If you’ve ever thought about moving to the United States, you’ve probably heard people talk about the “Green Card Lottery.” Some call it the “American Visa Lottery,” others call it “DV Lottery,” but they’re all referring to the same thing—a yearly U.S. immigration program officially known as the Diversity Visa (DV) Program.
The idea sounds too good to be true: submit a free online application and, if you’re selected, you get the chance to apply for a U.S. green card. But yes, it’s real. Every year, the U.S. government randomly selects tens of thousands of people from eligible countries to apply for permanent residence in the United States. And yes, people just like you—without high-level connections or agents—get picked.
Still, many first-time applicants get confused about what the process involves, who qualifies, and how to avoid mistakes that can lead to disqualification. That’s why this guide was created—to give you a clear, direct explanation of what the American Visa Lottery is, how to apply properly, and what to expect if you win.
What is the American Visa Lottery?
The American Visa Lottery is a free immigration program run by the U.S. government. Its official name is the Diversity Immigrant Visa Program, often shortened to the DV Program or DV Lottery. The goal is simple: to bring more immigrants to the U.S. from countries that don’t already send large numbers of people.
Each year, the program offers 55,000 green cards to randomly selected individuals and their immediate families. If you’re selected, you can apply to become a permanent resident of the U.S.—meaning you can live, work, and eventually apply for citizenship if you meet the requirements.
The program is run by the U.S. Department of State. The selection is random, but not everyone can enter. Only people from eligible countries and with certain minimum qualifications can apply.
Who can apply for the DV Lottery?
You need to meet two main requirements to be eligible:
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You must be from an eligible country.
Each year, the U.S. releases a list of countries that cannot participate, mostly because they already have high immigration rates to the U.S. If your country is not on that list, you’re eligible.If your country is ineligible, you might still qualify by using your spouse’s or parents’ country of birth—this is called alternate chargeability. It’s legal and allowed in the official rules.
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You need to meet the education or work experience requirement.
You must have at least:-
A high school education (or the equivalent), OR
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Two years of work experience (within the past five years) in an eligible occupation that requires at least two years of training or experience.
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If you meet these two conditions, you can apply—whether you’re single, married, employed, or currently studying. There’s no age limit, but most applicants are adults, since the education/work experience rule applies.
How does the application process work?
The DV Lottery application happens once per year, usually around October to early November. The U.S. government opens a short window where eligible individuals can apply online. It’s completely free. No payment is required to enter, and you should avoid anyone who asks you to pay to “boost your chances”—that’s a scam.
You apply online through the official U.S. government website:
➡️ https://dvprogram.state.gov
The application form will ask you for:
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Full legal name
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Date and place of birth
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Country of eligibility
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Recent passport-style photo (with specific photo rules)
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Education level
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Marital status and number of children
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Contact information
Important: Once you submit your application, you will get a unique confirmation number. Save this number carefully—you’ll need it to check your results the following year.
How are winners selected?
Winners are chosen randomly by a computer. If you’re selected, you’ll be notified through the same official website where you applied. The U.S. government does not email you, call you, or send letters—you must check the result yourself by entering your confirmation number on the website.
The results usually come out in May of the following year. If you applied in October 2025, for example, you’d check your results in May 2026.
Being selected doesn’t mean you’ve won a green card automatically. It means you’ve been chosen to apply for one. You’ll need to submit documents, go through interviews, and pass medical and background checks. Only then will you receive your U.S. visa and eventually your green card.
What happens if you’re selected?
If you’re selected, you’ll be directed to a secure U.S. government portal where you’ll fill out Form DS-260, which is your formal application for an immigrant visa. You’ll also need to prepare the following:
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Valid international passport
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Birth certificate
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Police clearance from each country where you’ve lived
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Educational certificates
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Marriage certificate (if applicable)
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Medical exam from an approved doctor
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Financial documents to show you won’t be a public burden
After submitting your forms and supporting documents, you’ll be scheduled for an in-person interview at a U.S. embassy or consulate. If everything is approved, you’ll be issued a visa and given a timeline to enter the United States. Once you land, you officially become a U.S. permanent resident.
Can your family join you?
Yes. If you’re selected, your spouse and all unmarried children under 21 can be included in your application. You don’t need to enter multiple times—just include them when you submit your application.
Your spouse does not need to be from an eligible country. They can still be included as long as they are legally married to you before you apply or before your visa is issued.
Tips to avoid common mistakes
Thousands of applications get disqualified each year for simple errors. To give yourself a real chance, follow these key tips:
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Use the official website only – dvprogram.state.gov
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Don’t submit more than one entry per person – Duplicate entries will get you disqualified
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Follow the photo rules exactly – Wrong sizes or poor-quality images will cause rejection
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Include all eligible family members – Leaving out a spouse or child can result in denial
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Keep your confirmation number safe – If you lose it, there is no way to check your result
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Ignore anyone who offers to guarantee selection – No agent, lawyer, or company can increase your odds
How to increase your chances
There is no way to increase your odds of being selected. The draw is completely random. But you can maximize your household’s chances legally:
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If both you and your spouse are eligible, each of you can apply separately and include the other as a spouse. This gives your family two chances instead of one.
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Make sure your application is 100% complete and accurate.
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Apply early in the registration window to avoid server issues near the deadline.
Final thoughts
The American Visa Lottery is real, and thousands of people from around the world win every year. It’s not a shortcut, but it is a genuine, free pathway to live and work legally in the United States. If you’re eligible and serious about building a life in the U.S., don’t miss the application window.
The most important thing is to prepare properly. You only get one shot per year—make it count. Gather your documents, double-check your photo, and apply through the official website when it opens. If you get selected, follow the process carefully and stay updated on your deadlines.
Many immigrants living legally in the U.S. today started their journey through this program. Yours could be next.
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