The Diversity Immigrant Visa program, commonly called the Green Card Lottery, is a U.S. government initiative that gives people from underrepresented countries a chance to live permanently in the United States. Winners of the lottery receive an immigrant visa, which leads to a green card (permanent resident status).
The program was officially established under the Immigration Act of 1990 and is run by the U.S. Department of State. Each year, the lottery offers up to 55,000 visas to people from countries that have sent few immigrants to the U.S. in recent years. Millions of people apply every year, but fewer than 1 in 400 applicants win.Applicants can enter the lottery by filling out a form online on the Department of State website.
History of the DV Lottery
Before the permanent program, the U.S. ran temporary visa programs for diversity:
- NP-5 (1987–1989): Limited visas on a first-come, first-served basis.
- OP-1 (1989–1991): Lottery system for countries with low immigration.
- AA-1 (1992–1994): For countries affected by earlier laws, with large benefits to Ireland and Northern Ireland.The basic process includes:
Wait for the official DV registration period to open.
Read the official Diversity Visa instructions.
Complete the electronic entry form accurately.
Provide a qualifying digital photograph.
Include eligible spouse and children information where required.
Submit the entry electronically.
Save and securely keep the confirmation information.
The U.S. Department of State states that applicants should complete the entry themselves whenever possible and should be cautious about people who charge money or claim to guarantee selection.
Is the DV Lottery Free?The U.S. government has specific rules regarding DV entry fees and the entry process. Applicants should check the official instructions for the relevant program year before submitting an entry. - Applicants should never pay an individual or website simply because they claim they can guarantee that the applicant will be selected.
No person can guarantee DV Lottery selection because the selection process is random.
What Happens After You Are Selected?
If an applicant is selected, the process does not end there.
A selected applicant generally needs to:
Review the selection information carefully.
Complete the required immigrant visa application process.
Submit required information and documentation.
Meet the education or work-experience requirements.
Complete medical examination requirements when instructed.
Attend an immigrant visa interview when scheduled.
Demonstrate eligibility under U.S. immigration law.
Selected applicants should act promptly because Diversity Visa numbers are limited and are subject to annual fiscal-year deadlines.
How Do You Check DV Lottery Results?
Applicants should use the official Entrant Status Check system to check their selection status.
The Donnelly, Berman, and Morrison visas were early versions of these programs. For example, under Morrison (1992–1994), Ireland received 40% of the visas set aside for that program.The U.S. Department of State does not normally rely on email messages or mailed letters as the official method of notifying DV selectees. Applicants should therefore be extremely careful with emails or messages claiming that they have won and asking for money or personal information.
DV Lottery Photo Requirements
A correct photograph is an important part of a DV entry.
The photograph should meet the U.S. visa photo requirements. Applicants should use a recent photograph and follow the official specifications regarding background, facial position, lighting, image quality, and other requirements.
Using an old photograph or a photograph that does not meet the required specifications may result in disqualification.
Common DV Lottery Mistakes
Many applicants make mistakes when completing their DV entry. Common problems include:
Submitting more than one entry for the same person.
Providing incorrect personal information.
Incorrectly listing a spouse or child.
Using an invalid photograph.
Losing the confirmation information.
Relying on unofficial websites for registration dates.
Paying scammers who promise guaranteed selection.
The U.S. Department of State warns applicants to be alert to fraud and scams.
Can a DV Lottery Winner Get a Green Card?
A successful DV applicant may be eligible to receive an immigrant visa and ultimately become a U.S. lawful permanent resident if all applicable requirements are satisfied.
However, winning the lottery is not the same as receiving a Green Card.
Selection only provides an opportunity to continue through the immigration process. The applicant must still qualify and obtain a visa or otherwise complete the applicable immigration process.
Important DV Lottery Scam Warning
DV Lottery applicants are frequently targeted by immigration scams.
Be careful if someone claims:
You have won before checking the official system.
They can guarantee your selection.
You must immediately send money to receive your Green Card.
They are an official U.S. government representative without verifiable credentials.
They can increase your chances of winning.
Always verify information through official U.S. government sources.
Current DV Program Update
The U.S. Department of State published updated Diversity Visa guidance on August 31, 2026. According to that guidance, Diversity Visa issuance is currently paused while the Department reviews screening and vetting procedures.
Applicants should therefore check the latest official government guidance before making financial or travel decisions related to a Diversity Visa case.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is DV-2027 registration open?
The official DV-2027 registration dates have not yet been announced by the U.S. Department of State.
Can I apply for the DV Lottery from outside the United States?
Yes, eligible applicants can enter the DV program electronically during the official registration period, regardless of where they are currently living, provided they meet the program requirements.
Does winning the DV Lottery guarantee a Green Card?
No. Selection does not guarantee visa issuance or permanent residence. The selected applicant must meet all applicable requirements.
Can I apply more than once?
Submitting more than one entry for the same person during a registration period can result in disqualification.
Where should I check official DV Lottery information?
Applicants should use the official U.S. Department of State Diversity Visa website and the official Electronic Diversity Visa system for registration and status information.
Final Thoughts
The Diversity Visa Lottery can provide an important immigration opportunity for eligible applicants, but the process requires careful attention to official rules, deadlines, documentation, and eligibility requirements.
For DV-2027, applicants should wait for the official registration announcement and avoid unofficial websites or agents claiming that applications are already open.
Always verify the latest information through the U.S. Department of State before submitting an application, paying any fee, or making immigration-related decisions.
