Diversity Visa (DV) Lottery Requirements

1. How does the Diversity Visa (DV) Lottery program work?


The Diversity Visa (DV) Lottery program is a program that issues up to 50,000 permanent resident visas each year to people of countries with historically low rates of immigration to the United States. Eligible individuals enter the lottery by submitting an online application form for the current year before the deadline. The Department of State then randomly selects applicants from the pool of eligible entrants for further processing. Those selected are notified and must provide additional documentation to verify eligibility. If eligible, they are issued a Diversity Visa and may apply for a green card (permanent residence) in the United States.

2. What are the basic eligibility requirements for applying for the DV Lottery?


The basic eligibility requirements for applying for the Diversity Visa (DV) Lottery include the following:

1. Applicants must be born in a country that is eligible for the DV program.

2. Applicants must have at least a high school education or its equivalent, defined as successful completion of a 12-year course of elementary and secondary education; or two years of work experience within the past five years in an occupation requiring at least two years of training or experience to perform.

3. Applicants must have either a valid passport or other documents that establish their identity and nationality.

4. Applicants must meet all other eligibility requirements, including those related to criminal background, health, fraud, and other issues.

3. How do I enter the DV Lottery?


The Diversity Visa Lottery is administered online through the U.S. Department of State’s Electronic Diversity Visa website. You must complete and submit the Electronic Diversity Visa Entry Form (E-DV Entry Form or DS-5501), along with a recent digital photo of yourself and any required supporting documentation, within the specified registration period.

4. What information is required for submission on the application form for the DV Lottery?


In order to submit an application form for the DV Lottery, applicants must provide personal information such as name, date of birth, gender, country of birth, country of eligibility, marital status, passport number, contact information, and a digital photograph. They also must answer questions about their education and work experience.

5. What is the definition of a qualifying country for the purposes of the DV Lottery?


For the purposes of the Diversity Visa (DV) Lottery, a qualifying country is defined as a country with historically low levels of immigration to the U.S. Eligible countries are listed on the U.S. Department of State website and are updated annually. Generally, countries that have had more than 50,000 immigrants to the United States in the past five years are not eligible.

6. How many diversity visas (DVs) are available each year?


There are 50,000 Diversity Visas (DVs) available each year.

7. What is the registration period for the DV Lottery?


The registration period for the DV Lottery is typically from October to November of each year.

8. When will applicants be notified of results from the DV Lottery?


The Department of State typically notifies applicants of the results from the DV Lottery in May or June of each year.

9. Are dependents eligible to apply for a Diversity Visa (DV)?


No, dependents are not eligible to apply for a Diversity Visa (DV). Only the primary applicant is eligible to apply for the visa.

10. Are applicants able to check their entries online to determine whether they have won a diversity visa (DV)?


No, applicants are not able to check their entries online to determine if they have won a diversity visa (DV). Instead, winners are selected through a computer-generated drawing and the Department of State will contact winners directly.

11. Are spouses and children of a DV applicant eligible to receive visas?


Yes, spouses and children of a Diversity Visa (DV) applicant are eligible to receive visas, provided that they meet all requirements. The DV applicant must include their spouse and any unmarried children under 21 years of age on their application in order to be eligible for visas.

12. Can applicants revoke a submitted entry to the Diversity Visa (DV) Lottery?


No, applicants cannot revoke a submitted entry to the Diversity Visa Lottery. Once the application is submitted, it is considered final and cannot be revoked.

13. Is fraud or misrepresentation of information on an application acceptable for consideration in the DV lottery program?


No, fraud or misrepresentation of information is not acceptable for consideration in the DV Lottery Program. If it is found that you provided false information on your application, your entry will be disqualified and you will not be eligible for a green card.

14. Are there any medical examinations or tests required for applicants who win a diversity visa (DV)?


No, there are no medical examinations or tests required for applicants who win a diversity visa (DV). However, all applicants must meet the medical and public health requirements of the US Immigration and Nationality Act. The consular officer at the time of the interview will provide instructions regarding how to get a medical examination performed if it is needed.

15. Do applicants need to provide proof of financial support when applying for a diversity visa (DV)?


Yes, applicants must provide proof of financial support when applying for a diversity visa. Proof can include pay stubs, tax documents, bank statements, and other documents that show the individual is capable of supporting themselves financially.

16. What documents should an applicant provide as proof of their educational or work experience when applying for a diversity visa (DV)?


To apply for a diversity visa, applicants should provide documents such as official transcripts, diplomas, or any other type of qualifications that show their educational background and any relevant professional certifications they may have. They should also submit proof of their work experience or any other type of prior experience that is applicable to the DV program. This can include CV’s, reference letters, portfolios, and letters of recommendation.

17. What if an applicant’s name is misspelled on their entry form or passport?


Applicants should contact the relevant visa office to correct the mistake. They may need to submit a new application and pay the associated fees.

18. Are prior diversity visa entrants allowed to enter again in subsequent years?


Yes, prior diversity visa entrants are allowed to enter again in subsequent years. However, they must meet all eligibility requirements and complete a new entry form.

19. Are lottery winners required to take any steps after winning a diversity visa (DV)?


Yes, after winning a diversity visa (DV), lottery winners must take several steps in order to proceed with the application process. These steps include completing an entry form and submitting it along with required documents to the Department of State’s Kentucky Consular Center. They must also pay the visa application fee and attend an in-person interview with a U.S. consular officer.

20. Is there an application fee associated with applying for a Diversity Visa (DV) Lottery?


Yes, there is an application fee associated with applying for a Diversity Visa (DV) Lottery. The fee is $330.