How to Apply for the Green Card Lottery (DV Program)
The Diversity Visa (DVDiversity Visa Program — The annual "green card lottery" for people from countries with low US immigration rates.Click for official info ↗) lottery gives up to 55,000 green cards per year to people from countries with low US immigration rates. Entry is FREE and only takes 30 minutes during the October window.
The Steps
Follow these in order
Each card shows the phase, expected time, and any cost. Data checked against official US sources(2025-Latest).
0 of 7 steps
- Before You Go 15 min
Check country eligibility
Your country of birth must have low US immigration (under 50,000 immigrants in 5 years). Countries like India, China, Mexico, and Canada are excluded — but you may qualify through a spouse's or parent's country of birth.
Click to mark as done
- Before You Go 15 min
Verify education/work requirement
You need a US high school diploma or equivalent, OR 2 years of work experience in a job requiring 2+ years of training within the last 5 years.
Click to mark as done
- Before You Go 30 min
Get a compliant photo
The photo must be 600×600 px, taken within 6 months, plain light background, no glasses, face centered. This is the #1 reason entries are disqualified.
Click to mark as done
- Fill / Prepare 30 min
Submit the E-DV entry form
The ONLY official site is dvprogram.state.gov (open early October to early November). Fill in your details, spouse, and ALL children. Submit and PRINT your confirmation number — it is the only way to check results.
Click to mark as done
- Wait 5 min
Check results in May
From May, check the Entrant Status Check page using your confirmation number. The State Department never emails winners — any email saying you won is a scam.
Click to mark as done
- Follow Up 2–6 months
If selected: complete DS-260
Selection is not a guarantee. Submit the DS-260 immigrant visa application, gather civil documents (birth, police, medical exams), and pay fees. Cases are processed by case number order until visas run out.
Click to mark as done
- Receive varies
Attend the interview and enter the US
If approved at the consular interview (or via adjustment of status in the US), you receive an immigrant visa and must enter the US within 6 months to activate your green cardPermanent Resident Card — The ID card proving lawful permanent resident status — live and work in the US permanently.Click for official info ↗.
Click to mark as done
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there really no fee to enter?
Correct — entry is completely free at dvprogram.state.gov. Any website charging an "entry fee" is a middleman or scam. Fees only apply AFTER you win and pursue the visa.
Can I enter every year?
Yes, you can enter each year you are eligible. Only one entry per person per year, though — duplicate entries disqualify you entirely.
What are my odds of winning?
It varies by region, but roughly 1 in 25 for eligible entrants overall. Winners are selected randomly; low case numbers have the best chance of actually getting a visa.
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