Frequently Asked Questions about DV Lottery

The Diversity Visa (DV) Program, also known as the Green Card Lottery, is a U.S. immigration initiative that grants a limited number of visas through a random lottery system. It aims to promote diversity among immigrants by selecting individuals from countries with historically low immigration rates to the United States.

Yes, Registration for the Diversity Visa (DV) Program is open to everyone (provided eligibility), regardless of which Visa process you are currently in. You may even enter again if you have been selected in the prior draw and are currently awaiting interview processing.

Applicants typically need to meet education or work experience requirements, have a qualifying nationality, and submit an online entry during the annual application period. Specific requirements may change, so it’s important to consult the official U.S. government website for the most up-to-date information or keep an eye out on the SAITUS website as we try our best to give you the most up to date information.

Eligibility

Requirement #1:
Natives of countries with historically low rates of immigration to the United States may be eligible to enter. If you are not a native of a country with historically low rates of immigration to the United States, there are two other ways to might be able to qualify.

Is your spouse a native of a country with historically low rates of immigration to the United States? If yes, you can claim your spouse’s country of birth – provided that you and yur spouse are named on the selected entry, are found eligible and issued diversity visas, and enter the United States at the same time.

Are you native of a country that does not have historically low rates of immigration to the United States, but in which neither of your parents was born or legally resident at the time of your birth? If yes, you may claim the country of birth of one of your parents if it is a country whose natives are eligible for the DV-2025 program.

Requirement #2:
Each DV applicant must meet the education/work experience requirement of the DV program by having either:
– at least a high school education or its equivalent, defined as successful completion of a 12 year course of formal elementary and secondary education
OR
– two years of work experience within the past five years in an occupation that requires at least two years of training or experience to perform.

– Visit the official U.S. government website during the annual entry period (see “WHEN IS DV-2025 OPENING FOR REGISTRATION for starting dates).
– Complete the online entry form (see “Take me to the DV Registration Page” shortcut button”), providing accurate information about yourself, including your name, date of birth, nationality, and other required details.
– Upload a recent passport-sized photo of yourself and ensure it meets the specified photo requirements.
– Receive a unique confirmation number upon successful submission. Keep this number for future reference.
– Check the lottery results online during the designated period to see if you have been selected.

Winning the Diversity Visa (DV) Lottery is not a guarantee of moving to the USA. While winning the lottery is a significant step, it only means you are eligible to apply for a U.S. immigrant visa. You must still go through a comprehensive application process, including background checks, interviews, medical examinations, and meeting other requirements to actually obtain the visa. Additionally, meeting these requirements does not guarantee entry into the United States, as you may still be denied entry at the port of entry by U.S. Customs and Border Protection officials if they have concerns about your eligibility or admissibility. So, while winning the DV Lottery is a significant opportunity, there are several steps and requirements to fulfill before you can move to the USA.

The registration for the Diversity Visa (DV) Lottery program is typically free. The U.S. Department of State does not charge a fee to enter the DV Lottery. Be cautious of fraudulent websites or individuals who may claim to assist you with the registration process for a fee. It’s essential to rely on the official U.S. government website for accurate information and to avoid scams. Keep in mind that while the registration is free, there may be costs associated with the visa application and processing if you are selected as a DV Lottery winner.

Diversity Visa (DV) Lottery results for a specific fiscal year are typically available the following year, around the month of May. If you register for DV-2025 the results should be released in May 2024. Dates will be released closer to the time on the U.S. website.

If you are selected for further processing in the Diversity Visa (DV) Lottery for DV-2025, here are the general steps and what to expect:

1. Notification: You will NOT be notified by anyone. There will be no phone calls and no emails. During May next year, you must log back into the same web portal (where you registered) using the unique confirmation number you received at the time of your entry to check your status.
2. Visa Application: If you are selected “for further processing”, you must apply for a DV immigrant visa by following the detailed instructions on the application process. This generally includes completing and submitting DS-260 forms and all other requested documentation. Check back here for further details on this subject later on.
3. Notification of scheduled Interview: Keep an eye on your status on the website as the U.S. embassy update interview dates on your status. You need to follow instructions to schedule your interview.
4. Interview: You will be required to attend an interview at the U.S. embassy or consulate in your home country. The interview will assess your eligibility and admissibility to the United States.
5. Medical Examination: You will need to undergo a medical examination by an approved panel physician to ensure you meet health requirements for immigration before your Interview.
6. Background Checks: The U.S. government will conduct background checks to verify your eligibility and admissibility.
7. Visa Approval: If you pass the interview, background checks, and meet all requirements, you will be issued a DV immigrant visa.
8. Travel to the U.S.: Upon obtaining the DV immigrant visa, you can travel to the United States to establish permanent residency. (You need to pay your own airfare).
9. Adjustment of Status: If you are already in the United States legally, you may be able to adjust your status to that of a lawful permanent resident.

It’s important to follow all instructions provided by the U.S. Department of State and the U.S. embassy or consulate in your home country throughout this process. Note that being selected as a DV Lottery winner is just the first step, and you must meet all eligibility criteria and successfully complete the required steps to obtain a visa and immigrate to the United States.