How To Participate in the Diversity Visa Lottery in 10 Steps

Understanding the steps—from submitting your entry to completing the visa interview—can help you navigate the process and avoid mistakes that could jeopardize your chance of receiving a green card.

This article explains how to participate in the Diversity Immigrant Visa Program (DV Program)  in 10 steps. You’ll also learn about:

• The details of the program
• Eligibility criteria
• What follows after application approval
• And more

Visa diversity applicants must meet strict submission requirements to qualify. Experienced immigration attorneys can help applicants seeking this immigration opportunity.

What Is the Diversity Visa Program?

The Diversity Immigrant Visa Program, mandated by the U.S. Congress, makes 50,000 diversity visas (DVs) available each year to qualified individuals. Those from countries with low immigration rates to the United States can take part in the DV program.

The selection process is a random draw. This is why it’s called the “diversity visa lottery.” The U.S. government also allows the lottery “winners” to bring their spouses and unmarried children under 21.

To manage the limited number of DVs available each year, the U.S. Department of State conducts an annual “visa lottery.” The program’s registration period generally runs for one month in the fall of each fiscal year. The list of countries is subject to change every year, following immigration trends.

Am I Eligible for the U.S. Diversity Visa Lottery?

To be eligible to apply for the Diversity Lottery, you must be a nonimmigrant from an eligible country. Or you must be the spouse or child of a foreign national who applied to take part in the program. In some cases, you’re eligible if your parent’s country of birth is eligible to take part in the program. Besides meeting the country of origin rule, DV applicants must meet one of the following:

• High school education (or its equivalent), or
• At least two years of work experience in the past five years in an occupation that requires two or more years of training or experience

There are strict time guidelines for the electronic submission of Diversity Lottery applications. Often, the State Department gives a two-month window for visa applicants. The format, resolution, size, focus, and position of the person in the photograph must meet specific requirements.

You must meet these exact specifications to avoid the removal of your application from the lottery. Additionally, you may only submit one entry each period. But individuals who have already sought a visa under another category can still submit under the Diversity Lottery.

The Department of State provides a list of eligible countries for the 2026 Diversity Visa Program. Start on page 30 of the “Instructions for the 2026 Diversity Immigrant Visa Program” document for a full list of countries, grouped by region.

The list of countries in the DV program changes each year. Check the State Department website before the annual lottery to confirm your home country is eligible.

How To Enter the Visa Lottery in 10 Steps

The State Department releases diversity visa lottery application procedures and detailed program entry instructions annually. It requires that all DV applicants file electronically without any application fees. 

Keep reading for the steps to apply for the DV program.

1. Submission of Entry Form

The State Department sets a limited period during which you can register for the program each year. You apply online. After you submit the complete entry, you will see a confirmation page that contains your confirmation number and name. You must keep your confirmation number to access the online system later.

2. Applicant Selection

Every year, the State Department conducts a random sample of DV applicants. The State Department allocates visas based on demographic immigration data and available visas.

3. Confirmation of Selection

The State Department notifies selected applicants only through the DV Entrant Status Check. Here, the State Department will notify you whether they chose you to move forward for further processing in the DV program. Selection does not guarantee your receipt of a visa. You should still meet all eligibility requirements listed under U.S. immigration laws.

4. Check Your Qualifications

The DV program requires applicants to have either a high school education or two years of work experience. You can only proceed with your visa application if you meet either requirement.

5. Complete the Visa Application Form

As the principal applicant, you and your family members applying for the program should complete Form DS-260. Here, you will need to fill out detailed information. If your circumstances changed after you filed your application for the DV program, for instance, you got married or had a child, you must add your family member to your application.

The State Department asks for documents to prove your relationship with the family member you’re adding to your application.

6. Submit Supporting Documents

You will get instructions on how to submit supporting documents. At this point, the State Department will do screenings and background checks. You must submit the required supporting documents before they can schedule an interview. If you can’t get a particular document, you should explain why.

7. Visa Interview Scheduling

 You may get an email from the Kentucky Consular Center (KCC) regarding an interview. The email will instruct you to log in to your Entrant Status Check to determine the location, time, and interview date.

8. Prepare for the Interview

Preparing for your interview can help you avoid denial or delay of your visa application.

9. Attend the Interview

Follow the interview preparation instructions sent to you. The interview is often at the U.S. consulate or U.S. embassy. A consular officer will perform the interview and decide whether you can get the immigrant visa. The U.S. government assesses your eligibility based on the rules under the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA) and other U.S. immigration laws.

10. Visa Approval or Denial

At the end of your interview, the consular officer will tell you if your visa is approved or denied. If approved, the officer will take your passport to attach the visa to one of its pages. The consular official will inform you of the method and timing for returning your passport. If you’re denied, you will learn why you were ineligible.

Several multiple entries may lead to disqualification. So, submitting a single, accurate application is essential to maintaining your chances of being selected for the DV program.

What Should I Expect if the U.S. Approves My Application?

Diversity visa lottery winners get their passports through the mail at the address listed on their application. The mail also contains further instructions and information about application fees.

If you get selected in the DV lottery program, your diversity visa will be on a page of your passport. You will also get an immigrant packet with all the documents you should bring to the port of entry. When traveling to the United States, you must show these documents to the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP).

After getting your immigrant visa and before traveling to the U.S., you should pay the immigrant fee to the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). But some particular classes of immigrants are exempt from paying this fee. Included are those:

• Entering the U.S. under Hague adoption or Orphan programs
• Afghan and Iraqi special immigrants
• Returning residents
• Those with K visas (fiancée visas)

When Should I Travel to the United States?

You should arrive in the United States within your visa validity period. The date is on your visa. A diversity visa is valid for six months from the issue date.

When entering the U.S., the principal visa applicant should enter before or simultaneously with the family members they are with. You and your family should travel before your visa’s end date. Bring the sealed immigration packet and show it at the U.S. port of entry.

Remember that a U.S. visa does not guarantee entry into the country. CBP officials have the discretion and authority to deny or grant admission into the United States.

If admitted into the country, you will be a lawful permanent resident (green card holder). You can work and live permanently in the United States with this immigrant status.

Get Legal Help with a Diversity Lottery Application

The journey to migrating to the United States through the green card lottery may feel overwhelming. The U.S. government issues only a limited number of visas each year. There is also some uncertainty about the selection of your green card application. You must also submit all required documents to ensure your application has the best chance of selection.

That is why it is best to seek legal advice from an immigration attorney. They can guide you through each step of the application process and help you avoid any mistakes that could disqualify you from the lottery. 

FindLaw’s directory of immigration attorneys can get you started. Enter your city or ZIP code for a list of qualified legal professionals in your area. Your search results will also show important details about prospective lawyers, including ratings, languages spoken, and whether they offer free consultations.