Green Card Lottery: Complete Guide 2025–2026

What is the Green Card Lottery ?

The Green Card Lottery, officially known as the Diversity Visa (DV) Lottery Program, is a U.S. government program that provides a pathway for individuals from countries with historically low rates of immigration to the United States to apply for a U.S. Permanent Resident Card (commonly referred to as a Green Card).

Approximately 55,000 immigrant visas are made available through this lottery each year. The U.S. Department of State oversees the program, which has been in operation since 1990.

Unlike other immigration programs, the Green Card Lottery:

Does not require family sponsorship.
Does not require an employer sponsor.
It is open to anyone from an eligible country who meets basic education or work experience requirements.

This makes it one of the most accessible U.S. immigration programs, although it is also highly competitive due to the large number of applicants (millions each year) compared to the limited number of visas available.

Why Does the Green Card Lottery Exist?

The primary purpose of the lottery is to diversify the U.S. immigration system. Specific countries (like India, Mexico, China, and the Philippines) already send large numbers of immigrants to the United States each year. To balance this, the U.S. excludes those high-immigration countries from the program and instead focuses on underrepresented regions.

The program’s legal foundation is based on the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA), which directs the allocation of these visas annually.

How Many Green Cards Are Issued?

The standard annual allocation is 55,000 visas.
For some years, a portion of visas has been reserved for special immigration programs (such as NACARA).
Not everyone selected as a “winner” actually receives a Green Card — the government deliberately selects more entrants than the number of visas available. This ensures all 55,000 visas can be issued even if many selected individuals fail to apply or are disqualified.

Key Dates for the Green Card Lottery 2025–2026 (DV-2026 Program)

Entry Period: 2 October 2024 – 7 November 2024
Results Available: 3 May 2025 (via Entrant Status Check)
Visa Interviews Begin: October 2025
Visa Issuance Deadline: 30 September 2026

For DV-2027, the application window will open in October 2025, with results expected to be published in May 2026.

New Changes to Be Aware Of

Starting 16 October 2025, a $1 registration fee will be applied to all Green Card Lottery entries (applicable to DV-2027 and subsequent years).
This fee is designed to reduce fraudulent entries and offset administrative costs.
The fee is non-refundable and must be paid online at the time of application.

1. Country of Eligibility (Birth Country Rule)

Eligibility is primarily based on the country of birth.

You must be born in a country listed as eligible.
If your birth country is ineligible, you may claim eligibility through your spouse’s country of birth (if eligible) or, in some cases, your parents’ country of birth.

Ineligible Countries for DV-2026

The following countries are not eligible for DV-2026 because they sent more than 50,000 immigrants to the U.S. in the last 5 years:

Asia: Bangladesh, China (mainland), India, Pakistan, Philippines, South Korea, Vietnam
Africa: Nigeria
Europe: United Kingdom (except Northern Ireland)
North America: Canada, Mexico
South America/Caribbean: Brazil, Colombia, Dominican Republic, El Salvador, Haiti, Honduras, Jamaica, Venezuela

Note: Hong Kong SAR, Macau SAR, and Taiwan remain eligible for this program.

All other countries are eligible.

2. Education Requirements

Applicants must meet at least one of the following:

High School Education: Completion of a 12-year formal education program comparable to a U.S. high school.
Work Experience: At least two years of qualifying work experience in the last five years in an occupation that requires at least two years of training or experience.

Occupations are checked through the U.S. Department of Labor’s O*NET database.

3. Other Requirements

Only one entry is allowed per year per applicant. Submitting multiple entries will disqualify you.
All entries must include:
- Full name and date of birth
- Valid, compliant passport photo (recent, high-quality digital photo with specific dimensions)
- Information on spouse and all unmarried children under 21 (if applicable)
Applicants must pass standard U.S. admissibility checks (medical, security, criminal background).

4. Photographs: Common Cause of Disqualification

A large number of entries are rejected due to invalid photos. The requirements are strict:

Color photo, taken within the last 6 months
White or neutral background
Size: 2 x 2 inches (51 x 51 mm)
Head must cover 50–69% of image height
No glasses, headwear (unless religious), or shadows
Digital submission, not scanned

The State Department offers a photo checker tool to test compliance.

Application Process & After Selection

Step-by-Step: How to Apply for the Green Card Lottery

Application Process and selection of green card lottery

The application process is straightforward, but it must be completed correctly to avoid disqualification. Here’s the step-by-step breakdown:

Check Eligibility

Confirm that your country of birth is on the DV-2026 eligible list.
Ensure you meet the education or work requirement.

Prepare Your Documents

Recent, compliant digital photo(s) for yourself, spouse, and children.
Passport information (name, number, country of issuance, expiration).
Family details (spouse and all children under 21, even if they do not intend to immigrate).

