Eligibility for the DV Lottery: What You Need to Know

The Diversity Visa (DV) Program is also known as the Green Card Lottery. It is a United States government program. This program makes a small number of immigrant visas available. These visas are for people from countries with historically low rates of immigration to the U.S. Here’s a breakdown of key information:

What is the DV Lottery?

• The DV Lottery is a program administered by the U.S. Department of State.
• It aims to diversify the immigrant population in the United States.  
• It randomly selects individuals from eligible countries, giving them the opportunity to apply for a U.S. immigrant visa (Green Card).

Key Eligibility Requirements:

• Country of Birth:
  • Applicants must be born in a qualifying country. The list of eligible countries changes annually, so it’s crucial to check the official Department of State website.
• Education/Work Experience:
  • Applicants must meet one of the following requirements:
    • A high school education or its equivalent.
    • Two years of work experience within the past five years in an occupation that requires at least two years of training or experience. You can find qualifying ocupations on the O*net online database.  
• It is very important to only use the official government website.

How to Apply:

• Online Application:
  • Applications must be submitted electronically through the official Electronic Diversity Visa (E-DV) website during the designated registration period.
• Precise Information:
  • Provide precise and full information. Any errors or misrepresentations can lead to disqualification.
• One Entry Per Person:
  • Only one entry per person is allowed. Multiple entries will result in disqualification.
• Confirmation Number:
  • Upon successful submission, you will receive a confirmation number. It is extremely important to save this number, as it is the only way to check your application status.

How to Apply for the DV Lottery:

• Official Website:
  • The sole website for DV Lottery applications is the Electronic Diversity Visa (E-DV) website:
    • dvprogram.state.gov
  • It is critical to only use this web address. Many fraudulent sites exist, so double-check the URL.
• Application Period:
  • The DV Lottery has a specific registration period each year. Pay close attention to the official announcements from the Department of State for these dates.
• Electronic Submission:
  • All entries must be submitted electronically through the E-DV website during the designated registration period. Paper entries are not accepted.
• Accurate Information:
  • Provide accurate and complete information on the application form. Any errors or misrepresentations can lead to disqualification.
• One Entry Per Person:
  • Only one entry per person is allowed per registration period. Multiple entries will result in disqualification.
• Confirmation Number:
  • Upon successful submission, you will receive a confirmation number. It is extremely important to save this number. This is the only way to check your entry status.
• No Fees:
  • There is NO fee to enter the DV Lottery. Any website or individual asking for payment is fraudulent.

Key Points to Remember:

• Beware of Scams: Be very cautious of websites, emails, or individuals claiming to offer assistance with the DV Lottery.
• Official Instructions: Always refer to the official DV Lottery instructions on the Department of State website for the most accurate and up-to-date information.
• Checking Your Status: The only way to find out if you were selected is by using your confirmation number to check the Entrant Status Check on the E-DV website. The Department of State does not send notification emails.

Where to Find Official Information:

• U.S. Department of State: travel.state.gov

By adhering to these guidelines and using the official website, you can ensure that your DV Lottery application is processed correctly and safely.

Selection Process:

• Random Selection:
  • Winners are selected randomly by a computer-generated drawing.
• Checking Your Status:
  • You can only check your application status online using your confirmation number on the official E-DV website.
• No Email Notifications:
  • The Department of State does not send email notifications to selectees.

What Happens If You’re Selected?

• Visa Application:
  • If selected, you will be eligible to apply for an immigrant visa.
• Further Processing:
  • You will need to complete further processing steps and attend a visa interview at a U.S. embassy or consulate.
• Meeting Requirements:
  • Even if selected, you must still meet all U.S. immigration requirements to obtain a visa.

Important Reminders:

• Official Website:
  • Always refer to the official U.S. Department of State website for the most accurate and up-to-date information.
• Beware of Scams:
  • Be cautious of fraudulent websites or individuals offering to guarantee DV Lottery selection. The DV Lottery is free to enter.
• Stay Informed:
  • Immigration rules and regulations can change, so stay informed about the latest updates.

Where to Find Official Information:

• The official U.S. Department of State website: travel.state.gov

I hope this information is helpful.

DV Lottery 2025: Application Details and Requirements

The Diversity Immigrant Visa (DV) Program, commonly known as the Green Card Lottery, offers a chance for individuals from eligible countries to obtain a U.S. immigrant visa. Here’s a breakdown of the critical details:

Key Information:

• Official Website:
  • The only authorized website for DV Lottery applications is the U.S. Department of State’s Electronic Diversity Visa (E-DV) website: dvprogram.state.gov
  • Always use this official website. Be extremely cautious of any other websites claiming to offer DV Lottery applications or assistance.
• Eligibility Requirements:
  • Country of Birth:
    • Applicants must be born in a qualifying country. The list of eligible countries varies each year. Refer to the official DV Lottery instructions for the most current list.
  • Education/Work Experience:
    • Applicants must meet one of the next:
      • A high school education or its equivalent.
      • Two years of work experience within the past five years in an occupation that requires at least two years of ¹ training or experience. The U.S. Department of Labor’s O*NET Online database is used to determine ² qualifying occupations.   1. www.fragomen.com www.fragomen.com 2. scholarspoll.com scholarspoll.com
• Application Process:
  • Electronic Entry:
    • Applications must be submitted electronically through the E-DV website during the specified registration period.
  • Precise Information:
    • Offer precise and thorough information. Any errors can result in disqualification.
  • One Entry Per Person:
    • Only one entry per person is permitted. Multiple entries will lead to disqualification.
  • Confirmation Number:
    • Upon successful submission, you will get a confirmation number. Keep this number safe. It is the only way to check your entry status.
• Important Considerations:
  • No Application Fees:
    • There is no fee to enter the DV Lottery. Any requests for payment are fraudulent.
  • Checking Entry Status:
    • You can only check your entry status online through the Entrant Status Check on the E-DV website using your confirmation number. The Department of State does not send notification emails.
  • Official Instructions:
    • Always refer to the official DV Lottery instructions on the U.S. Department of State’s website for the most accurate and up-to-date information.

Where to Find Official Information:

• U.S. Department of State: travel.state.gov
• Electronic Diversity Visa (E-DV) Program: dvprogram.state.gov

By following these guidelines and using the official resources, you can ensure a safe and accurate DV Lottery application process.