The Green Card Lottery: How to Apply and Improve Your Odds

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The Green Card Lottery, also known as the Diversity Visa (DV) Lottery, provides a unique pathway for eligible individuals to obtain lawful permanent residency in the United States. This blog post outlines how to apply effectively and improve your odds of success while emphasizing the importance of seeking guidance from an immigration attorney near you.

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Learn how to apply for the Diversity Visa (DV) Lottery and improve your chances of winning a green card. This comprehensive guide covers eligibility requirements, application procedures, and tips for success. If you need assistance, connect with a trusted immigration attorney near you.

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Illustration of a person checking their Diversity Visa Lottery results on a computer, with a "Congratulations" message on the screen, representing selection for the U.S. Green Card Lottery.

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The Green Card Lottery: How to Apply and Improve Your Odds

The Diversity Visa (DV) Lottery, commonly known as the Green Card Lottery, offers a unique opportunity for individuals from countries with low U.S. immigration rates to obtain lawful permanent residency in the United States. Each year, 50,000 green cards are randomly awarded to eligible applicants, providing them with a pathway to U.S. citizenship without the need for employer or family sponsorship.

While winning the DV Lottery is entirely random, following proper application procedures and avoiding common mistakes can increase your chances of success. This guide explains how to apply for the Diversity Visa Lottery, eligibility requirements, and strategies to maximize your odds.

💡 For every post in this series, scroll down to “Related Posts.”

What Is the Diversity Visa (DV) Lottery?

The Diversity Visa (DV) Lottery Program was established under the Immigration Act of 1990 to promote immigration diversity by granting permanent residency to individuals from countries with historically low U.S. immigration numbers.

Each fiscal year, the U.S. Department of State randomly selects 50,000 winners from a pool of qualified applicants. If selected, winners can apply for a green card and move to the U.S. permanently.

Who Is Eligible for the DV Lottery?

1. Country of Birth Requirement

To apply, you must be a citizen of an eligible country—one that has sent fewer than 50,000 immigrants to the U.S. in the last five years.

DV Lottery Ineligible Countries (As of 2024)

If you were born in any of the following countries, you are NOT eligible for the lottery:

Bangladesh

Brazil

Canada

China (Mainland-born)

Colombia

Dominican Republic

El Salvador

Haiti

Honduras

India

Jamaica

Mexico

Nigeria

Pakistan

Philippines

South Korea

United Kingdom (except Northern Ireland)

Venezuela

Vietnam

If your country of birth is ineligible, you may still apply if:

Your spouse was born in an eligible country.

One of your parents was born in an eligible country and did not reside in your country of birth at the time of your birth.

2. Education or Work Experience Requirement

To qualify, you must meet one of the following:

Education: You must have at least a high school diploma (or an equivalent).

Work Experience: If you do not meet the education requirement, you must have two years of work experience in a field that requires at least two years of training or experience.

For details on eligibility, see The Diversity Visa (DV) Lottery: How to Apply and Maximize Your Chances.

How to Apply for the DV Lottery

Step 1: Submit an Online Application (DS-5501) During the Official Entry Period

The DV Lottery application is free and must be submitted only through the official U.S. government website:

dvprogram.state.gov

The lottery typically opens in October and closes in November each year.

Only one entry per person is allowed. Multiple entries result in automatic disqualification.

Step 2: Provide Correct Personal Information

Full name (as on passport)

Country of birth

Current country of residence

Highest level of education completed

Marital status

Number of children under 21

Valid passport details (if required)

Recent passport-style digital photo

Step 3: Receive a Confirmation Number

After submitting your application, you will receive a unique confirmation number. Save this number—it is the only way to check your selection status.

Step 4: Check Your Results the Following Year

Selection results are announced in May at dvprogram.state.gov.

If selected, follow the instructions to apply for a green card via consular processing.

How to Improve Your Odds of Winning the DV Lottery

Although selection is random, following these strategies can increase your chances of successfully obtaining a green card through the DV Lottery.

1. Submit Your Application Early

Avoid last-minute submissions, as high website traffic can cause delays.

Apply within the first few weeks of the entry period.

2. Only Use the Official U.S. Government Website

Many websites charge fees to submit applications, but the DV Lottery is completely free.

The U.S. government never sends emails about winning—beware of scams.

3. Ensure Your Photo Meets the Strict Requirements

Your digital passport photo must be:

Taken within the last 6 months.
Against a plain white background.
With a neutral facial expression.
Without glasses, hats, or accessories.

Submitting an incorrect photo will disqualify your application.

4. Apply as a Married Couple (If Eligible)

If married, both spouses should apply separately—this doubles your chances.

If either spouse is selected, the other can immigrate as a dependent.

5. Keep Your Confirmation Number Safe

If you lose your confirmation number, you cannot check your selection status.

Save it both digitally and on paper.

6. Beware of Fraud and Scams

The DV Lottery is always free—never pay for entry.

The U.S. government does not send emails or make phone calls about winning.

If selected, the only next step is to apply through the official U.S. government website.

What Happens If You Are Selected?

Being selected in the DV Lottery does not automatically grant a green card. Winners must:

Submit Form DS-260 (Immigrant Visa Application)

This is done through the Consular Electronic Application Center (CEAC).

Attend a Visa Interview at a U.S. Embassy

Bring necessary documents, including:

Valid passport
Birth certificate
Medical examination results
Proof of education or work experience

Receive Visa Approval & Travel to the U.S.

If approved, you receive a visa stamp in your passport.

You must enter the U.S. before the visa expires.

Once in the U.S., you will receive your green card by mail.

Common Reasons for Disqualification or Denial

Even if you win the lottery, you can still lose eligibility if you:

Submit multiple applications (only one entry per person is allowed).

Provide false or incomplete information.

Do not meet the education or work experience requirements.

Have a criminal record that makes you inadmissible.

Final Thoughts

The Diversity Visa (DV) Lottery is one of the easiest ways to obtain a U.S. green card—but following the rules is essential. By applying early, ensuring eligibility, and avoiding common mistakes, you increase your chances of success.

If you need help with your DV Lottery application or green card process, ReferU.AI can connect you with a trusted immigration attorney near you. Start your journey toward U.S. permanent residency today!

The Green Card Lottery: How to Apply and Improve Your Odds