What is the Diversity Visa Lottery?
The Diversity Immigrant Visa program, also known as the green card lottery, is a program for obtaining U.S. Permanent Residence. The program makes 50,000 immigrant visas available every year to applicants from countries with low rates of immigration to the United States and with specific education qualifications. It provides an inexpensive and simplified path without needing sponsorship from a U.S. employer or family.
Who Can Apply?
To be eligible, you, your spouse, or your parent must have been born in a country that sent less than 50,000 immigrants to the United States in the previous five years. The U.S. Department of State (DOS) publishes a full list of the eligible countries on its website.
For the 2025 program, the following countries are not eligible to apply due to high rates of immigration to the United States:
Bangladesh
Brazil
Canada
China, including Hong Kong SAR
Colombia
Dominican Republic
El Salvador
Haiti
Honduras
India
Jamaica
Mexico
Nigeria
Pakistan
Philippines
Republic of Korea (South Korea)
Venezuela
Vietnam
In addition to the nationality requirements, applicants must possess at least a high school diploma or its equivalent; or two years of work experience in an occupation that requires at least two years of training or experience. DOS publishes a list of occupations that are eligible on its website.
Non-U.S. residents seeking to obtain a diversity visa from an eligible country may apply regardless of whether they live in the United States or abroad. This includes foreign workers who are waiting to obtain a green card through the labor certification program.
When Can I Apply?
The entry submission period for the FY2025 Diversity Immigrant Visa program is from 12:00 pm (ET) on October 4, 2023, to 12:00 pm (ET) on November 7, 2023. The entry form will only be available for submission during this period. In previous years, the high demand during the last week of the registration period has caused website delays. Therefore, submitting your application as early as possible is encouraged. The results of the DV-2025 lottery are expected to be available on the E-DV site on May 4, 2024.
How Do I Apply?
Entries must be submitted online through DOS’s website. Paper entries are not accepted. Online applications are free, but visa processing fees may apply if selected. DOS releases detailed instructions on their website, which can be found here: https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/us-visas/immigrate/diversity-visa-program-entry/diversity-visa-instructions.html. Bringing military family members into the country legally can be made possible through the help of an immigration lawyer who can provide green cards for military families.