The US Diversity Visa Program: Everything you need to know

The Diversity Visa Program (DV) Lotto, also known as the Green Card Lottery, offers individuals from countries with low rates of immigration to the U.S. a unique opportunity to pursue their American dream. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the Diversity Visa Program, how to register, and the essential steps to follow.

DV-2025 Program: The online registration period for DV-2025 opens on Wednesday, October 4, 2023, at 12:00 noon Eastern Daylight Time (EDT) (GMT-4) and closes on Tuesday, November 7, 2023, at 12:00 noon Eastern Standard Time (EST) (GMT-5). Please note that submitting multiple entries for one person during this period will disqualify all entries for that individual.

An interesting fact about DV2025 is that the United Kingdom (UK) has made it back onto the list of eligible countries.

For some Frequently Asked Questions, click on the button below. If you don’t find what you are looking for, let us know, and we will add the answer to your question so that others who read this after you can also benefit from it.

What is the Diversity Visa (DV) Program?

The Diversity Visa Program is administered by the U.S. Department of State, which provides up to 55,000 immigrant visas annually. These visas, often called “Green Cards,” are allocated to individuals from countries with historically low rates of immigration to the United States. The program aims to promote diversity in the U.S. immigrant population by granting visas to people from underrepresented countries. South Africa is one such country.

The Term “Green Card Lotto” and “Diversity Visa Program”

The official term for the program is the “Diversity Visa Program,” but it’s often referred to as the “Green Card Lotto.” The term “lotto” is used because the selection process for these visas is done through a random lottery system. Although the official literature sometimes makes use of the word “winning,” you don’t actually “win” a “Green Card”; you are “selected for further processing.”

But here’s the deal – not everyone who gets selected for further processing ends up with a “Green Card.” There are many reasons for this, like mistakes on the application, not being completely honest, not meeting all the requirements, not getting an interview before a certain date, getting turned down at the interview, or health issues. So, it’s a bit more complicated than just winning a card.

More importantly, avoid googling the terms “Green Card Lotto.”… You will land up on all the funky websites out there on the web, designed to convince you that you will have a better chance of “winning” if you pay them your hard-earned cash so that they can enter on your behalf. – Registering for the DV program is FREE; no one is better equipped than you to enter on your own behalf.

Eligibility Criteria:

Before you start the DV Lottery registration process, you must ensure you meet the eligibility criteria:

1. Country of Chargeability: You must be a native of a qualifying country. The list of eligible countries can change yearly, so check the official US Gov website for the latest updates. Currently (for DV2025), South Africa is on the list of qualifying countries.
   
   Please note your Country’s Chargeability has nothing to do with which Passport you hold. It has to do with where you were born. There is also such a thing as cross-chargeability. In certain situations, an applicant may claim their chargeability to their spouse’s or parent’s country of birth rather than their own.
   
2. Education or Work Experience: You should have either a high school diploma or equivalent OR two years of work experience within the past five years in an occupation requiring at least two years of training or experience.
   
   Your South African Matric is considered a high school diploma, so if you have a matric, you meet this requirement.

How to Register for the DV Lottery:

• Visit the Official US Diversity Visa Website: The DV Lottery registration process is free, and you should only submit your entry through the official website provided by the U.S. Department of State.

• Complete the Entry Form: You will need to provide your personal information, including your name, date of birth, nationality, and contact details. Follow the button below to see an example of this page:

• Upload a Digital Photograph: You’ll be required to upload a recent passport-sized photograph of yourself, and any eligible family members included in your application.

• Keep Your Confirmation Number: After successfully submitting your entry, you will receive a unique confirmation number. Be sure to keep this number safe, as you will need it to check the status of your entry in May 2024 when results are released.

Important Tips:

• Avoid Scams: The DV Lottery is entirely free to enter. Be cautious of fraudulent websites or individuals who promise guaranteed success in exchange for money.
• Enter Only Once: Multiple entries will result in disqualification. You are allowed only one entry per person during the registration period.
• Check the Results: The results of the DV Lottery are usually available on the official website of the year following your registration. You can check if you’ve been selected using your confirmation number.

If You Are Selected:

If you’re one of the lucky winners, you will need to complete additional forms and attend an interview at the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate. The interview process includes background checks and a medical examination.

The Diversity Visa (DV) Lottery provides a unique opportunity for individuals from eligible countries to fulfill their dream of living and working in the United States. It’s essential to follow the official guidelines and be prepared for the entire process, from registration to the visa interview.

Remember, the DV Lottery is highly competitive, and not everyone who applies will be selected. However, for those fortunate enough to be chosen, it can be the first step on an exciting journey to becoming a permanent resident of the United States.