Your Essential Guide to the DV Lottery (Application – Results)
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The Diversity Visa (DV) Lottery, also known as the Green Card Lottery, is a unique U.S. government program offering a pathway to permanent residency for individuals from countries with historically low immigration rates to the United States. With millions of applicants annually and only 55,000 visas available, understanding the process is critical. This guide covers eligibility, application steps, timelines, and key tips to maximize your chances.
The DV Lottery, also known as the Diversity Visa Lottery or the Green Card Lottery, is a U.S. government program designed to diversify the immigrant population. Established under the Immigration Act of 1990, it aims to diversify the U.S. immigrant population by granting up to 55,000 visas annually to eligible applicants. Winners and their immediate families receive permanent residency (green cards), allowing them to live, work, and study in the United States of America.
Before applying, confirm your DV Lottery Eligibility. You must meet these criteria:
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Submitting your DV Lottery Application is the first step toward securing a U.S. green card. Follow these steps:
Click on this link to see a step by step guide with visual materials on the whole application process.
Notice : The DV Lottery is free. Ignore emails or agencies demanding payment. Only use the official U.S. Department of State website.
After you apply, use your DV Lottery Confirmation Number to Check DV Lottery Status and view DV Lottery Results:
If selected, youâll receive instructions on interviews and next steps.
Critical Deadline: All visas must be issued by the end of the fiscal year. For example, all DV-2026 visas must be issued by September 30, 2026. If you don’t get your visa by that date, you might have lost your chance.
If youâre legally in the U.S. (e.g., on a student or work visa), you may apply for a green card through USCIS by filing Form I-485. Key requirements include:
The DV Lottery is the Diversity Visa Lottery program that awards permanent residency visas via random selection.
Eligibility is based on your country of birth and meeting education/work experience requirements. See the DV Lottery Eligibility section above.
Registration runs from early October to early Novemberâverify the exact DV Lottery Registration Dates on the official portal.
Yes, you can apply for the DV Lottery even if youâre married to a U.S. citizen. However, pursuing a marriage-based green card (via Form I-130) is typically a faster and more direct path to permanent residency, as spouses of U.S. citizens are exempt from visa caps and lengthy wait times. The DV Lottery remains an option, but winning does not override your eligibility for a marriage-based visaâyou can choose the most advantageous route if selected.
There is no official age limit for the DV Lottery, but applicants must meet the education or work experience requirements, which minors often cannot fulfill. For example, a high school diploma or equivalent is mandatory unless substituting work experience. Parents can include unmarried children under 21 in their application, but minors applying independently must still meet eligibility criteria, making it rare for younger applicants to qualify.
Yes, you can apply for the DV Lottery while residing in the U.S., but winning does not automatically grant a green card. If selected, you must either attend a consular interview abroad or file Form I-485 for adjustment of status if youâre already legally in the U.S. (e.g., on a student or work visa). Approval hinges on having a current visa number and meeting admissibility requirements, such as passing background checks.
Use the status check portal with your confirmation number to view your DV Lottery Results. Please click on this page for a full guide.
If you have lost your DV Lottery confirmation number, you can retrieve it via the Entrant Status Check portal by entering the email address and personal details used during registration. The system will resend the 16-digit code, which is essential for checking results. Without it, you cannot confirm your status, so safeguard the number or ensure your email account remains accessible throughout the results period.
The DV Lottery offers a life-changing opportunity, but success requires meticulous preparation. Stay vigilant against scams, adhere to deadlines, and ensure all documentation is accurate. For further details, visit the official U.S. Department of State DV Program page or consult the 2026 DV Lottery instructions. To be the first to see latest opportunities, please follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest and Instagram.
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