About the Diversity Visa Program (DV Lottery) Instructions
Your comprehensive guide to the U.S. Green Card Lottery - the official pathway to permanent residency in the United States
Program Overview
The Diversity Immigrant Visa Program (DV Lottery) allocates up to 55,000 immigrant visas annually through a randomized selection process, designed to diversify the U.S. immigrant population by selecting applicants from countries with historically low rates of immigration to the United States.
Application Timeline
October - November
Registration Period
May
Results Announcement
October - September
Visa Processing
Ongoing
Fraud Prevention
Eligibility Requirements
Country of Birth Requirements
Applicants must be natives of countries with historically low rates of immigration to the United States. The list of eligible countries changes annually based on immigration statistics.
Education/Work Experience
Applicants must have either:
- A high school education or its equivalent, OR
- Two years of work experience within the past five years in an occupation requiring at least two years of training or experience
Important Rules
- Only one entry per person per year - duplicate entries will disqualify you
- Must meet all standard U.S. immigration requirements
- Selection does not guarantee visa issuance - you must still qualify
- Must be able to financially support yourself and any dependents in the U.S.
Program Benefits
Permanent Residency
Green Card granting legal permanent residence status in the United States.
Employment Authorization
Freedom to work for any employer in the United States without restrictions.
Education Access
Eligibility for in-state tuition rates and access to U.S. educational institutions.
Fraud Prevention Tips
Official U.S. Government Warnings
The U.S. Department of State reports these common scam tactics:
- Fake websites mimicking the official DV Lottery portal (the only real site is dvprogram.state.gov)
- Email scams claiming you've won without entering, or requesting payment
- Guaranteed selection offers (the DV Lottery is completely random)
- Fake agents demanding money to "process" your application
Verified Facts
- The DV Lottery has no application fee (U.S. State Department)
- Winners are only notified by mail, never email or phone (USCIS)
- No third-party can increase your chances of selection (FTC)
How to Protect Yourself
- Always apply through the official .gov website
- Never share your confirmation number with others
- Report suspicious activity to dvlottery.state.gov/scams
Official Resources & Safety
Important Safety Tips
- Only use the official U.S. Department of State website
- Never pay for DV Lottery entry - it's completely free
- Beware of fraudulent websites and email scams
- Keep your confirmation number secure and private
This information is provided for general guidance only. Program details may change. Always refer to official U.S. Department of State sources for the most current and accurate information about the Diversity Visa Program.