The DV lottery, also known as the green card lottery, is a program run by the U.S. government that offers a chance for people from eligible countries to win permanent resident status in the United States. Each year, 55,000 green cards are available through the diversity visa program. With millions of people applying every year, winning the lottery can feel like a long shot. However, there are some things you can do to maximize your chances of being selected.
Meet the Eligibility Requirements
To enter the DV lottery, you must meet some basic eligibility requirements set by the U.S. government:
- Be a native of an eligible country – The DV lottery is only open to natives of certain countries that have low rates of immigration to the U.S. Check the list of eligible countries for the year you are applying.
- Have a high school education or equivalent – You must have completed a 12-year course of elementary and secondary education or have 2 years of qualifying work experience.
- No criminal record – You must not have any felonies or 3+ misdemeanors on your record.
Meeting these requirements is the first step to qualifying for the lottery. If you do not meet them, your application will be disqualified.
Submit Only One Entry
Another key factor is submitting only one lottery entry per year during the registration period. The entry period usually opens in early October and closes in early November. Here are some tips on submitting your entry:
- Submit your entry yourself – Do not use third-party agencies or agents to submit an entry on your behalf. This is strictly prohibited.
- Use a valid, unique email address – You must provide a working email that you have access to and have not used for any other lottery entries.
- Double check your information – Carefully review your entry before submitting to ensure all details like name, birthdate, and photos are accurate.
- Keep your confirmation number – This will allow you to check the status of your entry through the entrant status check on the E-DV website.
Submitting more than one entry per person will lead to automatic disqualification. Take care to only submit a single, complete and accurate entry yourself.
Submit Your Entry Early
Submitting your lottery entry as early as possible once the registration period opens can improve your chances. Here’s why:
- Server capacity – The E-DV website can get overwhelmed with traffic as the deadline nears, increasing errors.
- Time to correct errors – Submitting early gives you time to identify and correct any mistakes before the registration closes.
- Random selection – Entries are selected at random by computer, so timing does not directly affect your chances. But entering early ensures your entry is in the system.
While submitting early is not required, it can help avoid last minute issues and ensure your entry is considered in the random selection process.
Check Your Lottery Results
Once DV lottery entries have been submitted, results are posted on the E-DV website listing selectees – those who have been randomly chosen. Here are some tips for checking your results:
- Mark your calendar – Results are usually announced in May following the lottery entry period in October/November.
- Use your confirmation number – Go to the entrant status check on the E-DV website and enter your unique confirmation number from your submitted entry.
- Login during your designated period – Results are accessible during the designated notification period based on your region.
- Regularly check for updates – Check back regularly during your notification period as information is frequently updated.
If selected, you must promptly complete visa processing steps. Carefully tracking updates and lottery results is key to moving forward if selected.
Understand the Selection Process
It helps to understand how lottery selectees are chosen. Here is a quick overview:
- Random computer selection – After entry period closes, a computer randomly selects entries.
- Regional distributions – Selections are spread out across eligible global regions.
- Highest entries – Countries with the highest number of entries get the highest number of selectees.
- Derivation and holes – Some selectees will not qualify, so alternates are chosen (“derivations”).
While the selection is random, entries from countries with higher submission volumes statistically have a higher chance. But there are no guarantees, so focus on submitting a valid entry.
Have All Required Documents Ready
If selected in the lottery, you must then submit supporting documents to move forward with the green card application process. Having these ready in advance improves your chances of successfully completing the visa process. Required documents include:
- Valid, unexpired passport – Must be valid for at least 6 months beyond intended date of U.S. entry.
- Education or work experience docs – Documents proving you meet eligibility requirements.
- Police certificates – Certificates from any country you have lived in for 12+ months during the past 5 years.
- Court/prison records – Any records related to criminal charges, arrests or convictions.
- Passport photos – Digital images meeting strict visa photo requirements.
Assemble and prepare these documents early so that you are ready to submit them promptly if selected. This helps demonstrate you meet requirements and are eligible to immigrate.
Act Quickly If Selected
If you check results and find you have been selected in the lottery, you must act quickly to complete required steps. Key actions include:
- Confirm selection – Verify that you are a selectee by comparing your entry details to the notice.
- Pay required fees – Fees must be paid for yourself and any derivative family members immigrating.
- Submit DS-260 – This visa application form and supporting docs must be completed online.
- Schedule interview – Attend a visa interview at the nearest U.S. consular office when notified.
- Obtain medical exam – You will need to undergo a medical exam by an approved doctor to show you are in good health.
Promptly completing all required steps while you remain eligible is key to obtaining your green card if selected. Missing deadlines can lead to disqualification.
