The U.S. Diversity Visa Program annually allocates immigrant visas to people from countries with low U.S. immigration. Applicants must meet country and education/work requirements. Entry is free via the Department of State's E-DV website, typically during a short fall window. Selection is random; selected applicants and qualifying family members must complete visa processing, medical and security checks, and an interview before receiving a green card.
What the Diversity Visa (DV) Program is
The Diversity Visa (DV) Program, run by the U.S. Department of State, makes immigrant visas available each year to people from countries with historically low rates of U.S. immigration. Successful applicants (and their qualifying family members) may receive permanent resident status - commonly called a green card - and the right to live and work in the United States.Who is eligible
To be eligible you generally must:- Be a native (country of chargeability) of an eligible country.
- Meet education or work requirements: typically a high school diploma (or equivalent) or two years of qualifying work experience in the past five years.
How the entry and selection process works
The Department of State accepts entries through its official Electronic Diversity Visa (E-DV) website. Entry is free and is usually open for about a month each fall; exact dates and application instructions are posted on the State Department's site and in the Federal Register.Each person may submit only one entry for each registration period. The Department of State uses a random computerized drawing to select entries. Selection notification does not guarantee a visa; selected entrants must complete visa processing and meet all immigration requirements.
After selection: visas and interviews
If selected, the principal applicant and eligible family members must apply for immigrant visas (consular processing) or adjustment of status if they are lawfully in the U.S. Applicants go through medical exams, security/background checks, and an interview. Visa issuance depends on qualifying factors and visa availability for that year.Fees, forms, and common scams
There is no fee to submit an entry on the official E-DV site. Scammers and some paid services may promise to improve your chances. Use only the Department of State's official website for registration and results, and read the official instructions carefully.Practical tips
- Follow photo and entry instructions exactly; entries with incorrect photos or multiple entries are disqualified.
- Keep the confirmation number you receive after submitting an entry; you need it to check your status.
- If selected, start visa processing promptly - there is a limited window to complete steps.
FAQs about Green Card Lotery
Is there a fee to enter the Diversity Visa Lottery?
No. Submitting an entry on the official E-DV website is free. Be wary of services that charge to register - they cannot increase your chances of selection.
Who in my family can come to the U.S. if I win?
A winning principal applicant can request visas for their spouse and any unmarried children under 21. Each family member must meet eligibility and processing requirements.
Does being selected guarantee a green card?
No. Selection allows you to apply for an immigrant visa, but you must still satisfy eligibility, pass medical and security checks, and obtain a visa number for that year.
When can I submit my entry?
The Department of State typically opens entries in the fall (often October) for about a month. Exact dates vary by year and are published on the State Department's website and in the Federal Register.
How many times can I enter?
You may submit only one entry per person during a given registration period. Multiple entries from the same person will disqualify all their entries.