The Diversity Visa (DV) Lottery, also known as the Green Card Lottery, is a U.S. government program created to promote immigration diversity by offering a path to permanent residency. Established under the Immigration Act of 1990, the program aims to broaden the U.S. immigrant population by giving qualified individuals a chance to obtain a green card. This article will explain everything you need to know about the DV Lottery—including the requirements, how to apply step by step, what happens after you’re selected, how to avoid common scams, and even a real-life success story to show what’s possible.
DV Lottery Eligibility Requirements
How to Apply for the DV Lottery (Step-by-Step Guide)
After You’re Selected – What Happens Next?
Real Story: From Hopeful Applicant to U.S. Resident
Common DV Lottery Scams to Avoid
Each year, the diversity visa program allocates 50,000 immigrant visas through a randomized selection process administered by the U.S. Department of State. Entry is completely free, and not sponsorship is required, making it one of the most accessible U.S. immigration channels for eligible applicants. However, only individuals from qualifying countries may participate.
Applications must be submitted online via the official government website at Electronic Diversity Visa Program (click here).
(Source: Electronic Diversity Visa Program)
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To participate in the Diversity Visa (DV) Lottery, applicants must meet two essential criteria: (1) country of birth; and (2) education or work experience.
Applicants must be born in a country that is eligible for the specific DV Lottery year. Eligibility is determined by U.S. immigration statistics—countries with high rates of immigration to the U.S. over the past 5 years are generally excluded to ensure geographic diversity.
For example, the following countries were ineligible for DV-2025 due to high recent immigration numbers:
Note: Country of birth is based on where you were born, not your current residence or nationality. For example, if you were born in India, but later became a citizen of Canada, you still cannot apply—because eligibility is determined by your place of birth, not your current citizenship.
In addition to being born in an eligible country, applicants must meet minimum qualifications in either education or work experience:
To verify whether your job qualifies, consult the official database at O*NET Online, which classifies occupations based on skill levels and training.
1. Confirm Your Eligibility
First, verify that your country of birth is included on the list of eligible countries for the current lottery year. This information is published annually by the U.S. Department of State.
Complete and submit your application through the official government website.
Warning: This is the only official portal. Beware of any third-party sites.3. Complete Form DS-5501
Fill out the Electronic Diversity Visa Entry Form (DS-5501) with truthful and precise information, including:
4. Upload a Compliant Digital Photograph
Submit a passport-style photo that meets the strict formatting requirements outlined in the official instructions. Entries with improperly formatted or outdated photos will be disqualified.
5. Save Your Confirmation Number
After submission, you will receive a unique confirmation number. This number is essential—it’s the only way to check your application status online. If you lose it, there is no way to retrieve your results.
6. Do Not Pay Anyone
The application process is entirely free. The U.S. government does not charge any fees to enter the DV Lottery. Be cautious of scams or services claiming otherwise.
Being selected in the DV Lottery is an exciting first step, but it does not guarantee a green card. Selection simply means you are eligible to apply for a Diversity Immigrant Visa—you must still meet all legal and procedural requirements before receiving permanent residency.
If you are selected, here’s what you need to do next:
1. Confirm Eligibility During Your Interview
You must demonstrate that you meet all the DV program requirements, including country of birth and education or work qualifications, during your visa interview.
2. Complete and Submit Form DS-260
Fill out the Online Immigrant Visa Application (Form DS-260) via the Consular Electronic Application Center (CEAC). This form collects detailed information about your background, travel history, and qualifications.
3. Prepare for and Attend Your Interview
Schedule and attend a visa interview at your assigned U.S. embassy or consulate. You will need to bring all required documentation, such as your confirmation page, birth certificate, police certificates, education or employment records, and proof of financial support.
4. Undergo a Medical Examination
Complete a medical exam conducted by an authorized physician, as required for all immigrant visa applicants. The results will be sent directly to the embassy or delivered in a sealed envelope.
5. Receive Your Visa and Enter the U.S.
If approved, you will receive your Diversity Visa, allowing you to enter the U.S. as a lawful permanent resident.
Important Deadline: All DV-2025 selectees must complete the full process—including immigration — by September 30, 2025, or the opportunity will be forfeited.
Amina, a university graduate from Uzbekistan, had always dreamed of building a life in the U.S. Since her country qualified for the Diversity Visa Lottery, she applied every year. Despite knowing the odds were low, she stayed consistent and hopeful.
On her fifth attempt, she finally received the long-awaited notification: she had been selected for the DV Lottery. With her qualifications and documents in order, Amina passed the interview and medical exam smoothly. Less than a year later, she moved to the U.S. and started a new chapter of her life working at a startup in Chicago.
Amina’s story is proof that the DV Lottery isn’t just a dream—it’s a real opportunity. For many, it’s one of the few viable paths to living and working legally in the U.S.
Unfortunately, the Diversity Visa Lottery is often targeted by scammers who exploit applicants’ hopes and lack of awareness. To protect yourself, be aware of the following red flags and best practices:
❌ Never pay to enter: The official DV Lottery application is completely free. Any request for payment during the entry process is a scam.
❌ Avoid third-party websites: The only official site for DV Lottery applications is https://dvprogram.state.gov. Other websites may be fraudulent or charge unnecessary fees.
❌ Do not share your confirmation number: This unique number is your only way to check your selection status. Sharing it could allow others to access or hijack your application.
💡 Pro Tip: Store your confirmation number in a safe, easily retrievable place. If you lose it, there is no way to recover it, and you will be unable to check your status.
The DV Lottery offers a rare chance to obtain a U.S. green card with no sponsorship required. But since selection is never guaranteed, it’s smart to prepare a backup plan.
If you’re currently on OPT and not selected by the H-1B lottery, or just need a way to stay work-authorized while waiting for the DV results, our Day 1 CPT programs provide a legal, employment-friendly alternative.
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