How does the green card lottery (DV Lottery) work?

The Diversity Visa (DV) Lottery, also called the green card lottery, makes 50,000 immigrant visas available each fiscal year to nationals of countries with historically low rates of immigration to the United States. The program is administered by the State Department. Entries are free and submitted online during the registration period, typically in October and November each year.

To be eligible, you must be a national of a qualifying country and have at least a high school diploma or its equivalent, or two years of work experience in a qualifying occupation. Spouses of DV winners may also receive visas as derivatives. Nationals of high-admission countries such as India, China, Mexico, and the Philippines are not eligible.

Winners are selected by computer lottery and notified through the Entrant Status Check on the DV program website. Being selected does not guarantee a visa. Winners must still complete a full immigrant visa application, pass medical exams, and attend a consular interview. Selectees must complete the process before the end of the fiscal year for which they were selected.

This is general information only, not legal advice. Consult a qualified immigration lawyer or registered migration agent for your specific situation.