What Is the Diversity Visa Lottery?
The Diversity Visa Lottery, often called the Green Card Lottery, is a U.S. immigration program that gives people from countries with historically low rates of immigration to the United States a chance to become lawful permanent residents. Unlike other immigration pathways, it does not require a job offer, family sponsorship, or investment. Winners are selected through a random computerized drawing. The program is administered annually by the U.S. Department of State under the Immigration Act of 1990.
How the Diversity Visa Lottery Green Card Program Works
Each year, the U.S. Department of State accepts online registrations from eligible applicants during a designated registration period. After the registration window closes, a computer randomly selects potential winners from all eligible entries. Being selected does not automatically grant a Green Card. Selected applicants must still meet all eligibility requirements, complete the immigrant visa process, pass security and medical checks, and obtain a visa before the annual quota of Diversity Visas is exhausted.
Who Runs the Diversity Visa Lottery Program?
The DV Lottery was created by Congress under the Immigration Act of 1990 to diversify the U.S. immigrant population. The U.S. Department of State manages the program each year. It sets the eligibility rules, publishes the list of qualifying countries, conducts the lottery, and notifies selected applicants through its official online status check portal. Applicants should submit their entries only through dvprogram.state.gov.
Note: As of July 2026, the DV-2027 registration period had not yet opened, and visa issuance was temporarily paused pending a security review. It is advisable to confirm the latest updates on the Government’s official portal before publishing.
Diversity Visa Lottery Requirements
Applying for the DV Lottery is a simple online process, but applicants must follow the official instructions carefully and submit a complete entry within the registration period.
Education and Work Experience Requirements:
To qualify for this, applicants must meet one of two requirements. They must either have a high school education or its recognized equivalent, or have at least two years of work experience in the past five years in a qualifying occupation. Eligible occupations are based on the U.S. Department of Labor’s O*NET OnLine database and must fall under Job Zone 4 or 5 with an SVP rating of 7.0 or higher. Applicants do not need to submit proof of education or work experience when entering the lottery. These documents are only required if they are selected.
Photo and Document Requirements:
Each application must include a recent digital photo of the applicant and any eligible family members. Starting with DV-2027, applicants must upload a scan of the biographic and signature page of a valid, unexpired passport when submitting their entry. Limited exceptions apply to this requirement. If selected, applicants must also provide supporting documents, such as birth certificates, police clearance certificates, and education or work records, during the visa application process.
Diversity Visa Lottery Fee for Registration:
Entering the Diversity Visa Lottery was free through the DV-2026 program. Beginning with DV-2027, the U.S. Department of State introduced a non-refundable $1 diversity visa lottery registration fee. The fee must be paid online when submitting the application, and no waivers are available. This registration fee only covers entry into the lottery. Applicants who are later selected must still pay the separate immigrant visa application fee during the visa processing stage.
How to Apply for the Diversity Visa Lottery
If you meet the eligibility requirements outlined above, you can apply during the official registration period by following the steps below.
Diversity Visa Lottery Registration: Step-by-Step:
- Check your eligibility by confirming that you meet the country of birth and education or work experience requirements explained earlier.
- Gather the required documents, including the information and documents listed in the Diversity Visa Lottery Requirements section above.
- Complete the online application by submitting one entry through dvprogram.state.gov during the official registration period and paying the $1 non-refundable registration fee for DV-2027, where applicable.
- Save your confirmation number after submitting your application, as you will need it to check your results and it cannot be replaced if lost.
Common Diversity Visa Lottery Errors in 2026 (And How to Avoid Them):
Many DV Lottery applications are rejected because of avoidable mistakes. Before submitting your entry, watch out for these common errors:
- Submitting more than one application: Each person can submit only one entry per registration period. Multiple entries will result in automatic disqualification.
- Using an incorrect photo: The photo must meet the U.S. Department of State’s specifications. An old, edited, or non-compliant photo can lead to rejection.
- Providing incorrect information: Make sure your personal details, country of eligibility, and passport information (where required) match your official documents.
- Not meeting the eligibility requirements: Confirm that you satisfy the required education or qualifying work experience criteria before applying.
- Using unofficial websites: Submit your application only through dvprogram.state.gov. Third-party websites cannot improve your chances of selection.
- Losing your confirmation number: Save your confirmation number after submitting your application. It is the only way to check your results.
To avoid these issues, review your application carefully and follow the latest instructions published on travel.state.gov.
How to Check Your Diversity Visa Lottery Results
Diversity Visa Lottery 2026 Results – What to Expect
DV-2026 results, for applicants who entered the lottery during the 2024 registration period, were released on May 3, 2025. About 129,500 applicants were selected for the DV-2026 program. However, selection does not guarantee a green card, as the number of visas available is limited and applicants must still complete the visa process successfully.
Please Note: The government never emails, mails, or calls winners directly. Any email, letter, phone call, or message claiming that you have won the lottery should be treated as a scam.
What Happens After You Are Selected?
After being selected in the Diversity Visa Lottery, the process you follow depends on whether you are inside or outside the United States.
Selectees living abroad- and this includes the principal applicant and all dependent family members- must complete consular processing by each filing Form DS-260, submitting the required civil documents, and attending an immigrant visa interview at a U.S. embassy or consulate. Depending on visa availability and processing times, the process may take up to 14 months. You can refer to our guide on Consular Processing for U.S. Immigrant Visas to understand the process in greater detail.
The selected applicants and their dependent families who are lawfully present in the United States, may apply for Adjustment of Status by each filing Form I-485 with USCIS, allowing them to pursue permanent residence without leaving the country. Regardless of the process you follow, you must meet all eligibility and admissibility requirements, submit the required documents, and complete the process before the applicable fiscal-year deadline
Which Regions Have the Best Diversity Visa Lottery Chances?
The Diversity Visa Lottery allocates visas across different regions, with each region receiving a set number of visas. Countries that have sent more than 50,000 immigrants to the United States over the previous five years are generally not eligible to participate. As a result, applicants from regions with historically lower levels of U.S. immigration, such as parts of Africa and Eastern Europe, often have better chances of selection. Countries such as India, China, Mexico, Nigeria, and the Philippines are usually excluded from the program. However, applicants from these countries may still qualify by claiming eligibility through the country of birth of an eligible spouse or parent.
Diversity Visa Lottery 2027: Dates, Changes & What to Expect
Diversity Visa Lottery 2027 Start Date and Registration Window:
As of July 2026, the U.S. Department of State has not announced the opening date for the DV-2027 registration period. Unlike previous years, the registration window has been delayed, and applicants are advised to wait for the official announcement.
The visa application period for DV-2027 selectees is still expected to run from October 1, 2026, through September 30, 2027. Applicants should ensure they have a valid passport and check travel.state.gov regularly for the latest registration dates and instructions.
Summary of Key Updates and Rule Changes for DV-2027:
- Applicants must pay a non-refundable $1 registration fee when submitting their Diversity Visa Lottery entry, beginning with the DV-2027 program.
- Applicants must upload a scan of the biographic page of a valid, unexpired passport as part of their online application.
- As of July 2026, the U.S. Department of State has temporarily paused the issuance of Diversity Visas while it reviews its security screening procedures.
- The temporary pause affects visa issuance only and does not change the registration requirements or eligibility criteria for the DV-2027 program.
Conclusion:
The Diversity Visa Lottery has helped thousands of individuals and families begin a new chapter in the United States. While the process is competitive and governed by strict rules, careful preparation & timely action can help you make the most of this unique opportunity.
Disclaimer: This article is provided for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Receipt of this communication does not establish an attorney-client relationship. Please consult with a qualified immigration attorney regarding your specific circumstances.
