Green Card Lottery Eligibility for Asian Countries 2027

The Green Card Lottery, officially known as the Diversity Visa (DV) Program, is a yearly opportunity for individuals from underrepresented countries to apply for permanent residence in the United States.

For the DV-2027 program, thousands of applicants from Asia are again getting ready to check if their countries are on the eligible list.

But who exactly can apply from Asia? Which countries are excluded? And what specific criteria must applicants meet?

This complete guide covers everything you need to know about Green Card Lottery Eligibility for Asian countries, including a verified 2027 country list, education requirements, and key tips to ensure your application isn’t disqualified.

1. Understanding Green Card Lottery Eligibility

The Green Card Lottery Eligibility rules are designed to diversify immigration to the U.S. by selecting applicants from countries with low immigration rates during the past five years.

Every year, the U.S. Department of State reviews worldwide immigration data and determines which countries are eligible or ineligible to participate in the program.

For the DV-2027 Lottery, eligibility is primarily based on:

Country of birth, not citizenship or residence.
Education or work experience requirements.
Compliance with entry rules, such as correct photos and complete family details.

In other words, even if you currently live in a country like the UAE or Singapore, your eligibility is linked to where you were born, not where you live now.

2. Country of Birth vs. Country of Residence

A common confusion among applicants from Asia is whether they can apply using their current country of residence.

Here’s the simple rule: your country of eligibility is your country of birth, even if you have since moved or changed nationality.

However, there are exceptions:

If your spouse was born in an eligible country, you can apply using their country of eligibility.
If your parents were temporarily residing in a non-eligible country when you were born, you can apply based on their country of birth.

For example, if you were born in India (which is not eligible for DV-2027) but your spouse was born in Nepal, you may apply through Nepal’s eligibility.

3. Green Card Lottery Eligibility Criteria for Asia (DV-2027)

The Green Card Lottery Eligibility for Asian countries depends on the number of recent U.S. immigrants from those nations.

Countries that have sent more than 50,000 immigrants to the U.S. in the past five years are not eligible.

✅ Eligible Asian Countries for DV-2027

Applicants born in the following Asian countries can apply for the 2027 Green Card Lottery:

Afghanistan, Bahrain, Bhutan, Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Iran, Iraq, Israel, Japan, Jordan, Kuwait, Laos, Lebanon, Malaysia, Maldives, Mongolia, Myanmar (Burma), Nepal, North Korea, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, Sri Lanka, Syria, Taiwan, Thailand, Timor-Leste, United Arab Emirates (UAE), Yemen.

⚠️ Important: Although Hong Kong SAR is considered part of China politically, it remains eligible separately for DV-2027.

❌ Ineligible Asian Countries for DV-2027

Citizens from the following Asian countries cannot apply because of high levels of immigration to the U.S. over the last five years:

Bangladesh, China (mainland-born), India, Pakistan, South Korea, the Philippines, and Vietnam.

However, if your spouse was born in one of the eligible countries above (e.g., Nepal, Sri Lanka), you may cross-charge your eligibility through them.

4. Education and Work Requirements for Asian Applicants

Even if your country is eligible, you must also meet one of the DV-2027 Green Card Lottery eligibility criteria for education or experience:

Education Requirement: Completion of at least a high school diploma or equivalent (12 years of formal education).
Work Experience Requirement: Two years of work experience within the last five years in an occupation requiring at least two years of training or experience.

The U.S. Department of Labor’s O*NET Online system determines which occupations qualify. Examples include nurses, electricians, and computer technicians, but not unskilled labor.

5. The Application Timeline for Asian Applicants

For DV-2027, the official registration period began in October 2025 and closed in November 2025.

Results will be available in May 2026 via the Entrant Status Check portal on the U.S. government website.

If you missed the official deadline, don’t worry.

Professional platforms like US Green Card Office accept applications 365 days a year, reviewing them for compliance and submitting them automatically when the next registration window opens.

This service ensures you never miss another opportunity due to timing or technical issues.

6. Common Mistakes Asian Applicants Should Avoid

Every year, thousands of applications from Asia are disqualified because of avoidable errors.

