Priority Dates and the Diversity Visa Lottery

1. What is the priority date for the Diversity Visa Lottery?


The priority date for the Diversity Visa Lottery is October 5th of each year.

2. How do I check my priority date for the Diversity Visa Lottery?


You can check your priority date for the Diversity Visa Lottery on the US Department of State’s website. Once you have completed your application for the lottery, you will be provided with a confirmation number. Use this number to access your application on the website and check the status of your priority date.

3. How often does the Diversity Visa Lottery open?


The Diversity Visa Lottery opens once a year, typically between October and November.

4. What is the cut-off date for the Diversity Visa Lottery?


The cut-off date for the Diversity Visa Lottery is usually in the last week of September. The exact date varies from year to year, so it is best to check the U.S. Department of State website for the current cut-off date.

5. When is the latest date I can apply for the Diversity Visa Lottery?


The Diversity Visa Lottery usually opens in October and closes in early November.

6. How do I register for the Diversity Visa Lottery?


You can register for the Diversity Visa Lottery by visiting the U.S. Department of State’s official website at https://dvlottery.state.gov/. From there, you will need to complete the online registration form and submit it before the deadline.

7. How many applicants are selected in the Diversity Visa Lottery each year?


The U.S. Department of State issues up to 55,000 Diversity Visas (DV) each year. Up to 50,000 visas are for those selected through the annual DV lottery and the remaining 5,000 visas are set aside for applicants who have received a U.S. diversity visa in the past and are from countries with low rates of immigration to the United States.

8. What happens if I am not selected in the Diversity Visa Lottery?


If you are not selected in the Diversity Visa Lottery, you will not receive a visa and must reapply for the next year’s lottery.

9. What are the eligibility criteria for the Diversity Visa Lottery?


The eligibility criteria for the Diversity Visa Lottery are as follows:

1. The applicant must have been born in an eligible country. There are a total of 50 countries from which applicants may come.

2. The applicant must have at least a high school education or two years of work experience in the last five years in an occupation that requires at least two years of training or experience to perform.

3. The applicant must meet certain requirements regarding the health of the applicant and any accompanying family members.

4. The applicant must not be subject to any of the criminal, health-related, security or other grounds of inadmissibility as outlined in U.S. law.

10. How long does it take to be notified of selection in the Diversity Visa Lottery?


It usually takes up to six months from the date of the Diversity Visa Lottery (DV) registration period to be notified of selection. If selected, you will be notified by mail or e-mail and you will receive instructions on how to apply for a visa.

11. Is there a fee to participate in the Diversity Visa Lottery?


No, there is no fee to participate in the Diversity Visa (DV) Lottery.

12. How will I know if my Diversity Visa Lottery application has been approved or denied?


You will receive a notification in the mail or via email from the U.S. Department of State informing you whether your Diversity Visa Lottery application has been approved or denied. For more information on the notification process, please visit the U.S. Department of State website.

13. Do I need to submit documentation to participate in the Diversity Visa Lottery?


No, you do not need to submit any documentation to participate in the Diversity Visa Lottery. However, you will need to provide proof of your eligibility when you apply for a visa.

14. Can I apply for more than one country in the Diversity Visa Lottery?


No. Each applicant may only submit a single entry in the Diversity Visa Lottery.

15. Are my family members eligible to be included on my Diversity Visa Lottery application?


No. Only you can apply for the Diversity Visa Lottery. Your family members must apply separately if they wish to participate.

16. What are the chances of being selected in the Diversity Visa Lottery?


The chances of being selected in the Diversity Visa Lottery vary each year, depending on the number of applications received and the number of visas available. Generally, the chances of winning are about 1 in 500.

17. Is there a way to increase my chances of being selected in the Diversity Visa Lottery?


No. The Diversity Visa Lottery is a random selection process and there is no way to increase your chances of being selected.

18. When is the best time to apply for the Diversity Visa Lottery?


The Diversity Visa Lottery opens every year on October 1 and typically closes during the first week of November. Entries must be submitted during this period to be considered for the upcoming year’s lottery.

19. What types of documents do I need to submit with my application for the Diversity Visa Lottery?


You will need to submit a completed and signed Diversity Visa Lottery entry form, two passport-style photos, and proof of your educational or work experience.

20. Are there any restrictions on who can apply for the Diversity Visa Lottery?


Yes. Anyone who is born in a country that is already overrepresented in the United States, or has parents who are citizens of a country that is overrepresented, is not eligible to apply for the Diversity Visa Lottery. In addition, anyone who has a criminal record or has been found to be in violation of U.S. immigration law may not be eligible to receive a Diversity Visa.