully and meet submission deadlines set by the Department of State.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Diversity Visa Lottery?
The Diversity Visa (DV) Lottery, also known as the DV Program, is a U.S. government initiative administered by the Department of State that provides a path to lawful permanent residency (Green Card) for individuals from countries with historically low immigration rates to the United States.
Who is eligible for the DV Lottery?
Applicants must be from a country on the DV Lottery eligible countries list and must have either a high school education or two years of qualifying work experience. Each year, the U.S. Department of State publishes the US visa lottery eligible countries list. For the most recent program, eligible countries include: Argentina, Egypt, Nepal, Ukraine, Thailand, Albania, Kenya and Uzbekistan. The principal applicant must meet all eligibility criteria at the time of entry.
What happens if I make a mistake on my DV Lottery entry?
If you submit incorrect or incomplete information, your entry may be disqualified. You cannot correct an entry after submission. It's important to carefully review your DV Program application before submitting, as the application process does not allow for changes or edits once filed.
Can I submit more than one entry to increase my chances?
No. Submitting more than one entry per person in a given year will disqualify all entries. However, both spouses may submit one entry each if both meet eligibility requirements. Duplicate or late entries will be automatically rejected.
Are there any costs to apply for the Green Card Lottery?
There is no fee to submit a DV Lottery application, but if selected, applicants must pay the standard nonimmigrant visa and immigrant visa fees as part of the formal immigration process.