The Diversity Immigrant Visa Program, commonly known as the Green Card Lottery, is an annual program administered by the U.S. Department of State. This program makes up to 55,000 immigrant visas available through a random selection process to people from countries with historically low rates of immigration to the United States.
Eligibility Requirements
Nativity Requirement
The primary eligibility requirement relates to your country of birth. Applicants must be natives of countries with historically low rates of immigration to the United States. For DV-2025, natives of the following countries are NOT eligible to apply:
- Bangladesh
- Brazil
- Canada
- China (including Hong Kong SAR)
- Colombia
- Dominican Republic
- El Salvador
- Haiti
- Honduras
- India
- Jamaica
- Mexico
- Nigeria
- Pakistan
- Philippines
- South Korea
- United Kingdom (except Northern Ireland) and its dependent territories
- Venezuela
- Vietnam
However, there are two alternative ways to qualify:
- If you were born in a country whose natives are ineligible, but your spouse was born in a country whose natives are eligible, you can claim your spouse’s country of birth—provided that both you and your spouse are on the selected entry, are issued visas, and enter the United States simultaneously.
- If you were born in a country whose natives are ineligible, but neither of your parents was born there or legally resident there at the time of your birth, you may claim nativity in one of your parents’ countries of birth.
Education/Work Experience Requirements
In addition to the nativity requirement, every DV applicant must meet either the education or work experience requirement:
- Education: You must have at least a high school education or its equivalent, defined as successful completion of a 12-year course of elementary and secondary education.
- Work Experience: You must have two years of work experience within the past five years in an occupation that requires at least two years of training or experience to perform.
The U.S. Department of Labor’s O*Net Online database is used to determine qualifying work experience.
Application Process
Registration Period
The DV-2025 registration period typically runs for approximately one month in the fall of 2024. For exact dates, check the official U.S. Department of State website as the registration period approaches.
How to Apply
- Submit an Electronic Entry Form: All entries must be submitted electronically through the official website: dvprogram.state.gov during the registration period.
- Required Information: The entry form will ask for the following information:
- Full name
- Gender
- Birth date
- City/town of birth
- Country of birth
- Country of eligibility
- Photograph (recent, digital photograph of yourself that meets specific requirements)
- Mailing address
- Country where you live
- Phone number (optional)
- Email address
- Highest level of education
- Current marital status
- Number of children
- Information about your spouse and children under 21 (if applicable)
- Photograph Requirements: All entries must include recent photographs of the applicant, spouse, and all children. The photographs must meet specific technical specifications:
- Taken within the last six months
- Specific dimensions (600×600 pixels)
- Between 240 KB and 600 KB in file size
- In color
- Full-face, directly facing the camera
- On a white or off-white background
- Without head coverings (unless for religious purposes)
- Without eyeglasses
- Submission: After completing the form and uploading the required photographs, you will submit your entry. The system will generate a confirmation page with a unique confirmation number. It is crucial that you print and keep this confirmation page, as you will need the confirmation number to check your entry status.
Important Considerations
- One Entry Per Person: Each person may submit only one entry during each registration period. If multiple entries are detected, all entries will be disqualified.
- No Application Fee: There is no fee to enter the DV lottery. The U.S. government never charges for entering the lottery. If any website or person claims to process DV entries for a fee, it is not legitimate.
- Check Your Status: Beginning in May 2025, applicants will be able to check the status of their entry by returning to dvprogram.state.gov and entering their confirmation number and personal information.
Selection Process
Random Selection
Entries are randomly selected by computer. All entries received during the registration period have an equal chance of being selected within their region.
Notification
If your entry is selected, you will NOT be notified by email or mail. You must check your status online using your confirmation number at dvprogram.state.gov.
Interview Process
If selected, you will receive instructions on how to proceed with the application process, including how to schedule an immigrant visa interview at a U.S. Embassy or Consulate. Selected applicants must:
- Complete Form DS-260, Online Immigrant Visa Application
- Submit supporting documents
- Pay the visa application fee
- Complete a medical examination
- Attend an interview
Visa Issuance
After the interview, if approved, you will be issued an immigrant visa valid for up to six months. You must enter the United States before the visa expires.
After Entry into the United States
Once you enter the United States with your immigrant visa, you will be admitted as a lawful permanent resident and will receive your actual Green Card in the mail.
Common Misconceptions and Pitfalls
Scam Awareness
Be aware of fraudulent websites and emails claiming to be associated with the DV program. The only official website for the program is dvprogram.state.gov. The U.S. government will never:
- Send emails to notify selectees
- Ask for money to enter the lottery
- Require wire transfers of funds
- Ask for credit card information
Technical Issues
Some common reasons for disqualification include:
- Submitting more than one entry
- Photographs that do not meet specifications
- Incomplete information
- Missing family members on the application
The Green Card Lottery offers a unique opportunity for eligible individuals to immigrate to the United States. However, the process is competitive and strictly regulated. Understanding the eligibility requirements and following the application instructions carefully is essential for a valid entry.
Remember that being selected in the lottery does not guarantee a visa. It only means you are eligible to apply for one, subject to meeting all immigration requirements and visa limitations.
For the most accurate and up-to-date information, always refer to the official U.S. Department of State website at travel.state.gov or dvprogram.state.gov.