Diversity Visa Lottery Eligibility Explained

The Diversity Visa (DV) program sets aside a limited number of green cards each year for applicants from countries with historically low rates of immigration to the United States.

Basic eligibility

To enter, you generally need to be a native of an eligible country (countries with high recent US immigration are excluded from a given year's list) and meet either a high school education requirement or two years of qualifying work experience within the past several years.

Entry and selection

Entry is free and happens during an annual entry period announced by the State Department. Selection is random — being selected is often called "winning the lottery," but it's really just the first step, not a guarantee of a green card.

After selection

Selected applicants complete a formal application (Form DS-260 for consular processing, or Form I-485 if already eligible to adjust status inside the US), gather required documents, and attend an interview. There's also an annual cap on total DV visas issued, so timing matters — selected applicants who don't complete the process before their fiscal year ends may lose their opportunity.

Get help if your case is close to a deadline

Because DV cases are time-limited within the fiscal year, anyone selected should move quickly and consider a consultation with a licensed immigration attorney to avoid missing a step.