What Is the U.S. Diversity Visa Lottery?
The Diversity Immigrant Visa (DV) Program, commonly called the Green Card Lottery, gives up to 55,000 immigrant visas each year to people from countries with historically low U.S. immigration rates. The U.S. Department of State runs the program, and entering costs you nothing. If selected, you can apply for lawful permanent residency in the United States.
The DV-2026 registration period closed in November 2025. Selectee notifications are available through the official DV lottery portal from May 2026. If you missed this cycle, understanding the process now puts you in a strong position for DV-2027.
“Up to 55,000 diversity visas are issued annually, drawn from millions of entries worldwide.” — U.S. Department of State
Who Is Eligible to Apply?
Country of Birth Requirement
Your eligibility depends on your country of birth, not your current citizenship or nationality. The U.S. excludes countries that have sent more than 50,000 immigrants over the previous five years. For DV-2026, nationals born in countries including Bangladesh, Brazil, Canada, China, Colombia, Dominican Republic, El Salvador, Haiti, Honduras, India, Jamaica, Mexico, Nigeria, Pakistan, Philippines, South Korea, the United Kingdom (except Northern Ireland), and Vietnam are not eligible.
If your birth country is ineligible, you may still qualify using your spouse’s country of birth. You may also use a parent’s country of birth if neither parent was born in or legally resided in your birth country at the time you were born.
Education and Work Experience
You must meet one of these two requirements:
- A high school diploma or equivalent, meaning at least 12 years of formal primary and secondary education completed successfully.
- Two years of qualifying work experience within the past five years in an occupation that requires at least two years of training or experience. Qualifying jobs are listed in the U.S. Department of Labor O*NET database.
There is no upper age limit. However, most applicants under 18 do not meet the education or work experience threshold.
Financial Requirements and Fees
What You Need to Show
Entering the lottery is free. However, if you are selected, you must show you are unlikely to become a public charge in the U.S. This means demonstrating that you can support yourself financially, either through your own income and savings or through a U.S.-based sponsor.
If you have a sponsor, that person must earn at least 125% of the U.S. Federal Poverty Guidelines for your household size. For a family of four in 2026, that threshold is approximately $39,000 per year. Sponsors can also use assets to supplement income if needed.
Visa and Processing Fees
Once selected, you will pay the following fees at the interview stage:
- Diversity Visa fee: $330 per applicant (paid to the U.S. Embassy or Consulate).
- USCIS Immigrant Fee: $235, paid after visa approval before entering the U.S.
- Medical examination costs vary by country but typically range from $150 to $400.
How to Apply: Step-by-Step
- Check your eligibility. Confirm your birth country qualifies and that you meet the education or work experience requirement.
- Submit your entry during the registration window. For DV-2027, the entry window typically opens in early October 2026 at dvlottery.state.gov. Only one entry per person is allowed. Submitting more than one entry disqualifies you.
- Check your results. Use the confirmation number from your entry to check selectee status starting in May of the following year.
- Complete your DS-260 form. If selected, submit the Immigrant Visa Application form online through the Consular Electronic Application Center.
- Gather your documents. You will need a valid passport, birth certificate, police clearance certificates, and proof of education or work experience.
- Attend your visa interview. Schedule an appointment at your nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate. Bring all original documents.
- Pay fees and complete your medical exam. Both must be done before your interview is finalised.
- Receive your visa and travel. All diversity visas must be used before the fiscal year ends on September 30, 2027.
Q: Can I apply for the DV lottery if I am already in the United States on a temporary visa?
A: Yes. Being in the U.S. on a valid temporary visa, such as a student or work visa, does not prevent you from entering the lottery. If selected, you may be able to adjust your status without leaving the country, depending on your current immigration situation. Consult a licensed immigration attorney for advice specific to your case.
Q: What happens if my country becomes ineligible after I enter?
A: Country eligibility is determined at the time of your entry submission. If your birth country was eligible when you entered and is later made ineligible for the next cycle, your current entry remains valid for the year in which you applied.
Q: How competitive is the diversity visa lottery?
A: The U.S. Department of State typically receives between 8 million and 15 million entries per year for 55,000 available visas. Selection is entirely random among qualified entries, so submitting a complete and accurate application is the only factor within your control.
Visit the official government or programme website to apply, and consult a licensed immigration adviser if you need personalised help.
Disclaimer: Visa rules, fees, and scholarship deadlines change frequently. Always verify current requirements on official government or institution websites before applying.
