Every year, millions of people around the world enter a free US government lottery for one of the most sought-after prizes in immigration: a chance at permanent residence. The US Green Card Lottery — officially the Diversity Immigrant Visa Program, or DV lottery — makes up to 55,000 immigrant visas available annually to people from countries with historically low rates of immigration to the United States. This guide explains how the Diversity Visa lottery works, who is eligible, how to enter safely, and what happens if you are selected.
What the Diversity Visa lottery is
The Diversity Visa program exists to diversify the immigrant population in the United States by drawing applicants from regions and countries that send relatively few immigrants. It is run by the US Department of State, and the entry itself is completely free. Winning a "diversity visa" is a pathway to a green card — lawful permanent residence — for the selected entrant and their immediate family.
It is important to understand the odds and the structure from the start. Being selected does not guarantee a visa; it means you are invited to apply, and visas are issued in order of selection until the annual numbers run out. Demand vastly exceeds supply, so entering is worthwhile, but it should be one part of a broader plan rather than your only strategy.
Who is eligible
Two main requirements determine eligibility. The first is your country of chargeability — usually your country of birth. Each year, the State Department publishes a list of countries whose natives are not eligible because they already send large numbers of immigrants to the US. If your birth country is excluded, you may still qualify through your spouse's eligible country of birth or, in some cases, a parent's.
The second requirement is education or work experience. You must have either a high school education (or its equivalent — completion of a full course of secondary education) or two years of qualifying work experience within the past five years in an occupation that requires training or experience. Meeting at least one of these is mandatory.
How to enter — and how to stay safe
There is exactly one official, legitimate way to enter: the Electronic Diversity Visa website at dvprogram.state.gov, during the official entry period, which typically opens in the autumn for a few weeks. The entry is free. You submit one entry per person (submitting more than one disqualifies you), with accurate personal details and a photo that meets strict specifications.
When you submit, you receive a unique confirmation number — save it carefully, because it is the only way to check your results later on the official site. Be alert for scams: no one can improve your odds, the government never emails winners to ask for payment up front, and any site charging a fee to "enter" you is not the official program. Treat unsolicited "you won" messages with deep suspicion.
What happens if you are selected
If your entry is selected, you do not simply receive a visa. Selection means you may proceed to apply, and you will need to act promptly because visa numbers are limited and processed in rank order. The main steps include:
Confirm selection on the official Entrant Status Check using your confirmation number — this is how winners are notified; there is no winning email or letter.
Submit the immigrant visa application (Form DS-260) and pay the required fees.
Gather documents — passport, birth and marriage certificates, police certificates, proof of education or work, and financial information.
Complete a medical exam with an authorized physician.
Attend an interview at a US embassy or consulate, or, if you are already lawfully in the US, apply to adjust status.
- Confirm selection on the official Entrant Status Check using your confirmation number — this is how winners are notified; there is no winning email or letter.
- Submit the immigrant visa application (Form DS-260) and pay the required fees.
- Gather documents — passport, birth and marriage certificates, police certificates, proof of education or work, and financial information.
- Complete a medical exam with an authorized physician.
- Attend an interview at a US embassy or consulate, or, if you are already lawfully in the US, apply to adjust status.
Because the program ends at the close of its fiscal year, selected applicants must complete the entire process within that window. Missing it means losing the opportunity, so speed and organization matter enormously.
Timeline overview
The cycle runs roughly a year and a half from entry to potential visa. Entries are submitted in the autumn; results are typically published the following spring; and selected applicants then complete processing during the subsequent fiscal year. Throughout, the only authoritative source for dates and instructions is the State Department's official program page.
Common myths about the green card lottery
Because the program is so widely discussed, misinformation spreads quickly. A few clarifications can save you money and disappointment:
"Paying a service improves my odds." It does not. Selection is random, the official entry is free, and no agent has special access — paid help can fill in the form, but it cannot change your chances.
"Winning means I automatically get a green card." No. Selection is an invitation to apply; you still must qualify, complete the process, and reach the front of the queue before the visas run out.
"I'll be notified by email if I win." No. The only official way to learn your result is to check your status on the government site using your confirmation number, so treat any "winner" email as a likely scam.
"My country never wins, so it is pointless." Eligibility is recalculated every year; if your birth country qualifies, entering costs nothing but a few minutes of your time.
- "Paying a service improves my odds." It does not. Selection is random, the official entry is free, and no agent has special access — paid help can fill in the form, but it cannot change your chances.
- "Winning means I automatically get a green card." No. Selection is an invitation to apply; you still must qualify, complete the process, and reach the front of the queue before the visas run out.
- "I'll be notified by email if I win." No. The only official way to learn your result is to check your status on the government site using your confirmation number, so treat any "winner" email as a likely scam.
- "My country never wins, so it is pointless." Eligibility is recalculated every year; if your birth country qualifies, entering costs nothing but a few minutes of your time.
Frequently asked questions
Does it cost money to enter the green card lottery?
No. Entering on the official government site is free. You only pay official visa fees later if you are selected and choose to proceed.
Can I improve my chances by entering multiple times?
No — submitting more than one entry in the same year disqualifies you. Each adult may submit a single entry, though a married couple may each enter separately.
If I win, is my family included?
Yes. Your spouse and unmarried children under 21 can generally be included in your application and receive visas alongside you.
This article is general information, not legal advice. Immigration rules, fees, and timelines change often — always confirm the latest details with official sources before acting.
The Diversity Visa lottery is a genuine, free, life-changing opportunity — and also a long shot with strict rules. Enter carefully on the official site, keep your confirmation number safe, and build it into a wider relocation plan. Our Career Package and membership library can help you put this into action.