United States Diversity Immigrant Visa Program (Green Card Lottery)

Written by Mike Arnold Moderated by Oleksandra Dosii

Mike Arnold

Mike is a freelance writer with eight years of experience and a love for travel, all things business, tabletop games and green tea.

Oleksandra Dosii

Oleksandra is a dedicated marketer with a passion for growing HR-tech products. She believes content marketing is about delivering high-quality content that provides value—not just generating leads. Since 2016, Oleksandra has been involved in tech talent relocation.

Last update: September 13, 2024

Next update: Scheduled for February 1, 2025

The United States Diversity Immigrant Visa Program, also known as the Green Card Lottery, provides a unique pathway to U.S. permanent residency for individuals from countries with historically low immigration rates.

Each year, approximately 55,000 Green Cards are made available through this lottery system, offering a chance to live and work in the U.S. regardless of wealth, skills, or family connections.

Note, however, that the Diversity Visa is different from the other forms of Green Card, in which there are over a million successful applications annually.

 

The 2025 Green Card lottery

The Diversity Immigrant Visa Program only runs for a predetermined length of time, the last registration period running back in 2023 between October 4th and November 2023.

This means there will be no more application registrations until the U.S. decides to rerun the lottery. You can see recent and upcoming programs here.

However, the DV-2025 program is still underway. You can check the program's status and instructions here.

If you are in this year's lottery, you must keep your confirmation number until September 2025, when the successful applicants will be drawn. If drawn, you can follow through these steps to acquire your visa.

What are the eligibility requirements for the Green Card lottery?

For future Green Card Lottery programs, you must check your eligibility before signing up. However, this is relatively simple, and the primary requirements are as follows:

Birthplace:

• You must have been born in a country that is eligible for the Diversity Visa Program. The list of eligible countries changes each year, so be sure to check the official Diversity Visa program website for the most up-to-date information. The list of the most recently eligible countries in the previous lottery can be found here.

Education or work experience:

You must meet one of the following:

• High school education: Possess a high school diploma or equivalent, completing at least 12 years of formal elementary and secondary education.
• Work experience: Have at least two years of work experience within the past five years in an occupation that requires a minimum of two years of training or experience.

Alternative qualification: 

If you weren't born in an eligible country, you might still qualify if:

• Spouse's birthplace: Your spouse was born in an eligible country. In this case, you can apply together, and your spouse's birth country will be used for eligibility purposes.
• Parents' birthplace: Neither of your parents was a legal resident of your birth country at the time of your birth. You can then claim eligibility based on the birth country of either your mother or father.

What is the application process for the Green Card lottery?

Applying for the Green Card Lottery is a relatively straightforward process, but it's essential to know the specific timelines and requirements to ensure a successful submission.

Registration period

• The application period for the Green Card Lottery is typically one month, held two calendar years before the actual lottery selection process.
• For example, the application period for the DV-2025 program was from October 4th, 2023, to November 7th, 2023.
• It's crucial to check the official Electronic Diversity Visa (E-DV) website for the exact dates of the registration period for the upcoming lottery.

The online application portal (with up-to-date program dates) can be found here. This is also where you manage your application.

Online application

• During the designated registration period, visit the official E-DV website of the U.S. Department of State.
• Be cautious of fraudulent websites imitating the official site.
• Carefully read the instructions and complete the online application form.
• Provide accurate and complete information, including:
  • Full name
  • Date of birth
  • Country of birth
  • Country of eligibility
  • Mailing address
  • Spouse and children's information (if applicable)
  • Highest level of education
  • Recent work experience
• Upload recent photos of yourself, your spouse, and your children that meet the Green Card photo requirements.
• Submit your application and save the confirmation number you receive for future reference.

Important notes:

• Submitting multiple entries for the same person will disqualify all entries.
• There is no fee to enter the Green Card Lottery. Beware of scams requesting payment for submission.
• If you need assistance, consult a qualified visa consultant service.

What is the Green Card lottery selection process?

Following submission, Green Card Lottery applicants eagerly await the selection process. While the odds of winning are statistically low, understanding the selection process is crucial for managing expectations and preparing for potential next steps.

