The Diversity Immigrant Visa Program, commonly known as the DV Lottery or Green Card Lottery, is a U.S. government program created to increase immigration diversity by offering up to 55,000 immigrant visas annually to people from countries with historically low levels of immigration to the United States. American Immigration Council+2Wikipedia+2
The idea is that by reserving visas for underrepresented countries, the overall immigrant population becomes more geographically balanced. Wikipedia+2migrationpolicy.org+2
However, being selected in the lottery does not automatically guarantee that a person will receive a visa or permanent residence — winners still must satisfy many legal criteria and complete the application process. Travel State+3Travel State+3American Immigration Council+3
Historical and Legal Background
The DV Program stems from the Immigration Act of 1990, which introduced the diversity visa category (Section 203(c) of the Immigration and Nationality Act). migrationpolicy.org+3Wikipedia+3Wikipedia+3
From its first use (DV-1) onward, the lottery has evolved: early lotteries used paper forms; now applications are submitted online. The year label (e.g. “DV-2027”) refers to the U.S. fiscal year in which the visas are issued, not the calendar year when entries are submitted. USAGov+4Wikipedia+4American Immigration Council+4
Over time, additional rules have been introduced. For example:
- In some years, entrants were required to provide a valid passport number at entry time. Wikipedia+2American Immigration Council+2
- Recently, the U.S. government has proposed reinstating stricter identity verification, such as requiring scanned passport pages during entry to reduce fraud. Nixon Peabody LLP+3The Economic Times+3Boundless+3
- As recently as 2025, the State Department added a US$1 registration fee (for the first time) to reduce administrative burden and ensure all registrants share some cost. Boundless
Eligibility Requirements
To enter the DV Lottery, applicants must meet several criteria. Some of the key ones include:
- Country of Birth / Chargeability
Applicants must be from a country that is eligible (i.e. countries that have had low immigration rates to the U.S. in recent years). Countries that have sent more than 50,000 immigrants over the past five years may be excluded. Nixon Peabody LLP+4Wikipedia+4American Immigration Council+4
In limited cases, one can “charge” to the spouse’s or a parent’s country of birth instead, under certain rules. The Law Offices of Cheryl R. David+3Wikipedia+3Nixon Peabody LLP+3 - Education or Work Experience
Applicants must have at least a high school education (or its equivalent) OR two years of qualifying work experience within the past five years in an occupation that requires at least two years of training or experience. Immigration Equality+4Nixon Peabody LLP+4American Immigration Council+4 - Admissibility and Security Requirements
Even if selected, applicants must pass background checks (criminal record, security, medical). Some past immigration violations or unauthorized presence in the U.S. may complicate or disqualify the applicant. Nixon Peabody LLP+3Immigration Equality+3American Immigration Council+3 - Single Entry
Each person may submit only one entry per lottery. Multiple entries by the same person result in disqualification. Boundless+3Travel State+3Nixon Peabody LLP+3 - Photo & Form Requirements
Applicants must submit digital photographs meeting specific guidelines (size, background, face visibility). Nixon Peabody LLP+2American Immigration Council+2
One should always refer to the official DV instructions for the given year to ensure up-to-date eligibility criteria. Travel State+2Nixon Peabody LLP+2
How the Process Works, Step by Step
- Registration (Entry Period)
The U.S. Department of State opens the DV application window—typically in October or November—for a few weeks. During this period, eligible individuals submit their entries online, free of charge (though beginning in 2025 a $1 fee is required). Serotte Law+3Travel State+3Nixon Peabody LLP+3 - Random Selection of Entrants
After the registration window closes, entries are processed and a computer randomly selects more applicants than there are visas (to account for disqualifications or dropouts). Serotte Law+3American Immigration Council+3Nixon Peabody LLP+3
The lottery allocates visas by geographic region, and no single country may receive more than 7% of the total visas in any given year. Wikipedia+2Nixon Peabody LLP+2 - Notification / Entrant Status Check
Selected entrants can check their status online (via the Department of State’s portal). The U.S. government does not notify winners via email or mail. Nixon Peabody LLP+3American Immigration Council+3USAGov+3
This check usually begins in early May of the year after entry. American Immigration Council+3USAGov+3Nixon Peabody LLP+3 - Next Steps for Selected Entrants
If selected, the individual must promptly file the immigrant visa application (Form DS-260), submit required supporting documents, and attend consular or USCIS interviews. Travel State+3Travel State+3Nixon Peabody LLP+3
If residing outside the U.S., the visa is processed through a U.S. consulate abroad (consular processing). If the person is already inside the U.S. legally, they may apply to adjust status with USCIS. Immigration Equality+4USCIS+4Travel State+4 - Visa Issuance and Entry into the U.S.
