FAQs About Green Card Lottery & U.S. Immigration

1. What is the U.S. Green Card Lottery?

The U.S. Green Card Lottery, officially called the Diversity Visa (DV) Program, is a government-run initiative that grants 50,000 immigrant visas annually. It helps individuals from countries with low U.S. immigration rates gain permanent residency.

2. What is the purpose of the Diversity Visa Program?

The Diversity Visa Program promotes immigration balance by welcoming individuals from underrepresented regions to the U.S.

3. How does the Green Card Lottery process work?

Applicants fill out an online entry form during the open registration period (usually October–November), and winners are randomly selected.

4. What are the benefits of winning the Green Card Lottery?

Winning the lottery grants lawful permanent residence in the United States, meaning you can legally live and work anywhere in the country.

5. Is the Green Card Lottery a permanent program?

Yes, the Diversity Visa Program has operated since 1990 and is part of U.S. immigration law. However, its continuation depends on annual approval from Congress.

Anyone born in an eligible country with the required education or work experience can apply. Eligibility is determined by birthplace, not citizenship.

For DV-2026, the following countries are not eligible: Bangladesh, Brazil, Canada, China (mainland), Colombia, Dominican Republic, El Salvador, Haiti, Honduras, India, Jamaica, Mexico, Nigeria, Pakistan, Philippines, South Korea, Venezuela, Vietnam, and the U.K. (except Northern Ireland). Citizens born in any other country may apply.

Eligibility depends on where you were born. If your country sent more than 50,000 immigrants to the U.S. in the past five years, it’s usually ineligible. Always confirm your eligibility using the latest instructions published by the U.S. Department of State before applying.

You must meet one of two conditions: Hold a high school diploma or its equivalent, or have two years of work experience in the past five years in an occupation that requires at least two years of training. Proof is reviewed during the visa interview stage.

Yes. If both spouses are eligible, they can each apply separately, listing one another as dependents. Children under 21 must be listed on both applications. This increases the family’s overall chance of selection while maintaining legal accuracy.

Yes. Students meeting the education requirement are fully eligible to apply. Even university students can enter, as long as they complete their high school education before the visa process begins.

Yes, eligible individuals already in the U.S. under a valid visa (like F-1, H-1B, or J-1) can participate. If selected, they may apply for Adjustment of Status through USCIS instead of going through consular processing abroad.

13. How do I apply for the Green Card Lottery?

You must submit an online application through the official portal during the registration period. Only one entry per person is allowed. Incomplete or inaccurate submissions result in disqualification.

14. What are the photo requirements?

Photos must meet precise standards: 600x600 pixels, color, plain white background, no glasses, shadows, or filters, and taken within the past six months.

15. What documents are required during the application?

Applicants need a valid passport, a digital photo, and family information. After selection, additional documents such as birth certificates, police records, and educational proof will be required during the DS-260 and interview stage.

16. Can I submit multiple entries in one year?

No. Multiple entries from the same person result in automatic disqualification. However, both spouses can apply separately to double their chances.

17. How much does it cost to apply?

As of DV-2026, there’s no fee to submit an entry. However, starting from DV-2027, a $1 fee will apply per entry. Selected applicants must pay the visa and medical examination fees later.

18. What happens after I apply?

You’ll receive a unique confirmation number after submission. Keep it safe; it’s the only way to check your result in May the following year. If you lose it, you can recover it using the Entrant Status Check tool.

19. When are Green Card Lottery results announced?

Results typically appear in May following the registration period. They are available only on the official Entrant Status Check website; email or social media messages claiming you’ve won are fraudulent.

20. How are winners selected?

The Kentucky Consular Center (KCC) uses a secure random computer system to choose winners. Selection does not guarantee a visa, it only gives the opportunity to apply for one, subject to eligibility confirmation.

21. What are my chances of winning the Green Card Lottery?

Chances vary depending on global entries. On average, it ranges between 1% and 3%. Applicants from Africa and Europe often have higher selection rates than those from Asia or Latin America.

22. What happens if I’m selected?

If selected, you’ll need to complete the DS-260 form, undergo a medical exam, and attend a U.S. embassy interview. You’ll also pay visa fees and provide original documentation to confirm your eligibility.

23. What if I miss my interview date?

Missing your interview may result in losing your chance to obtain the visa. Some embassies allow rescheduling, but only if visa numbers remain available before September 30 of the program year.

24. Can I transfer my winning entry to someone else?

No. Lottery selections are non-transferable. Only the chosen applicant and their qualifying dependents may proceed with visa processing.

25. What is the DS-260 form?

The DS-260 is the online immigrant visa application form submitted after selection. It collects detailed information about your background, education, and family. Mistakes can lead to delays, so review all answers carefully.

26. What are common reasons for visa refusal?

Common reasons include missing documents, incorrect marital status, or failing education/work requirements. Applicants can minimize errors by reviewing eligibility carefully or using verified professional support like the US Green Card Office .

27. How long does it take to get a Green Card after winning?

The process usually takes 9–18 months, depending on your case number and embassy workload. Completing documents and medical checks promptly ensures faster visa issuance.

28. What happens after I arrive in the U.S.?

Upon entry, your immigrant visa serves as a temporary Green Card until the physical card arrives by mail. You’ll become a lawful permanent resident (LPR) and can start living and working immediately.

29. Can I bring my family with me?

Yes. Spouses and unmarried children under 21 included in your original entry can receive visas and move with you to the U.S. Each must complete their own medical and visa interview.

30. What rights do Green Card holders have?

Green Card holders can live and work anywhere in the U.S., access education, and travel freely. They may also sponsor certain relatives and apply for U.S. citizenship after five years.

31. Can I lose my Green Card?

Yes, if you commit crimes, stay abroad for over a year without a reentry permit, or fail to pay taxes. Maintaining residence and legal conduct ensures permanent residency status remains valid.

32. Can I travel freely after obtaining a Green Card?

Yes, but long absences (over six months) may raise concerns about residency. If you plan to stay abroad for an extended period, apply for a Reentry Permit before leaving.