• Random selection: Once the application period closes, all entries undergo a randomised, computer-generated selection process. This ensures fairness and equal opportunity for all applicants, regardless of their background or qualifications.
• Notification: If you are among the fortunate few selected, you will be notified through the E-DV website's entrant status check. It's crucial to regularly check your status during the notification period, typically starting in May of the following year.
• No guarantee of a Green Card: Being selected in the lottery doesn't automatically guarantee a Green Card. It simply means you've been allowed to apply for an immigrant visa at a U.S. embassy or consulate or adjust your status within the U.S. if eligible.
• Limited number of visas: The number of available visas is capped at 55,000 each year, and they are distributed across different regions based on predetermined quotas. Even if selected, you may not receive a visa if the quota for your region is filled.
• Time sensitivity: If selected, it's imperative to act quickly. Your application for an immigrant visa or adjustment of status must be processed, and your visa must be issued before the end of the fiscal year for which you were selected.

What happens if you win the Green Card lottery?

If you're one of the fortunate winners of the Green Card Lottery, congratulations! However, the journey doesn't end there.

Winning the lottery simply grants you the opportunity to apply for an immigrant visa or adjust your status to become a lawful permanent resident of the United States.

Next steps

1. Notification and instructions: You'll receive notification of your selection through. Along with the notification, you'll receive detailed instructions on how to proceed with your application.
2. Apply for an immigrant visa or adjust status: Depending on your circumstances, you'll either need to:
   • Apply for an immigrant visa at a U.S. embassy or consulate: If you currently reside outside the U.S., you must schedule an interview at the U.S. embassy or consulate in your home country. During the interview, you'll submit additional documentation, undergo medical examinations, and answer questions about your eligibility.
   • Adjust status within the U.S. (if eligible): If you're already in the U.S. on a nonimmigrant visa that allows for adjustment of status, you can file Form I-485, Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status, with USCIS.
3. Provide additional information and documentation: Both the immigrant visa application and the adjustment of the status process require you to provide extensive information and documentation about your background, education, work experience, family, and other relevant factors.
4. Seek professional assistance: While not mandatory, it's strongly recommended to seek the guidance of a qualified immigration attorney throughout this process. They can help you navigate the complexities, ensure your application is complete and accurate, and represent you during your interview (if applicable).

Important considerations

• Time sensitivity: It's crucial to act promptly if you win the lottery. Your application for an immigrant visa or adjustment of status must be processed, and your visa must be issued before the end of the fiscal year for which you were selected. Failure to meet this deadline will result in losing your opportunity to immigrate through the Diversity Visa Program.
• Thorough preparation: The immigrant visa application or adjustment of status process is detailed and requires meticulous attention to detail. Ensure you gather all the necessary documents, complete all forms accurately, and prepare for your interview thoroughly (if applicable).

Winning the Green Card Lottery is a life-changing opportunity, but it's essential to approach the subsequent steps with diligence and preparedness.

With careful planning and the proper guidance, you can successfully navigate the process and realise your dream of becoming a U.S. permanent resident.

How to increase your chances of being selected

The Green Card Lottery is based on a random selection process, meaning there's no guaranteed way to ensure your selection. However, you can significantly improve your chances by following these essential tips:

• Submit an accurate and complete application: The most critical step is to ensure your application is filled out correctly and honestly. Pay close attention to the instructions, provide all required information, and double-check for errors or omissions. Even minor mistakes can lead to disqualification.
• Apply early during the registration period: The Department of State accepts entries for the Green Card Lottery during a specific registration period, typically in October or November. It's advisable to apply early in the registration period to avoid any potential technical glitches or delays that may occur closer to the deadline.
• Only submit one entry: Submitting multiple entries for the same person will result in disqualification. Stick to one carefully prepared application to maximise your chances.
• Seek professional guidance: While not mandatory, consider consulting with an experienced immigration attorney specialising in the Diversity Visa Program. They can review your application, provide guidance on eligibility and documentation, and help you avoid common pitfalls.
• Beware of scams and misinformation: Be cautious of fraudulent websites or individuals claiming to offer guaranteed selection or shortcuts in the Green Card Lottery process. The only official way to apply is through the U.S. Department of State's E-DV website, and there is no fee to enter the lottery itself.
• Stay informed: Keep track of important dates and deadlines related to the Green Card Lottery. Check the official E-DV website regularly for updates and announcements.

No doubt, the Green Card Lottery is a life-changing opportunity, but navigating the complexities alone can be daunting.

Partnering with a visa consultant will empower you to understand the process, maximise your chances of success, and prepare for the future. From clarifying eligibility and deadlines to ensuring a flawless application and guiding you through potential interviews, expert assistance can make all the difference.

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