DV Lottery (Green Card Lottery)
Free and official — only on the US government website
The US Department of State gives up to 55,000 immigrant visas (Green Cards) every year by random draw. Entering is completely free. Registration usually opens in early October and closes in early November — always confirm this year's exact dates on the official instructions page.
Beware of scams
- The only official website ends with .state.gov
- Nobody can increase your chance of winning
- The US government never emails or calls winners and never asks for money by transfer
Quick check: do you qualify?
Do you have a high school diploma (12 years of school)?
Step by step
- 1
Check that your country is eligible
Eligible countries change every year. Find the list in the official instructions for this year.
- 2
Check the education or work requirement
You need a high school diploma (12 years), or 2 years of work experience in the last 5 years in a job that requires 2 years of training.
- 3
Prepare a correct photo
A recent photo of you, and of your spouse and each child. Follow the photo rules below exactly.
- 4
Enter on the official website only
Fill in the form at dvprogram.state.gov during the registration period. One entry per person only.
- 5
Save your confirmation number
Print or screenshot the confirmation page. Without this number you cannot check your result.
- 6
Check your result
Results are only on the official Entrant Status Check website, usually from early May. Nobody will email or call you.
Photo requirements
Almost every rejection comes from a wrong photo. Follow these rules exactly for yourself, your spouse and each child.
- Square photo, between 600×600 and 1200×1200 pixels
- JPEG file (.jpg), 240 KB or less
- Taken in the last 6 months
- Plain white or off-white background
- Face the camera directly, neutral expression, both eyes open
- No glasses; no hat unless for religious reasons
- Do not edit or use filters
What you need before you start
- Valid passport (number and expiry date)
- Your full name exactly as in the passport
- Date and city of birth
- Mailing address, phone and email
- Highest education level
- Marital status
- Your spouse's name and photo (even if they don't want to move to the US)
- Names and photos of all your unmarried children under 21
Common mistakes that disqualify you
- Submitting more than one entry — you will be disqualified
- Leaving out your spouse or a child — you will be disqualified
- Using an old photo or a photo with glasses
- Losing the confirmation number
- Paying a website or agent to enter for you
If you are selected
Being selected does not mean you have a visa yet. You must fill in form DS-260, collect your documents, pass the interview and medical exam before the end of the fiscal year (September 30). More people are selected than visas available, so act quickly.
This guide is for information only. The US Department of State website is the only official source.