The U.S. Diversity Visa (DV) Program, commonly called the Green Card Lottery, is one of the most accessible pathways to gain permanent U.S. residency.
This program offers a unique opportunity for individuals from countries that are underrepresented in U.S. immigration statistics.
Unlike other immigration routes that require sponsorship or significant investment, the Diversity Visa operates through a random selection process.
Each year, it provides 55,000 green cards to qualified applicants from eligible countries.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explain what the Diversity Visa is, who can apply, how the lottery works, and what to expect after winning.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Related Read:
Conclusion: Diversity Visa is a Lottery of Life-Changing Opportunities
The Diversity Visa Program opens a rare door to the American dream for thousands of individuals and families every year.
Success requires more than luck—it demands careful preparation, meticulous attention to detail, and prompt action when deadlines approach.
If you meet the eligibility requirements, applying costs nothing and could potentially transform your life.
The program represents one of the few immigration pathways that doesn’t require sponsorship, significant investment, or existing U.S. connections.
For eligible applicants, the Diversity Visa lottery represents an unparalleled opportunity to achieve permanent U.S. residency and pursue the American dream.
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.
