Migration Overseas
Win a free Green Card through the annual Diversity Immigrant Visa Program. 55,000 visas available each year for eligible applicants from qualifying countries. Note: India is NOT eligible for DV Lottery.
Mark these critical dates for the upcoming DV Lottery cycle.
Submit your entry on dvprogram.state.gov
Oct 2024Last date to submit entry
Nov 2024Check if you've been selected
May 2025Green Card valid from fiscal year
Oct 2025 - Sep 2026Simple requirements to participate in the diversity visa program.
Must be born in an eligible country. Countries with high immigration to USA are NOT eligible.
Must have completed at least high school education or equivalent (12th pass).
2 years of work experience in occupation requiring 2+ years training.
India is NOT eligible for the DV Lottery program due to high immigration numbers to the USA. However, Indians can still participate if their spouse was born in an eligible country, or explore other pathways like EB Green Card, EB-5 Investor Visa, or H1B Work Visa.
Numbers that show your chances in the diversity visa program
Visas are distributed across 6 geographic regions based on historical immigration patterns.
Maximize your chances with these important guidelines.
Recent photo (within 6 months), white background, 600x600 pixels, JPEG format, no glasses, neutral expression. Wrong photos cause most rejections!
List spouse and unmarried children under 21, even if they won't immigrate. Failure to include all family members = disqualification.
Submit only ONE entry per person. Multiple entries from same person = permanent disqualification. Spouse can submit separate entry.
Apply early in the registration period. Website crashes common near deadline. System errors can prevent submission.
Screenshot and save your confirmation number immediately. This is the ONLY way to check your status. Lost number = cannot check results.
Apply ONLY at dvprogram.state.gov. Application is FREE. Beware of scam websites charging fees. Government never asks for payment.
Steps to complete after winning the DV Lottery.
Use your confirmation number on dvprogram.state.gov to check if you've been selected. Only official source - ignore emails claiming selection.
May (Check Online)Complete the online immigrant visa application (DS-260) for yourself and all family members. Provide detailed background information.
Within 1-2 MonthsGather civil documents: birth certificates, marriage certificate, education certificates, police clearance certificates, passport.
1-3 MonthsComplete medical exam with authorized panel physician. Includes vaccinations, physical exam, and TB test.
Before InterviewAttend visa interview at US Embassy (Mumbai or Chennai for most Indians). Present all documents, pay visa fee ($330 + $220).
Scheduled by KCCEnter USA before visa expiry. Pay USCIS Immigrant Fee ($220). Green Card mailed to US address within 2-3 weeks.
Before Sep 30 of Fiscal YearFind answers to the most common questions about this visa category.
The Diversity Visa (DV) Lottery provides 50,000 immigrant visas annually to people from countries with historically low immigration to the US. Selection is completely random through a computer-generated drawing.
Most countries are eligible except those with high immigration rates to the US. Currently ineligible countries include India, China, Mexico, Philippines, South Korea, UK, Canada, and a few others.
You must be from an eligible country and have either a high school diploma or 2 years of work experience in an occupation requiring 2+ years of training. There's no cost to apply.
Registration opens annually in early October and closes in early November. The exact dates are announced by the State Department each year. Apply only at dvprogram.state.gov.
Winners are randomly selected by computer from all qualified entries. Approximately 55,000 are selected to allow for those who don't complete the process, with 50,000 visas ultimately issued.
Selected applicants receive instructions to complete DS-260 immigrant visa application, gather documents, and schedule an interview at a US embassy. You must complete the process within the fiscal year.
Yes, your spouse and unmarried children under 21 are included as derivative beneficiaries. They receive Green Cards along with the principal applicant without needing separate selection.
Registration is FREE. Beware of scam websites charging fees. The only legitimate site is dvprogram.state.gov. Fees are only paid after selection for visa processing.
You can enter once each year. Submitting multiple entries in the same year results in disqualification. However, married couples can each submit separate entries (listing each other as spouse).
Chances vary by region but are generally very low - less than 1% for most countries. However, it's free to apply, so it's worth trying if you're eligible.
While Indians are not eligible for DV Lottery, we can help you explore other pathways like H1B, EB Green Card, or EB-5 Investor Visa. Let our experts guide you!
Explore Your OptionsReady to explore your immigration options? Our expert team in Vadodara is here to guide you every step of the way. Get a free eligibility assessment and take the first step towards your dream destination.
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