Once the visa is approved, the applicant has a limited window to travel to the U.S. and activate the visa. The immigrant becomes a lawful permanent resident upon entry. Wikipedia+3USAGov+3American Immigration Council+3
Also, all visa processing and arrival must occur by the end of the U.S. fiscal year for which the lottery is held. That is a strict deadline. American Immigration Council+3Travel State+3USCIS+3
Advantages and Significance of the DV Lottery
- Pathway Without Sponsorship Required
Unlike family- or employment-based immigration, the DV program allows individuals to self-sponsor through the lottery mechanism. Ukraine Task Force+2Nixon Peabody LLP+2 - Promotes Geographic Diversity
The DV aims to diversify the pool of immigrant origin countries, giving opportunities to people from underrepresented nations. migrationpolicy.org+2American Immigration Council+2 - Economic and Social Contributions
Many DV immigrants are educated or skilled. For example, studies show that about half of DV recipients arrive with a college degree, despite the program not explicitly rewarding merit. migrationpolicy.org+1 - Opportunity for Families
Spouses and unmarried children under 21 can also be included as derivatives if the principal applicant is selected. USAGov+2American Immigration Council+2
In short, for people without U.S. family or employer connections, DV can be one of the few realistic paths to U.S. permanent residence.
Criticisms, Challenges, and Risks
- Low Odds / Highly Competitive
Tens of millions of people apply each year for ~55,000 visas. The chance of being selected is small, and not all selected manage to complete the process successfully. Nixon Peabody LLP+3Wikipedia+3American Immigration Council+3 - Strict Deadlines
Meeting deadlines is critical. If the visa is not processed before the fiscal year ends, or paperwork is late, the opportunity is lost. American Immigration Council+3Travel State+3Nixon Peabody LLP+3 - Disqualification Risk
Many selected applicants fail in later stages due to ineligibility (criminal records, missing documents, health issues, failure to meet immigration law requirements). American Immigration Council+2Travel State+2 - Fraud and Scams
Because of the allure of a “guaranteed green card,” many fraudulent services, emails, and websites prey on hopeful applicants, requesting fees or promising success. The official U.S. government never contacts winners by mail or email, and entering the lottery is officially free (though a $1 fee was introduced in 2025). Travel State+5Wikipedia+5American Immigration Council+5 - Political Debate / Risk of Termination
The DV program has long been controversial. Some lawmakers advocate for replacing it with a merit-based immigration system. Serotte Law+3migrationpolicy.org+3American Immigration Council+3
Tips and Best Practices for Applicants
- Submit Early
Don’t wait until the last days of the registration window. The system may experience congestion or technical issues. - Follow Photo / Form Guidelines Strictly
Mistakes in the photo (size, background, lighting) or data entry errors can lead to disqualification. - Save Your Confirmation Number
This number is essential to check your status later. If lost, you may not be able to access your entry’s result. Boundless+1 - Monitor Official Channels Only
Use the official Department of State / U.S. government websites and avoid third-party services that ask for payment or promise guaranteed success. - Be Prepared for Costs & Documents
If selected, you’ll incur fees (immigrant visa application, medical exams, etc.), and you’ll need to gather documents (birth certificates, police records, etc.) quickly. - Be Aware of Timing Constraints
Process your visa application and interview as early as possible in the fiscal year to avoid running out of allocated visas. - Consider Alternate Immigration Routes Too
If you have family or employment-based eligibility, it often leads to more secure paths. If you are eligible through multiple channels, pursue the most reliable one. Boundless+2American Immigration Council+2
Recent and Future Changes
- As of 2025, the State Department introduced a $1 registration fee for entering the DV Lottery, shifting part of the administrative cost burden to registrants. Boundless
- The government is also considering reinstating passport upload or stronger identity verification requirements to combat fraudulent entries. The Economic Times+1
- The list of ineligible countries (those excluded from DV participation) changes over time depending on immigration flows, so it’s important to check each year’s instructions. American Immigration Council+3Immigration Equality+3Travel State+3
- With ongoing political debate over immigration reform, the DV program’s future may be uncertain. Some proposals seek to end or replace it with merit-based systems. migrationpolicy.org+2Nixon Peabody LLP+2
Conclusion
The DV Lottery remains a unique and famously hopeful path toward U.S. permanent residency. For many, it is one of the only routes available without needing family or employer sponsorship. Yet, its promise is tempered by fierce competition, strict compliance requirements, and the risk of disqualification.
If you plan to apply, prepare thoroughly, follow official instructions, and stay alert to changes and deadlines. And while the odds may be slim, for those who succeed, the long-term reward of a U.S. Green Card can be transformative.
