Quick Overview
The Diversity Visa (DV) Lottery is one of the most accessible ways to immigrate to the United States. It's designed to promote diversity in the U.S. immigrant population by selecting applicants from countries with historically low immigration rates.
🎯 Program Purpose
The DV Lottery was created by the Immigration Act of 1990 to diversify the immigrant population in the United States. It provides up to 55,000 immigrant visas annually to people from countries that have sent fewer than 50,000 immigrants to the U.S. in the past five years.
📅 Annual Cycle
The DV Lottery operates on an annual cycle. Registration typically opens in October and closes in November. Results are announced in May of the following year, and selected applicants have until September 30th of the following year to complete their visa processing.
✅ Eligibility Requirements
- Country of Birth: Must be from a qualifying country
- Education: High school diploma or equivalent work experience
- Health: Must pass medical examination
- Character: No criminal record that would disqualify
- Financial: Ability to support yourself in the U.S.
🎲 Selection Process
Winners are selected through a computer-generated random lottery drawing. The selection is completely random and fair. Being selected doesn't guarantee a visa - you must still meet all eligibility requirements and complete the visa application process.
📋 Application Process
- Register during the open period (October-November)
- Check results in May (if registered)
- Complete visa application (if selected)
- Attend visa interview
- Receive visa and travel to U.S.