What Is A Diversity Visa? The U.S. Diversity Visa (DV) Program, also known as the Green Card Lottery, remains one of the simplest ways to gain permanent U.S. residency.
In 2025, the program continues to offer 55,000 visas annually to applicants from countries with low immigration rates to the U.S. Unlike other immigration paths, the Diversity Visa doesn’t require sponsorship or investment, relying instead on a random lottery system.
This guide covers who qualifies, how to apply, and what happens after winning, helping you understand this valuable opportunity to live and work in the United States.
Diversity Visa Details In Summary
The Diversity Visa program offers a pathway to U.S. permanent residency through a lottery system.
Below are the key features, eligibility criteria, and important details you should be aware of.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Visa Type | Permanent Residency (Green Card) via the Diversity Immigrant Visa Program |
| Annual Allotment | 55,000 diversity visas per year |
| Eligibility | Must be from eligible countries + meet education/work experience criteria |
| Application Cost | Free to enter lottery; ~$330 if selected + additional fees |
| Path to Green Card? | Yes – this is a direct green card (immigrant visa) route |
| Dependents Allowed? | Yes – spouse and unmarried children under 21 included |
If you’re from a qualifying country and meet basic education or work requirements, the Diversity Visa may be your chance to live and work in the U.S. legally.
What Is A Diversity Visa?
The Diversity Visa is a U.S. immigrant visa granted through a random selection lottery system. Each year, the program offers 55,000 green cards to individuals from countries with historically low immigration rates to the United States.
The application process is entirely free, and winners undergo comprehensive background checks and interviews before approval.
While the selection process is entirely random, meeting eligibility requirements and submitting applications within the designated timeframe are essential prerequisites.
The cost structure is straightforward: entering the lottery costs nothing, but selected applicants pay approximately $330 in processing fees, plus additional costs for medical examinations and document preparation. For details on the various types of visas and their requirements, you can explore our detailed guide on visa categories to better understand the process.
What Makes the DV Lottery Unique?
Unlike employment-based or family-sponsored green cards, the Diversity Visa requires no sponsorship and operates purely on random selection.
The program prioritises geographic diversity and equal opportunity access to U.S. permanent residency.
With zero application fees and minimal eligibility criteria, it remains one of the most accessible U.S. immigration pathways, particularly for individuals from underrepresented populations who lack traditional sponsorship avenues.
DV Lottery Eligibility Requirements
The Diversity Visa program has two primary eligibility requirements: country of birth and educational or professional qualifications.
Country of Birth
To be eligible for the DV lottery, you must have been born in a country that sent fewer than 50,000 immigrants to the United States over the past five years.
There is some yearly variation in the eligible countries, but certain nations consistently remain excluded due to high immigration volumes.
For 2026, exclusions include:
- Bangladesh
- Brazil
- Canada
- China (including Hong Kong SAR)
- Colombia
- Dominican Republic
- El Salvador
- Haiti
- Honduras
- India
- Jamaica
- Mexico
- Nigeria
- Pakistan
- Philippines
- South Korea
- Venezuela
- Vietnam
For comprehensive information, the State Department provides a complete list of all eligible countries on its official website.
Alternative Qualification Paths:
If your native country is not eligible, there are still two ways you could qualify for the Diversity Visa:
- If your spouse was born in an eligible country, you can apply using your spouse’s birth country on your application.
- If neither of your parents was a legal resident in your country of birth, you can choose your mother’s or father’s country of birth instead.
Education or Work Experience Requirements For A Diversity Visa
To qualify for the DV lottery program, you must have either:
- A high school education or equivalent.
- Two years of work experience within the past five years in a qualifying occupation.
The educational requirement refers to successful completion of a 12-year course of elementary and secondary education, comparable to completion of high school education in the United States.
The work experience alternative requires employment in an occupation that demands at least two years of training or experience, as determined by the U.S. Department of Labour’s classification system.
If you’re aiming for a U.S. visa based on extraordinary skills, understanding the process is key to avoiding mistakes. Also, check out this O-1 visa guide to know the eligibility rules, benefits, and step-by-step application process.
Who Should Apply for the DV Lottery?
If you’re from a qualifying country and meet the education or experience requirements, this visa represents a valuable opportunity.
It’s particularly ideal for individuals who don’t have a U.S. employer sponsorship or qualifying relatives to petition for them.
Ideal candidates include:
- First-time immigrants from underrepresented countries seeking their initial pathway to U.S. residency
- Recent graduates with education but no work sponsorship who want to establish careers in America
- Families seeking better opportunities in the U.S. who can include spouses and children in their application
- Skilled professionals aiming to relocate permanently without employer-specific visa constraints
USA Diversity Visa 2026 Program Important Notice
Important deadlines and eligibility requirements for Diversity Visa applicants in 2026.
