The DV Lottery remains one of the most accessible ways to obtain a U.S. Green Card, but “accessible” does not mean “anything goes.” Every year, thousands of applicants are disqualified not because they were unlucky, but because they didn’t meet the eligibility requirements or misunderstood them.
This guide explains the official DV Lottery eligibility requirements for 2027–2028, using the most up-to-date rules, plain language, and zero guesswork. If you’re serious about applying, read this carefully before clicking “submit.”
What Is the DV Lottery? (Quick Context)
The DV Lottery, officially called the Diversity Visa Program, is a U.S. government initiative that allocates up to 55,000 immigrant visas annually to people from countries with low immigration rates to the United States.
Winning the DV Lottery does not automatically give you a Green Card. It gives you the right to apply, provided you meet all eligibility requirements and complete the process correctly.
DV Lottery 2027–2028: Core Eligibility Requirements
To qualify for the DV Lottery, you must meet all of the following conditions. Missing even one is enough for disqualification.
1. Country of Eligibility (Nationality Rule)
Your eligibility is primarily based on your country of birth, not your citizenship or residence.
You are eligible if:
- You were born in a country listed as eligible for the DV Lottery for that year.
- Your country has sent fewer than 50,000 immigrants to the U.S. in the past five years.
You are not eligible if:
- You were born in a high-admission country such as India, China (mainland), Mexico, the UK (except Northern Ireland), Canada, or Brazil.
Exceptions (Very Important):
You may still qualify if:
- Your spouse was born in an eligible country, and you apply together.
- Neither of your parents was born or legally resident in your country of birth.
This rule alone eliminates a massive number of applicants every year due to misunderstandings.
2. Education Requirement (Mandatory)
The DV Lottery requires a minimum education level.
You must have ONE of the following:
- Completion of 12 years of formal primary and secondary education, equivalent to a U.S. high school diploma
- OR
- Two years of qualifying work experience within the last five years in an occupation that requires at least two years of training or experience
What does NOT qualify:
- Short courses
- Diplomas without full secondary completion
- Unskilled or low-skill jobs
If your education does not meet U.S. equivalency standards, your application will fail at the interview stage.
3. Work Experience Option (If No Diploma)
If you do not meet the education requirement, work experience can be used instead.
Work experience must:
- Be within the last 5 years.
- Be in an occupation classified as skilled.
- Require formal training or experience.
Casual jobs, freelance work without proof, or informal employment usually do not qualify.
4. Valid Passport Requirement
For DV Lottery 2027–2028:
- A valid, unexpired passport is required at the time of entry.
- The passport must belong to the principal applicant.
Exceptions are extremely limited and rarely approved. Passport details must match exactly with your application.
5. One Entry Per Person Rule
Each individual is allowed only one DV Lottery entry per year.
What happens if you submit more than one entry?
- Automatic disqualification
- No appeal
- No exceptions
Married couples may each submit one separate entry, listing each other as spouses. That is legal. Multiple entries by the same person are not.
6. Marital Status Accuracy
Your marital status must be 100% accurate at the time of application.
You must include:
- Your spouse, if you are married
- All unmarried children under 21
Failure to list a spouse or child, even if they do not intend to immigrate, results in automatic disqualification later.
This is one of the most common and painful reasons people lose after being selected.
7. Photo Requirements (Zero Flexibility)
DV Lottery photo rules are strict and unforgiving.
Photo must be:
- Recent (taken within 6 months)
- Correct size and resolution
- Neutral facial expression
- Plain background
- No filters, no edits, no shadows
Incorrect photos are one of the top reasons for rejection, even for otherwise eligible applicants.
8. Age Requirement (Indirect but Real)
There is no official minimum age, but realistically:
- You must meet the education or work experience criteria.
- Most applicants under 18 do not qualify unless included as derivatives.
Age alone doesn’t disqualify you. Eligibility criteria do.
9. Health and Security Requirements (After Selection)
If selected, you must still pass:
- Medical examination
- Background checks
- Security screening
Certain criminal records or medical conditions may make you ineligible, even after selection.
DV Lottery Eligibility for Families
If you qualify, your immediate family may immigrate with you:
- Spouse
- Unmarried children under 21
They do not need separate lottery entries if listed correctly.
Common Eligibility Mistakes to Avoid
- Assuming citizenship determines eligibility instead of the country of birth.
- Listing incorrect marital status
- Using old or edited photos
- Submitting multiple entries
- Assuming education “almost completed” counts
This is why many applicants choose professional assistance, such as the US Green Card Office, which helps reduce technical errors that lead to disqualification.
DV Lottery 2027–2028 Timeline (Expected)
- Applications open: October 2026
- Applications close: November 2026
- Results announced: May 2027
- Interviews & processing: Late 2027–2028
Missing the window means waiting an entire year. The system does not care about excuses.
Conclusion
The DV Lottery is simple in theory but strict in execution. The eligibility requirements for 2027–2028 leave very little room for error, and even small mistakes can cost you a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.
If you meet the eligibility criteria and submit a correct application, the DV Lottery remains one of the most affordable and direct paths to U.S. permanent residency. If you don’t, the system will reject you without explanation, apology, or mercy.
That’s how bureaucracy shows love.