The Diversity Visa Lottery (DV Lottery) is an annual program that makes available 55,000 diversity visas to eligible individuals from countries with historically low rates of immigration to the United States. The DV Lottery is a randomized computer drawing, and there is no cost to enter. The DV Lottery is a great opportunity for people from countries with low rates of immigration to the United States to obtain their green card and come to the United States and live and work.
Who can apply for the Diversity Visa Lottery?
To be eligible for the Diversity Visa Lottery, you must:
- Be a native of a country that sent less than 50,000 immigrants to the United States in the previous five years.
- Possess at least a high school diploma or its equivalent.
- Possess two years of work experience in an occupation that requires at least two years of training or experience.
- Be admissible to the United States.
Non-U.S. residents seeking to obtain a green card from an eligible country may apply regardless of whether they live in the United States or abroad. This includes foreign workers who are waiting to obtain a green card through the labor certification program.
Which countries are not eligible for the Diversity Visa Lottery?
The following countries are not eligible for the Diversity Visa Lottery in 2025:
- Bangladesh
- Brazil
- Canada
- China, including Hong Kong SAR (Natives of Macau SAR and Taiwan are eligible)
- Colombia
- Dominican Republic
- El Salvador
- Haiti
- Honduras
- India
- Jamaica
- Mexico
- Nigeria
- Pakistan
- Philippines
- Republic of Korea (South Korea)
- Venezuela
- Vietnam
When to apply for the Diversity Visa Lottery?
The entry submission period for the FY2025 Diversity Immigrant Visa program is from 12:00 pm (ET) on October 4, 2023, to 12:00 pm (ET) on November 7, 2023. The entry form will only be available for submission during this period. In years past, the last week of the registration period saw heavy demand on DOS’s application website, causing website delays. Therefore, submitting your application as early as possible is encouraged.
How to apply for the Diversity Visa Lottery
Entries must be submitted online through DOS’s website. Paper entries are not accepted. Online applications are free, but visa processing fees may apply if selected. DOS releases detailed instructions on their website (see below).
Tips for applying for the Diversity Visa Lottery:
- Read the instructions carefully before you start your application.
- Make sure you are eligible for the program before you apply.
- Submit your application early in the registration period to avoid website delays.
- Only submit one application per person.
Selection of Entries
The results of the DV-2025 lottery will be available on the E-DV site as of May 4, 2024. If your entry is selected, you will be directed to a confirmation page providing further instructions, including information about fees connected with immigration to the United States. Entrant Status Check will be the ONLY means by which the Department of State notifies selectees of their selection for DV-2025. The Department of State will not mail notification letters or notify selectees by email. If you were chosen during the selection period, you will then need to complete a visa application and submit supporting documentation. If your visa application is approved, you will be able to immigrate to the United States and become a permanent resident.
For more information and detailed instructions, please visit: https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/us-visas/immigrate/diversity-visa-program-entry/diversity-visa-instructions.html