Diversity Visa 2026 Applicants:
All DV-2026 diversity visa program applicants must be found eligible for, and obtain, their visa or adjust status by the end of fiscal year 2026 (September 30, 2026).
Winners must plan accordingly to ensure timely completion of all requirements, including medical examinations, document submission, and consular interviews.
If you’re planning to go to the U.S. for a cultural exchange or internship, also check out this J-1 visa guide to learn what’s required and how to apply.
USA DV-2026 Program: Online Registration
Key dates and rules for the DV-2026 online registration period and application process.
DV-2026 Program:
The online registration period for the DV-2026 Program began on Wednesday, October 2, 2024, at noon, Eastern Daylight Time (EDT) (GMT-4) and concluded on Thursday, November 7, 2024, at noon, Eastern Standard Time (EST) (GMT-5).
Submission of more than one entry for a person during the registration period will disqualify all entries for that person.
DV-2026 Program Instructions
The English version of the DV-2026 Program Instructions in PDF format is the only official version.
Unofficial translations in additional languages will be added to this webpage as they become available.
Note:
As indicated in the instructions, for eligibility, some countries include components and dependent areas overseas.
If you are a native of a dependency or overseas territory, please select the appropriate country of eligibility.
For example, natives of Macau S.A.R. should select Portugal, and natives of Martinique should select France.
Diversity Visa Lottery Process (Step-by-Step)
The Diversity Visa Lottery is a yearly U.S. government program that randomly selects applicants from eligible countries for a chance to obtain a green card and immigrate legally.
Step 1. Check eligibility: based on country of birth and education/work experience requirements.
Step 2. Submit your entry: via dvprogram.state.gov during the open registration period (typically October–November).
Step 3. Save your confirmation number – it’s the only method to check results and track your application status.
Step 4. Check the results in the following May using your unique confirmation number on the official website.
Step 5. Submit the DS-260 form: If selected begin preparing the required documentation for your consular interview.
Attend a consular interview with all necessary documents and complete required medical examinations.
If approved, you’ll receive an immigrant visa and can travel to the United States to become a lawful permanent resident.
Diversity Visa Processing Time
From selection notification to entry into the United States, the Diversity Visa process typically takes 8–14 months.
Winners must act swiftly and decisively, as visas are limited in number and allocated on a first-come, first-served basis among qualified selectees.
Missing critical deadlines can result in disqualification, even for legitimately selected winners.
Timeline: Key Dates in the DV Lottery Process
- May 2025: Winners receive notification of selection
- October 2025 – September 2026: Submit visa applications and attend consular interviews
- By September 30, 2026: All diversity visas must be issued (fiscal year deadline)
Common Reasons for DV Disqualification
Many otherwise qualified applicants lose their opportunity due to preventable errors. Understanding common disqualification reasons can help ensure successful participation:
- Incomplete or incorrect entries (such as wrong photo format, missing information, or technical errors)
- Failing to meet educational or work experience requirements during the interview process
- Submitting multiple entries (duplicate entries result in automatic rejection of all applications)
- Missing the consular interview or failing required medical examinations
- Not responding to selection notifications in time or missing critical processing deadlines
- Providing fraudulent or misleading information during any stage of the process
Always follow official instructions precisely and adhere to all published timelines to avoid disqualification.
Fraud Alert & Official Application Notes
The U.S. Diversity Visa (DV) Lottery is completely free to enter, and applications can only be submitted through the official U.S. Department of State website: dvprogram.state.gov.
No other organization, agency, or individual is authorized to collect entries on behalf of the U.S. government.
Unfortunately, the popularity of the program has led to widespread scams targeting applicants.
Fraudsters often send emails, letters, or phone calls claiming that you have “won” the lottery and must pay a fee to process your visa.
These are fake. The U.S. government will never notify winners by email or phone. Official notification is only available by checking your status on the Entrant Status Check page of the official DV Lottery site.
Key Points to Remember:
- Entry is free; fees only apply after selection.
- Apply only at dvprogram.state.gov.
- Winners are never notified by email or phone.
- Keep your confirmation number private.
- Report suspicious messages to your local U.S. embassy.
Related Read:
Conclusion: Diversity Visa Lottery Opens Doors to U.S. Residency
The Diversity Visa Program provides a rare opportunity for individuals from eligible countries to obtain permanent residency in the United States through a lottery system.
Applying is free and does not require sponsorship or prior U.S. ties. Success depends on meeting eligibility requirements and submitting your application on time.
For many, the DV program opens the door to new opportunities for themselves and their families to live and work in the U.S.
FAQs
A U.S. green card lottery for people from countries with low immigration rates.
Yes, entering is free; fees apply only if selected.
Once a year, with entry in October-November and results in May.
Yes, spouse and unmarried children under 21 can join.
No, winners must still meet all requirements and pass interviews.
