The Diversity Immigrant Visa Program (DV Program), commonly known as the "green card lottery," makes up to 55,000 immigrant visas available annually to people from countries with historically low rates of immigration to the United States. The program is administered by the U.S.
29 steps across 4 sections
1. Eligibility
- Country of birth You must be a native of a country that is eligible for the DV program. Countries that have sent more than 50,000 immigrants to the U.S. in the past five years are excluded (e.g., Mexico, India, Chi...
- Education or work experience You must have at least a high school diploma or equivalent, OR two years of qualifying work experience within the past five years in an occupation requiring at least two years of training or experi...
- No sponsorship needed The DV lottery is a self-petition; no employer or family sponsor is required.
- Derivative beneficiaries Spouses and unmarried children under 21 of selected applicants may also receive diversity visas.
2. Steps Process
- Check eligibility: Confirm your country of birth qualifies and you meet education/work requirements.
- Submit the E-DV entry form online during the annual registration period (typically early October through early November). For DV-2026, registration was October 2-November 7, 2024.
- Save your confirmation number: This is the only way to check your selection status. There is no replacement if lost.
- Check results: Results are available starting the first Saturday in May of the following year (May 3, 2025 for DV-2026) through at least September 30, 2026, at dvprogram.state.gov.
- If selected: Complete Form DS-260 (Online Immigrant Visa Application) promptly.
- Submit supporting documents to the Kentucky Consular Center (KCC) when instructed.
- Complete medical examination with a designated panel physician.
- Attend visa interview at the U.S. embassy or consulate in your country.
- If approved: Pay the USCIS immigrant fee ($235) and travel to the U.S. before visa expiration.
- Enter the U.S. before September 30 of the fiscal year to activate your green card.
3. Documents Needed
- Valid passport (at least 6 months validity beyond planned U.S. entry)
- Birth certificate
- High school diploma or equivalent (or proof of qualifying work experience)
- Police clearance certificates from all countries lived in for 12+ months after age 16
- Court and prison records (if applicable)
- Military records (if applicable)
- Medical examination results
- Passport-style photographs meeting State Department specifications
- Proof of relationship for derivatives (marriage certificate, birth certificates of children)
- DS-260 confirmation page
4. Timeline
- Registration period Approximately 5 weeks in October-November (one year before the fiscal year).
- Results announcement First Saturday of May the following year.
- Document submission and interview May through September of the fiscal year.
- Visa must be used by September 30 of the fiscal year (e.g., September 30, 2026 for DV-2026).
- Total process if selected Approximately 6-12 months from selection to entry.
Common Mistakes
- Submitting multiple entries
- Incorrect photograph
- Losing the confirmation number
- Not checking results in time
- Falling for scams
Pro Tips
- Submit your entry on the first day
- Take a new photo
- Save your confirmation number in multiple secure locations
- Respond immediately if selected
- Prepare documents in advance