The U.S. Diversity Visa Lottery Program changes lives and enriches the United States.
If you are considering the Diversity Visa Lottery Program, there are important things to understand.
Introduction to the Diversity Visa Lottery Program
The U.S. Diversity Visa Lottery Program is a Green Card program for people from countries typically underrepresented in U.S. immigration. Applicants are randomly selected through a Diversity Visa lottery. Once selected, they may apply for a Green Card and enter the United States with permanent residency.
What is the DV lottery?
The Diversity Visa (DV) lottery is a program that allocates U.S. permanent residency to individuals from otherwise underrepresented countries in U.S. immigration. Applicants from qualifying countries are selected randomly, and those selected may come to the U.S. if they meet all requirements and receive a visa.
How many Diversity Visa lotteries are available each year?
There are approximately 55,000 Diversity Visas awarded each year. Winning the lottery does not guarantee receiving a Green Card or even getting an interview. Visas are apportioned by geographic region, and applicants from a single country may total up to 7% of visas awarded through the program.
Eligibility Requirements
- Birth in an underrepresented country (known as the Foreign State of Chargeability)
- High school diploma or two years of qualifying work experience; GED and equivalency programs do not qualify
- Not disqualified for medical reasons
- Not disqualified because of a criminal record
There are some exceptions if your country of birth does not qualify. If neither parent was a legal resident of your birth country, you may choose the birth country of either parent. You can also receive a visa through a spouse from an eligible country.
Where do you have to be born for the U.S. Diversity Visa Lottery?
The list of countries for the U.S. Diversity Visa Lottery varies from year to year. However, some countries never make the list, such as Mexico, China, Canada, and the United Kingdom. These countries typically have many applicants through other immigration channels.
The Application Process
The application process begins with entering the lottery through an online form, which is open each year from early October to early November. You must submit recent photos for each person associated with the application (e.g. spouse and children).
You will receive a confirmation number, which you should keep in a safe place. This number is used to see if you have won the lottery.
Does it cost anything to apply for the U.S. Diversity Immigration Visa (DV) Program?
No. There is no cost to apply for a Diversity Immigration Visa. If selected, there is a visa processing fee of $330 per person in 2024.
2024 Application Process Update
New for 2024: The Diversity Visa Lottery application process has changed. Applicants no longer submit supporting documents to the Kentucky Consular Center (KCC). Supporting documents are still required, but they are received through the interview process at the embassy or consulate receiving the application.
Selection and Notification
Those entering the lottery can find out if they are selected in early May. They should use their confirmation code to check online, as notifications are not mailed.
How many people apply for the U.S. Diversity Visa program each year?
In 2023, the U.S. Diversity Visa program received 9,570,291 entries.
Next Steps After Winning the Lottery
If you win the lottery, you must quickly complete your application. Each year, more people are selected than there are visas awarded so you might not get a visa, even if you are selected to move forward. If you wait, you reduce your chances of receiving your Green Card.
Complete Form DS-260 – Online Immigrant Visa and Alien Registration Application. You will need your case number.
Your selection comes with a rank, giving you a priority status to move forward in the process.
Those with the highest priority may submit their information in July for visas that become available on October 1.
When there is a visa available for you, you will receive an email notification to view interview information, and an interview will be scheduled. The interview will be held at the U.S. Embassy or Consulate that you select. Everyone attached to the application must be present or interviewed later, including children.
The official who conducts the interview determines if you are eligible. You will need supporting documents to prove family relationships and eligibility as well as passports valid for six months after your planned date of entry. Document requirements vary based on the country you are from, and some may require English translation. You will receive instructions that you should read carefully.
Everyone attached to the application must complete a medical exam. You will receive a sealed exam envelope that you should bring to your interview unopened. Your examiner may send it directly to U.S. officials. There are also required vaccinations.
You must pay an application fee per person.
What happens if you do not go forward with the Diversity Visa process after you are selected?
If you do not take the necessary next steps, you lose your eligibility, and your selection is of no benefit.
Entering the United States
Your visa is placed in your passport. You will receive a sealed immigration packet that you should present unopened at your port of entry.
You must enter the United States before your visa expires, which is, usually, a six-month window.
Once you enter the United States, you are a Green Card holder.
Common Mistakes
- An application with typos or errors
- An application with inaccurate information
- Photo, not meeting standards
- Applying more than once per person in an application year
- Incomplete supporting documents or not enough information
- Failing to add a spouse or child if circumstances change
- Listing someone who is not a qualified family member
- Not completing the application and scheduling the interview
- Missing the interview
- Failing to enter the United States before the expiration of the visa
- Fraud or misrepresentation
Mistakes—even innocent ones—can result in denial of your application.
Contact an Experienced Immigration Lawyer
The team at Getachew & Ansari Immigration Attorneys, P.C. offers free consultations and legal representation. Contact an experienced immigration lawyer now.
