Every year, thousands of people around the world apply for the U.S. Diversity Visa (DV) Lottery, commonly known as the Green Card Lottery. It’s one of the most accessible legal paths to permanent residency in the United States.
In this 2025 guide, you’ll learn how the lottery works, how to apply, eligibility rules, key dates, and tips to maximize your chances.
- What is the Green Card Lottery?
- Who is Eligible?
- How to Apply for the DV Lottery (Step-by-Step)
- Required Documents & Photo Guidelines
- Application Timeline & Key Dates (2025)
- How Winners Are Selected
- Common Mistakes to Avoid
- What Happens If You Win?
- DV Lottery FAQs
What is the Green Card Lottery?
The Diversity Visa (DV) Lottery is a U.S. government program that randomly selects individuals from countries with low rates of immigration to the United States.
Each year, approximately 50,000 permanent resident visas are available to eligible applicants. Participation is free, and selection is based on a computer-generated lottery.
Who is Eligible?
To be eligible for the DV Lottery, you must:
- Be born in an eligible country (not all countries qualify each year)
- Have at least a high school diploma or equivalent, OR
- Have two years of work experience in the last five years in a qualifying occupation
- Check the official country list and education/work requirements on dvprogram.state.gov
How to Apply (Step-by-Step)
✅ Step 1: Check eligibility and read the instructions carefully
✅ Step 2: Submit your application online at dvprogram.state.gov
✅ Step 3: Upload a recent passport-style photo that meets strict U.S. visa photo requirements
✅ Step 4: Receive your confirmation number — keep it safe!
✅ Step 5: Check results in May of the following year using your confirmation code
Required Documents & Photo Guidelines
No documents are required at the time of application — only accurate personal details and a correctly formatted digital photo.
Photo must:
- Be recent (within 6 months)
- Meet U.S. State Department standards
- Have a neutral expression, white background, and proper size
- ❗️Incorrect photos are the #1 reason for disqualification.
Application Timeline & Key Dates (2025)
- Application Opens: Early October 2024
- Deadline: Early November 2024
- Results Available: May 2025
- Interviews Begin: October 2025
- Make sure to apply early and avoid last-minute issues.
How Winners Are Selected
The system randomly selects eligible entries by region.
Selection does not guarantee a Green Card — it only makes you eligible to apply for one.
Winners must still meet security, medical, and financial requirements during the interview process.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Submitting multiple entries (leads to disqualification)
Incorrect or incomplete personal details
Using an old or improperly formatted photo
Not saving the confirmation number
Applying through unofficial websites or scams
💡 Only apply through dvprogram.state.gov — it’s free and official.
What Happens If You Win?
You’ll be assigned a case number and must submit Form DS-260, schedule an interview, and prepare medical and financial documents.
You must act quickly — spots are limited and allocated by region and case number order.
DV Lottery FAQs
- Can I apply from outside my home country?
Yes, as long as you’re from an eligible country.
- Is there an age limit?
No age limit, but you must meet education or work criteria.
- How many times can I apply?
Only once per person per year.