The US Diversity Immigrant Visa Program (also called the DV Lottery or Green Card Lottery) offers a chance at permanent residency for people from countries with historically low rates of immigration to the United States. This is a fully updated guide based on current official information.
Important Current Status
- DV-2026 registration closed in November 2024. Results have been available since May 2025 via the official Entrant Status Check. Selected applicants must complete processing and receive their visa (or adjust status) by September 30, 2026. There is no extension.
- DV-2027 registration has not yet opened (it is typically in early autumn). New rules apply starting with DV-2027, including a requirement to provide valid passport information and upload a scan of the biographic/signature pages. A small registration fee may also apply.
- Always use only the official website: dvprogram.state.gov. The US government does not charge large fees to enter and does not send selection emails or letters.
What is the Diversity Visa Lottery?
The Diversity Visa Program is administered by the US Department of State. It provides up to approximately 55,000 immigrant visas each fiscal year (the exact number can be slightly lower due to statutory adjustments). Selection is random by computer among properly submitted electronic entries from eligible countries. Being selected does not guarantee a green card—it only allows you to apply for one during a limited window that ends on September 30 of the relevant fiscal year.
Who Can Enter?
Eligibility is based mainly on country of birth (not citizenship or current residence). Countries that sent more than 50,000 immigrants to the US in the previous five years are excluded.
Nigeria remains ineligible, along with several other high-admission countries (including India, China mainland/Hong Kong, Mexico, the Philippines, Pakistan, Brazil, and others). Most other African countries are eligible.
Limited exceptions if you were born in an ineligible country:
- Your spouse was born in an eligible country (you claim the spouse’s country of birth; both must be on the entry and enter the US together if selected).
- Neither of your parents was born in or legally resident in your country of birth at the time of your birth, and you claim a parent’s eligible country of birth.
You must also meet one of these requirements:
- High school education (or its equivalent — successful completion of a 12-year formal elementary and secondary education), or
- At least two years of work experience in the past five years in an occupation that requires at least two years of training or experience (determined using the US Department of Labor’s O*NET database).
How to Enter (When Registration Opens)
Registration is electronic only and open for a limited period (usually about 30–37 days in early autumn). Submit only one entry per person. Multiple entries disqualify all of them.
You will need:
- Accurate personal details matching your passport/documents.
- A recent compliant digital photo (taken within 6 months, color, plain white/off-white background, neutral expression, no glasses, specific size and file requirements).
- For DV-2027 and later: valid unexpired passport details and a clear scan of the biographic and signature pages.
- Information about your spouse and all unmarried children under 21 (they must be listed even if they do not plan to immigrate).
After successful submission you receive a unique confirmation number. Save it carefully—you will need it to check results later. The government does not notify selectees by email or mail.
After Selection
- Check results only on the official Entrant Status Check using your confirmation number.
- Complete Form DS-260 (online immigrant visa application) for yourself and family members.
- Gather civil documents (birth certificates, marriage certificate, police certificates, proof of education or work experience, etc.).
- Complete a medical examination with an approved panel physician.
- Attend the visa interview at a US embassy or consulate (or file for adjustment of status if you are lawfully present in the United States).
- If approved, enter the United States before the visa expires and before the September 30 deadline of that fiscal year.
Fees apply only after selection (visa processing fee, medical exam, etc.). Entry itself is free or involves only a very small nominal fee under newer rules.
Common Reasons for Denial or Disqualification
- Multiple entries
- Non-compliant photos
- Omitting a spouse or qualifying child
- Inaccurate information that conflicts with later documents
- Failure to meet the education or work-experience requirement
- Criminal or medical inadmissibility issues
- Missing the hard September 30 deadline
Practical Advice
- Prepare a valid passport early, especially for future cycles.
- Use only the official dvprogram.state.gov website.
- Keep your confirmation number safe.
- Do not pay third-party “agents” large sums to “submit” or “guarantee” selection—the lottery is random.
- Selection is only the first step. Full processing requires time, documents, and money.
The Diversity Visa Lottery remains a legitimate pathway for eligible applicants, particularly many Africans whose countries of birth qualify. Rules and processing conditions can change, so always verify the latest official instructions on the US Department of State website (travel.state.gov – Diversity Visa section) and dvprogram.state.gov before acting.