Submit Your Entry Online

Applications are only accepted through the official U.S. State Department portal during the entry window (October–November).
Fill in all fields accurately — errors like spelling mistakes or wrong birthdates can disqualify you.
Please ensure that your passport details are accurate, as providing false or expired information will result in rejection.

Receive Confirmation Number

Once submitted, you will receive a unique confirmation number.
This number is crucial — without it, you cannot check your results.
Save it securely (take a screenshot and store it in multiple places).

Check Your Status

Results are only available online through the Entrant Status Check on the State Department website.
For DV-2026, results will be available starting 3 May 2025.

How Winners Are Selected

The process is entirely random. A computer system selects entrants across regions.
Selection does not guarantee a visa, it only gives you the chance to apply.
More entrants are selected than visas available to ensure the full 55,000 allocation is issued.

After You Are Selected

If you are selected, here’s what happens:

Complete Form DS-260

This is the immigrant visa application form.
Must be submitted online with accurate personal, family, and education/work details.

Prepare for the Interview

You will be scheduled for a U.S. embassy/consulate interview.
You must bring:
- Original documents (birth certificate, marriage certificate, police records)
- Medical examination results (from an approved panel physician)
- Passport(s)
- Financial documents (proof you will not become a public charge)

Pay Required Fees

Visa fee: $330 per person
USCIS Immigrant Fee: $235 (before receiving your Green Card)
Medical examination: $200–$600, depending on the country

Visa Issuance & Green Card Delivery

If approved, you will receive an immigrant visa in your passport.
After entering the U.S., you will receive your Green Card by mail within weeks.

Common Mistakes That Lead to Disqualification

Submitting multiple entries in the same year.
Incorrect or non-compliant photos.
Entering false information (e.g., fake education or work details).
Forgetting to list a spouse or children.
Losing the confirmation number.

Conclusion

The Green Card Lottery remains one of the most unique immigration opportunities in the world. It enables individuals without a U.S. family or job sponsor to achieve the dream of becoming a permanent resident of the United States.

While the process is competitive and requires attention to detail, with the proper preparation, your chances of success can be significantly improved. By following the requirements, deadlines, and correct procedures, you can maximize your opportunity to secure one of the 55,000 visas available each year.

For those planning to apply in upcoming years, stay updated on new changes such as the $1 entry fee starting DV-2027 and always rely on the official U.S. State Department resources for accurate information.

FAQs About the Green Card Lottery

How much does it cost to enter the Green Card Lottery?

The Green Card Lottery entry is free up to DV-2026; however, a small $1 registration fee applies from DV-2027 onward. If selected, you will still be required to pay additional fees, including the $330 visa fee, medical exam costs, and the $235 USCIS immigrant fee. These are separate from the entry process.

Can I increase my chances of winning?

There’s no way to improve your odds through extra entries, as duplicates are automatically disqualified. Each applicant has a fair, random chance. Married couples can increase their family’s overall chances by both applying separately and listing each other as dependents.

What are the chances of winning the Green Card Lottery?

The odds depend on your region and the number of applicants each year, but typically range from 1% to 3% worldwide. Some areas, such as Africa and Europe, have more selectees, while Asia and Latin America have fewer spots available. Despite low odds, millions still apply each year.

Can students apply for the Diversity Visa Lottery?

Yes, students may apply as long as they have completed the equivalent of a high school education or meet the required work experience. This makes the program accessible to younger applicants just starting their careers or studies.

What if I am already in the U.S. on another visa?

Applicants already in the U.S. on visas like F1 (student) or H1B (work) can still enter the lottery. If selected, they may apply for an Adjustment of Status without leaving the country, or go through the consular interview process abroad.

What happens if I miss my interview date?

Missing your scheduled interview can jeopardize your case, as visas are limited and issued on a first-come, first-served basis. While you may request rescheduling, please note that there is no guarantee, as strict deadlines and visa quotas apply.

Can F1 or H1B visa holders apply?

Yes, both F1 and H1B visa holders are eligible if their country of birth qualifies. Winning the lottery may give them a chance to switch from a temporary status to a permanent U.S. resident without employer or family sponsorship.

Is the Green Card Lottery permanent?

The Diversity Visa program has been in place since 1990 and continues to operate annually. However, it has been debated in Congress, so while it is long-standing, it is always subject to policy changes or reform in future immigration laws.

How do I know if an email or message saying I won is real?

The U.S. government never sends winner notifications by email or phone. The only valid way to check is through the official Entrant Status Check website using your confirmation number. Any messages demanding money are scams.

When is the next Green Card Lottery?

The upcoming DV-2027 program will open for applications in October 2025, and results will be released in May 2026. Every year, the application period lasts approximately one month, so applicants must submit their applications on time to avoid missing the deadline.