U.S. Diversity Visa Lottery (DV-2025)
Registration Now Open: How to Apply, Who Qualifies, and Key Details
The U.S. Department of State has
officially opened the registration for the 2025 Diversity Visa (DV) Lottery
program, offering up to 55,000 Green Cards to applicants from countries with
historically low immigration rates to the United States. The registration
window is open from October 4, 2023, to November 7, 2023 at 12:00 PM Eastern
Standard Time (EST).
What is the
Diversity Visa Lottery?
The Diversity Visa (DV) Lottery,
commonly referred to as the Green Card Lottery, is designed to increase
diversity in the U.S. immigrant population. Each year, the program allocates
visas to individuals from countries that have sent fewer than 50,000 immigrants
to the U.S. over the past five years.
Eligibility
Criteria: Who Can Apply?
1. Country of
Birth
To qualify, applicants must be natives
of an eligible country. Each year, the Department of State publishes a list of
countries whose citizens can participate in the DV Lottery. Countries with high
immigration rates to the U.S., such as India, China, Mexico, and Canada, are
not eligible for the program. However, if your country is ineligible, there are
two key exceptions:
- You can apply based on your spouse’s
country of birth if they are from an eligible country.
- You may also apply based on the country
of birth of one of your parents, as long as neither parent was a resident of an
ineligible country at the time of your birth.
2. Education
or Work Experience
Applicants must meet one of the
following requirements:
- A high school education or its
equivalent, which means completing a 12-year course of elementary and secondary
education.
- Two years of work experience within
the last five years in a job that requires at least two years of training or
experience to perform.
How to
Register for the DV Lottery
The application process is simple but
must be followed carefully to avoid disqualification.
Step 1: Submit the Application Online
Entries can only be submitted via the
official U.S. Department of State website: [https://dvprogram.state.gov] (https://dvprogram.state.gov).
There is no fee to enter the DV Lottery, and submissions must be made before
the November 7, 2023 deadline.
Step 2: Complete the Entry Form
Applicants will need to provide:
- Full Name (as it appears on your
passport)
- Date and Place of Birth
- Country of Birth
- Passport Information
- Contact Information
- Marital Status
- Information about Children (if
applicable)
Additionally, a digital passport photo
must be uploaded, meeting specific government guidelines (such as background,
size, and clarity).
Step 3: Keep Your Confirmation Number
Once submitted, applicants will receive
a confirmation number. This number is crucial, as it allows you to check the
status of your application after the results are released in May 2024.
What Happens After You Apply?
If selected, winning applicants will be
notified via the Department of State's official DV program website. Selection
does not guarantee a visa, but it provides the opportunity to apply for one.
Selected entrants must:
1. Complete the DS-260 Immigrant Visa
Application form online.
2. Attend an interview at a U.S. embassy
or consulate.
3. Undergo a medical examination by an
approved physician.
4. Provide supporting documents, such as
birth certificates, passports, and educational/work qualifications.
The final visa processing deadline for all selected
applicants is September 30, 2025.
Important Reminders
- One Entry Per Person: Only one entry
per applicant is allowed. Multiple entries will result in disqualification.
- Beware of Scams: The only way to enter
the DV Lottery is through the official U.S. Department of State website, and it
is free. Avoid websites that charge fees or promise better chances of winning.
- Family Members: If selected, your
spouse and any unmarried children under the age of 21 are also eligible for
visas.
NOTE:
The U.S. Diversity Visa Lottery offers a
unique opportunity for individuals from underrepresented countries to gain
lawful permanent residency in the U.S. Ensure you apply before the November 7
deadline, carefully following the guidelines to avoid disqualification. For
more information and to submit your entry, visit the official DV Lottery
website at [https://dvprogram.state.gov] (https://dvprogram.state.gov).
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