Apply for a Visa Number
Once you attend your visa interview and are approved, the final major step is to apply for your actual visa number from the Diversity Visa program. Here is how it works:
- Monthly visa bulletins – These announce when visa numbers are available based on application order and country limits.
- Monitor bulletins – Check regularly to see when your region/country has numbers available according to your lottery rank.
- Submit DS-260 – When your number is current, submit form DS-260 to the Kentucky Consular Center to apply for your visa number.
- Receive visa – Once approved, you will be issued an immigrant visa stamp to enter the U.S. as a lawful permanent resident.
Applying for your visa number is essential for receiving your actual green card after completing all preceding steps.
Understand Country Rank Order
Your chances of being able to actually apply for and obtain your visa after selection is also impacted by your country of chargeability. Here is how it works:
- Per-country limits – No single country can receive more than 7% of the total DV visas available.
- High demand countries – Countries like India and China with high submissions reach their 7% cap quickly.
- Low demand countries – Countries with fewer entries are likely able to obtain available visas.
- Rank order – Your lottery rank determines your place in line for your country’s visa quota.
Coming from a country with high DV demand makes it harder to obtain a visa number compared to less saturated countries.
Hire an Immigration Attorney
Consider hiring an experienced immigration attorney to assist with your DV lottery entry and visa process. Some key benefits include:
- Ensure eligibility – They can review your background to guarantee you meet all requirements.
- Accurate entry – They will prepare and submit your registration with validated information.
- Avoid mistakes – An attorney minimizes errors that can lead to disqualification.
- Expedite process – They know the process inside-out and can fast-track required steps.
- Overcome issues – If any problems arise, they have the expertise to address and resolve them.
While not required, legal representation specialized in the DV lottery increases your odds of entering correctly, being selected, and completing visa processing successfully.
Check Requirements Each Year
The DV lottery rules and requirements can change year to year. If you do not win at first, make sure to double check the rules each year you enter. Key things to review include:
- Eligible countries – The list of eligible nations may change annually.
- Education/work requirements – The required educational background or work experience can be updated.
- Passport validity – How long your passport must be valid for entry varies year to year.
- Photograph specifications – The size, framing, and formatting of required photos can change.
What was acceptable one year may lead to disqualification the next if requirements have been updated. Verify you meet all criteria each year.
Research Interview Consulates
If selected, research the specific U.S. consular office where you will be interviewed. Some tips include:
- Check recent statistics – Look at their DV approval and denial rates from past years.
- Study their website – Review any office-specific requirements or forms.
- Join forums – Read reviews and feedback from others who interviewed there.
- Understand cultural expectations – Research the office’s country to understand local norms.
Arriving well prepared based on your specific consulate’s requirements and interview culture can help demonstrate your readiness to immigrate.
Practice Your Interview
Thoroughly practicing for your visa interview can improve your chances of approval. Here are some preparation tips:
- Mock interviews – Hold practice sessions with a friend or immigration lawyer.
- Review common questions – Prepare answers for questions about your background, eligibility, plans in the U.S., etc.
- Study your documents – Know the contents of all required application materials and supporting documents.
- Improve English skills – Work on your English proficiency if it is not your native language.
Presenting yourself clearly and confidently in English during the high-stakes visa interview gives the best chance of visa approval.
Bring Supporting Documentation
In addition to required documents, also bring supplemental materials to your visa interview. Some recommended items include:
- Academic degrees and transcripts – Bring originals to corroborate your education.
- Employment letters – Include letters from employers documenting your work history.
- Bank records – Bring recent statements proving your financial resources.
- Proposed address – Bring leases or deeds to substantiate where you plan to reside.
- Proposed employment – Provide job offers and employer documentation if available.
Providing excessive supporting materials demonstrating your eligibility can help convince officers to approve your case.
Bring Your Family
If immigrating with a spouse or children, make sure to bring them to your visa interview. Key considerations include:
- Derivative applicants – Family members immigrating with you must undergo visa processing.
- Joint interviews – Expect to be interviewed together as a family unit.
- Documents for dependents – Bring birth certificates, marriage certificates, etc.
- Relationship credibility – Be prepared to prove your relationship is genuine.
Including derivatives on your application and proving family relationships are real is key to immigrating together to the U.S.
Conclusion
Winning the DV lottery takes a combination of luck and preparation. Make sure you meet all baseline eligibility requirements for entering the lottery. Submit your electronic entry accurately and completely during the registration period. If selected, promptly complete all required steps and application processing. Conduct extensive preparation for your visa interview, including compiling needed documents and proof. Understand and follow the rules specific to your consular office. Bring extra supporting materials to your interview. Practice answering interview questions and conversing in English. Moving quickly and diligently at each stage of the process, while following all instructions, is critical for realizing your chances of successfully immigrating through the green card lottery program.