PROCESS
DV Lottery Process
The Diversity Visa Program, a long-standing initiative that has operated successfully since 1994, continues to bring numerous individuals closer to realizing their aspirations of living in the United States. Initiating the application process marks the initial stride toward this dream, but understanding the essential information to include and the subsequent steps is crucial. Apply now to win a Green Card!
How to apply?
Applications for the USA Green Card Lottery are accepted online only. In the past, paper applications with signatures and attached passport photos were accepted. In 2003, this process was changed by the United States Government and applicants may only apply online now. We have streamlined the online registration process, making it a fast, secure and reliable three step registration process that takes around 10 minutes for each applicant.
The participation period of the DV program is determined each year by the US State Department. It usually starts in October and is limited to only a few weeks. However, you can submit your application all year round on us-dvlottery.com. Our Green Card experts will make sure that your application is submitted in due time and form.
Step-by-step guide:
Step 1: Check if You Qualify
Before you begin the application process, make sure you meet the eligibility criteria for the Diversity Visa lottery program. Check the official DV lottery website for the most up-to-date eligibility requirements. Common eligibility criteria include being a native of an eligible country and having at least a high school education or equivalent work experience.
Step 2: Fill Out the Application Form
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Click on the "Apply" link to access the online application form.
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Carefully complete all the required fields in the application form. This includes personal information, such as your name, date of birth, gender, and contact details. Be accurate and truthful in your responses.
Step 3: Provide/Upload Photos
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Follow the specific photo requirements provided on the DV lottery website. These requirements include background color, photo dimensions, and other specifications.
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Take high-quality photos of yourself and any co-applicant (if applicable) that adhere to the provided guidelines.
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Upload the photos as directed in the application form. Ensure they meet the diversity visa lottery requirements, which often involve cropping and resizing.
Step 4: Submit an Application
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Review your application thoroughly to make sure all information is accurate and complete.
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Submit your application by following the instructions on the website.
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Keep a copy of the submission confirmation for your records.
Step 5: Log Into Your Account
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After submitting your application, you may need to create or log into your account on the DV lottery website.
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Use your account to review and update your information if necessary. Make sure all details are accurate.
Step 6: Confirmation Numbers
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You will receive a temporary confirmation number upon submitting your application. Save this number as it will be needed for further steps.
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After the registration period ends (usually after October 22nd), you will receive a permanent confirmation number. This number is crucial for checking your entrant status.
Step 7: Check Entrant Status
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Visit the DV lottery website again after the specified date to check if you've won the Diversity Visa Green Card.
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Enter your permanent confirmation number and follow the instructions to check your status.
Selection of Applicants:
If your entry is selected, you will be directed to a confirmation page that will provide further instructions, including information on fees connected with immigration to the United States. Entrant Status Check is the ONLY means by which selectees are notified of their selection. The Department of State does not mail out notification letters or notify selectees by email, and U.S. Embassies and Consulates will not provide a list of selectees. Individuals who have not been selected also will be notified ONLY through Entrant Status Check. You are strongly encouraged to access Entrant Status Check yourself and not to rely on someone else to check and inform you.
It is important to remember that being chosen as a DV lottery winner doesn't guarantee you will be granted a visa. In order to receive a DV to immigrate to the United States, selectees must still meet all eligibility requirements under the U.S. law. Do not make arrangements such as selling your house, car or property, resigning from your job or making non-refundable flight or other travel arrangements until you have obtained your immigrant visa.
Confirm your qualifications:
The Diversity Immigrant Visa (DV) Program requires the principal DV applicant to have a high school education, or its equivalent, or two years of qualifying work experience as defined under provisions of U.S. law. If you do not have either the required education or qualifying work experience, you are not eligible for a diversity visa. (Only you, as the principal applicant, must meet this requirement. Your spouse and children do not have to meet this requirement.)
You should consider not pursuing a DV application if you do not meet the qualifying education or work experience requirements explained below as you may not be eligible for a diversity visa and any fees you pay for the visa application will not be refunded.
High School Education: A high school education is defined as the successful completion of a structured program encompassing elementary and secondary education, equivalent to a 12-year curriculum in the United States. Please note that this requirement specifically applies to formal courses of study; equivalency certificates (such as the G.E.D.) are not acceptable for meeting this criterion.
Work Experience: If you are qualifying with work experience, you must have two years of experience in the last five years, in an occupation which, by U.S. Department of Labor definitions, requires at least two years of training or experience that is designated as Job Zone 4 or 5, classified in a Specific Vocational Preparation (SVP) rating of 7.0 or higher.
List of approved job positions:
The U.S. Department of Labor provides information on job duties, knowledge and skills, education and training, and other occupational characteristics on their website http://www.onetonline.org/.
Again, you should consider not pursuing a DV application if you do not meet the qualifying education or work experience requirements explained above, or if you provided an invalid passport number with your entry or selected an exemption for which you do not qualify. Such errors may render you ineligible for a diversity visa and any fees you pay for the visa application will not be refunded."
Interview:
The next step in the process is an interview at your local U.S. Embassy or Consulate. You'll be scheduled for this interview when a visa number becomes available for you. The allocation of visa numbers is determined by the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA), which sets the annual quota for diversity immigrant visas. After the Kentucky Consular Center reviews your completed DS-260 form, you may receive an email notification regarding the scheduling of your interview at the U.S. Embassy or Consulate. This email will contain instructions on how to access the Entrant Status Check on the U.S. Government's Electronic Diversity Visa (E-DV) website.
You'll need to use your DV entry confirmation number to view the date, time, and location of your interview. Be sure to print this information and bring it with you to the interview. It's worth noting that both you and, if applicable, your spouse and children who are also applying for a diversity immigrant visa must attend the interview.