The US Diversity Visa Lottery (DV Lottery) is FREE and gives 55,000 visas annually to nationals of underrepresented countries. Entry window opens each October at dvlottery.state.gov.
- Valid passport
- Compliant photo (600×600 to 1200×1200px, white background)
- Confirmation number — SAVE THIS, you cannot recover it
Step-by-Step Guide
Check if your country is eligible
Ineligible countries: Bangladesh, Brazil, Canada, China, Colombia, Dominican Republic, El Salvador, Haiti, Honduras, India, Jamaica, Mexico, Nigeria, Pakistan, Philippines, South Korea, UK, Vietnam.
Wait for the official October entry window
Entry opens early October each year. The ONLY official portal is dvlottery.state.gov — it is 100% free.
Submit your entry at dvlottery.state.gov
Enter full legal name, date of birth, country of chargeability, passport number, mailing address, and upload photo. SAVE your confirmation number.
Check results in May at dvlottery.state.gov
Results are posted around May 1. Being selected means you can apply for a visa.
If selected: file DS-260 immigrant visa application
Complete Form DS-260. Submit police certificates, medical examination, financial support documents.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes — 100% free at dvlottery.state.gov. Any website charging a fee is a SCAM.
55,000 Diversity Visas are distributed among six global regions.