US Diversity Visa (green card lottery)

Who it is for

The program is designed for people born in countries with historically low levels of immigration to the United States who want to become lawful permanent residents. It offers a route to a green card that does not depend on having a US employer, close US relative, or large investment.

Because selection is random, it suits people who meet the basic requirements and are willing to enter each year, understanding that the odds of selection are low and that selection alone does not confer any immigration status.

• People born in an eligible (non-excluded) country for that program year
• Applicants who meet the education or qualifying-work-experience requirement
• Those seeking permanent residence without an employer or family sponsor

Eligibility requirements

Two core requirements apply. First, the applicant must be a native of an eligible country. Each year the Department of Homeland Security identifies high-admission countries whose natives cannot enter, because more than 50,000 of their natives immigrated to the US in the family and employment categories over the previous five years. In some cases an applicant born in an excluded country may still qualify through a spouse's or parent's country of birth (chargeability).

• Be a native of a country that is eligible for that year's program (the excluded list changes annually)
• Have at least a high school education or its equivalent, OR two years of qualifying work experience within the past five years as defined by US law
• Submit only one entry for that program year
• If selected, be admissible to the United States (medical, criminal and security checks apply)

How to enter and what happens if selected

Entry is made electronically on the official E-DV website during the registration period announced each year. Entrants complete an online form with their details and a photograph that meets strict specifications, then keep the unique confirmation number to check results.

Results are checked online through Entry Status Check, not by email or letter from the government. Selected entrants who wish to continue complete the immigrant visa application (Form DS-260), gather supporting documents, pay the required fees, and attend a medical examination and consular interview before a visa can be issued.

• Enter free on the official E-DV website within the registration window
• Save your confirmation number to check results later
• Check results yourself using Entry Status Check
• If selected, submit Form DS-260 and required documents
• Attend the medical exam and consular interview
• Complete the process within the program year, as unused numbers do not carry over

Avoiding scams and fraud

The green card lottery attracts a high level of fraud. The only legitimate way to enter is directly on the Department of State's E-DV website, and entering is always free. The government notifies selection only through Entry Status Check on that site.

• Never pay anyone to enter the lottery on your behalf, and be wary of sites that charge a fee
• The US government does not email or telephone selectees to ask for money
• Ignore emails or letters claiming you have won and demanding payment or bank details
• Fees for the DV and immigrant visa are only paid to the government at the official interview stage

From selection to green card

Selection means an applicant is eligible to apply for an immigrant visa, and cases are processed in the random rank order in which they were selected. Because more people are selected than there are visas, and processing is capped to the program year, selected entrants should act quickly.

Applicants outside the US complete consular processing at a US embassy or consulate, while those already lawfully in the US may in some situations apply to adjust status. Once approved and admitted, the applicant becomes a lawful permanent resident and can later pursue naturalization if they meet the requirements.