Here are the most frequent ones and how to prevent them:

Mistake	Description	How to Avoid
Wrong Photo Format	Non-compliant photo background, lighting, or dimensions.	Use official photo tools or have it reviewed professionally.
Incorrect Country of Eligibility: Using residence instead of birth country.	Always choose your country of birth.	Always choose your country of birth.
Missing Dependents: Not listing spouse or children under 21.	Include all family members, even if they’re not immigrating.	Include all family members, even if they’re not immigrating.
Multiple Entries: Submitting more than one entry per person.	Submit only once per applicant per year.	Submit only once per applicant per year.
Fake Information: False marital or education details.	Provide accurate, verifiable data.	Provide accurate, verifiable data.

7. Step-by-Step: How to Apply for the Green Card Lottery (Asia)

Confirm your eligibility (country + education/work).
Prepare compliant photos for yourself and all dependents.
Fill out the online application form carefully — one per person.
Save your confirmation number after submission.
Check your result in May using the Entrant Status Check.

If you’re unsure about eligibility or requirements, using trusted platforms like US Green Card Office can help you ensure your application is submitted correctly and reviewed by experts.

8. Why Many Asian Applicants Are Disqualified

Asia has one of the highest numbers of applicants worldwide, especially from South and Southeast Asia.

Because of this, the margin for error is smaller. The main reasons for disqualification include:

Uploading edited or filtered photos.
Submitting multiple entries with small changes.
Applying to ineligible countries (like India or Pakistan).
Failing to meet education or job experience standards.

Many of these issues occur due to a lack of clarity or language barriers, which is why professional assistance often improves success rates.

9. Tips for Eligible Asian Applicants

Apply early to avoid technical issues before the deadline.
Keep your confirmation number in multiple safe locations.
Use an English keyboard to avoid data mismatches.
Review your details multiple times before submission.
Seek professional verification if unsure about requirements.

Each valid and accurate entry gives you a real chance of being among the 50,000 selectees for permanent U.S. residency.

10. The Future of Green Card Lottery for Asia

The Green Card Lottery Eligibility list changes slightly each year depending on global migration patterns.

Countries like Vietnam and the Philippines were once eligible but are now excluded due to high U.S. immigration rates.

Similarly, smaller nations like Bhutan or Nepal continue to benefit due to lower migration numbers.

Experts predict that Asia will continue to play a major role in the Diversity Visa program through 2027 2027, with countries like Nepal, Sri Lanka, and Indonesia among the top selectees.

FAQs: Green Card Lottery Eligibility for Asian Countries

Which Asian countries are eligible for the 2027 Green Card Lottery?

For DV-2027, eligible countries include Afghanistan, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Japan, Indonesia, and many others across the continent. Major countries such as India, Pakistan, and Bangladesh are not eligible due to high U.S. immigration rates.

Can Indian citizens apply for the Green Card Lottery?

No. India is not on the eligible list for DV-2027. However, Indian nationals married to eligible applicants may apply through their spouse’s country of birth if it qualifies.

Is the UAE eligible for the Green Card Lottery?

Yes. Applicants born in the United Arab Emirates can apply for DV-2027. The country remains on the eligible list under Asia.

What education level is required for Asian applicants?

You must have at least completed high school education (12 years) or possess two years of work experience in a qualifying field within the last five years. Technical and trade experience can also count if it meets U.S. standards.

Can I apply if I missed the DV-2027 deadline?

Yes. While the official application window is closed, you can submit your pre-application through the US Green Card Office at any time of year. They’ll process and submit it when the next official registration opens.

Are refugees or residents in non-eligible countries allowed to apply?

Yes, as long as your country of birth is eligible. Refugees temporarily living in non-eligible countries can still apply based on their birthplace.

How are Asian countries selected or removed from eligibility each year?

The U.S. government reviews immigration statistics for the past five years. If a country sends over 50,000 immigrants to the U.S. in that period, it becomes ineligible for the next DV program.

What are the chances of being selected from Asia?

On average, chances range between 1%–3% depending on the region. Countries with fewer applicants, like Bhutan or Laos, often have slightly higher odds.

Can I improve my eligibility chances?

You can’t change your birthplace, but you can ensure your application is perfectly accurate, compliant, and complete. Professional preparation services reduce the risk of disqualification.

How will I know if I’m selected?

Results are announced in May through the Entrant Status Check website. No emails or calls are sent. Always check your status manually using your confirmation number.

Green Card Lottery Eligibility for Asian Countries: Complete 2027 List

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