Diversity Visa (DV) Lottery (Green Card Lottery): Find out if you are eligible and How to register

The Diversity Immigrant Visa Program (DV Program) allows citizens of nations with low immigration rates to get immigrant visas. Learn how to apply and whether you qualify.

Learn if you are eligible for the Diversity Visa Program

The DV Lottery and the Green Card Lottery are other names for the scheme. It allows those who fulfill specific eligibility standards to apply for a restricted number of immigrant visas each year. These consist of:

• Being a native of a nation where immigration to the US is low
• Possessing a high school diploma or its equivalent, or having relevant job experience

The U.S. Department of State releases a list of nations that are eligible and ineligible each year. Every year, the list of nations may change. 

Find out if you qualify for the DV Lottery:

• To see the most recent eligible countries, see the list beginning on page 30 of the 2026 DV Lottery instructions.
• Find out about education and employment requirements for DV Lottery eligibility.

How to register for the Diversity Visa Lottery

Every year, the dates for DV Lottery registration vary. The 2026 DV Lottery will be open for registration from October 2, 2024, at 12 p.m. ET, to November 7, 2024, at 12 p.m. ET.

• Read the instructions for the registration process.
• Apply through the Electronic Diversity Visa Program online portal.

Keep your confirmation number in a safe place when you register for the lottery; you will need that number to check the status of your entry online.

Read Also: Live and Work in the United Kingdom with a Youth Mobility Scheme VISA: Verify Your Eligibility

Diversity Visa Lottery results and what to do if you were selected

Check online to learn if you were chosen if you participated in the Diversity Visa (DV) Lottery. Next, learn how to submit an application for an immigrant visa.

Watch out for frauds.

The Department of State will not contact you to let you know if you were selected for the Diversity Visa Program, also known as the DV Lottery or Green Card Lottery. And it will not ask you to pay in advance for an application.

Read Also: Australia Work Visa Requires One Year of Experience Starting on November 24, 2024: Japa Updates

Check the Diversity Visa (Green Card) Lottery results

Verify the DV Lottery results for each candidate.

• The 2025 DV Lottery results are accessible between May 4, 2024, and September 30, 2025.
• From May 3, 2025, until at least September 30, 2026, the results for the 2026 DV Lottery will be accessible.

Remember to use your confirmation number to view the DV lottery results online.

Note that:

• You won’t receive an email or letter from the Department of State informing you of your selection. Refer to the aforementioned scam notice.
• Getting a visa is not a given just because you were chosen in the DV Lottery. If you are selected, you can proceed with the DV Program.

What to do if you are selected in the DV Lottery

You can apply for an immigrant visa if you looked at the DV Lottery results, were chosen, and meet the requirements. You would be able to enter the country, obtain a Green Card, and become a permanent resident if you were accepted.

1. Go to the Immigrant/Diversity Visa portal and apply for an immigrant visa.
2. Complete Form DS-260, the application for an immigrant visa, and submit it online.
3. An email arranging an interview at a U.S. embassy or consulate may be sent to you after you submit your application.
4. You will find out from your interviewer whether you are granted an immigrant visa.

Who to contact if you need help after being selected for the DV Lottery

If you have questions about the DV Lottery, check the Department of State’s Diversity Visa Instructions page for more information. 

If you still need help, email the Kentucky Consular Center (KCC) at kccdv@state.gov and include your:

• Name
• Birthdate
• Case number 

References:

Find out if you are eligible for the Diversity Visa (DV) Lottery and how to register

Diversity Visa Lottery results and what to do if you were selected