Diversity Visa Lottery Program (DV-2023, DV-2024, etc.)

1. What is the Diversity Visa Lottery Program (DV-2023, DV-2024, etc.)?


The Diversity Visa Lottery Program (DV) is a United States government program that provides up to 50,000 visas annually to people from countries with historically low rates of immigration to the U.S. The program was established by the Immigration Act of 1990 in order to increase the number of immigrants from countries that have historically sent few immigrants to the US. The program allows individuals from eligible countries to enter a lottery for a chance to obtain a diversity visa that grants the holder legal permanent residence in the US. The selected applicants must meet eligibility requirements outlined by the US Department of State in order to participate in the lottery.

2. How do I apply for the Diversity Visa Lottery Program?


To apply for the Diversity Visa Lottery Program, you must complete an online application at https://www.dvlottery.state.gov/. All applications must be submitted online between October 1 and November 2 of each year. You must provide your name, address, date and place of birth, gender, marital status, contact information, country of eligibility, family information, digital photograph and other information as required. Once the application is complete, you will receive a confirmation number that can be used to check the status of your application.

3. What are the eligibility requirements for the Diversity Visa Lottery Program?


To be eligible for the Diversity Visa Lottery Program, entrants must meet the following eligibility requirements:

1. Entrants must have been born in an eligible country.
2. Entrants 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.
3. Entrants must have two years of work experience within the past five years in an occupation that requires at least two years of training or experience to perform.

4. What documents are required for the Diversity Visa Lottery Program?


To apply for the Diversity Visa Lottery Program, applicants must submit the following documents:

1. A completed online application form (DS-5501)
2. A photograph of the applicant and any accompanying family members.
3. An official birth certificate for the applicant and any accompanying family members.
4. Evidence of education, work experience, or other specialized skills that can assist in the applicant’s efforts to become a successful immigrant.
5. Documents proving that the applicant is eligible for a diversity visa and meets all other requirements of the program, including age, nationality, and marital status.
6. Proof of a passport valid for travel to the United States or other documents to prove that the applicant meets all travel requirements.
7. A copy of any court or police records, if applicable.

5. How many visas are issued each year through the Diversity Visa Lottery Program?


The Diversity Visa Lottery Program issues approximately 55,000 visas per year.

6. What is the application deadline for the Diversity Visa Lottery Program?


The Diversity Visa Lottery Program application period typically runs from mid-October to early November each year. The exact dates for the 2021 program have not yet been announced.

7. How will I know if I am selected in the Diversity Visa Lottery Program?


If you are selected in the Diversity Visa Lottery Program, you will receive an electronic notification from the US Department of State that contains detailed instructions on how to proceed with the immigrant visa process. You can also check your status on the Entrant Status Check website.

8. Do I need to be from a certain country to qualify for the Diversity Visa Lottery Program?


No, you do not need to be from a certain country to qualify for the Diversity Visa Lottery Program. The program is open to individuals from countries that have low levels of immigration to the United States. To find out if you are eligible, you can use the U.S. Department of State website to check your eligibility.

9. Is my immigration status affected by participation in the Diversity Visa Lottery Program?


No, if you are selected in the Diversity Visa Lottery Program, your immigration status is not affected. You must still apply for an immigrant visa or adjustment of status with USCIS in order to become a permanent resident of the United States.

10. What happens to my application after it is submitted for the Diversity Visa Lottery Program?


Once you have submitted your application for the Diversity Visa Lottery Program, it will be reviewed to make sure that all of the necessary information has been provided and that it meets all of the requirements. If your application is accepted, you will be entered into the lottery. After the lottery has been completed, selected applicants will be contacted and given further instructions.

11. Are there any fees associated with applying for the Diversity Visa Lottery Program?


No, there are no fees associated with applying for the Diversity Visa Lottery Program.

12. Can I obtain a visa through the Diversity Visa Lottery Program without a sponsor?


Yes, you can obtain a visa through the Diversity Visa Lottery Program without a sponsor. You will still need to meet eligibility requirements and complete the application process.

13. Is there a limit to how many times I can enter the Diversity Visa Lottery Program?


Yes, each entrant is limited to one entry per year.

14. How long is a visa issued through the Diversity Visa Lottery Program valid for?


A visa issued through the Diversity Visa Lottery Program is valid for six months from the date of issuance. In general, a person must enter the United States before the expiration date of their visa.

15. Are family members eligible to apply with me on my application for the Diversity Visa Lottery Program?


No, family members are not eligible to apply with you on your application for the Diversity Visa Lottery Program. Each person must submit their own individual application.

16. Does winning the Diversity Visa Lottery Program guarantee permanent residency in the U.S.?


No, winning the Diversity Visa Lottery Program does not guarantee permanent residency in the U.S. After winning the lottery, individuals must still apply for and be granted a visa by the U.S. Department of State and must comply with all the requirements for legal entry, including health and security checks. Once they have been granted a visa, they can then apply for permanent residency in the U.S.

17. How will I know if my application has been selected in the Diversity Visa Lottery Program?


You will be notified through a confirmation number provided by the Department of State’s Kentucky Consular Center (KCC). The KCC will send you a notification letter (called a “DV-notification letter”) via U.S. postal mail once your entry has been selected in the lottery. This notification will include instructions on how to apply for your visa.

18. Does applying to the Diversity Visa Lottery Program negatively affect my chances of obtaining other U.S. visas or green cards?


No, applying to the Diversity Visa Lottery Program does not negatively affect your chances of obtaining other U.S. visas or green cards. You can apply for multiple visas or green cards simultaneously and it won’t negatively affect any of your applications. However, it is important to note that the Diversity Visa Lottery Program is a lottery system, so you may not be selected in the lottery.

19. How can I check my status in the Diversity Visa Lottery Program?


You can check the status of your Diversity Visa Lottery Program entry by logging into the Entrant Status Check system at https://dvprogram.state.gov/ESC.

20. If I am selected in the Diversity Visa Lottery Program, how soon can I come to America?


The Diversity Visa Program is an annual lottery program that permits up to 50,000 foreign nationals to become lawful permanent residents each year. If you are selected in the lottery, you must first file an immigrant visa application with the Department of State. Depending on your country of origin and other factors, it can take several months or even years to complete the application process and obtain a visa. Once you have obtained a visa, you can travel to the United States and become a lawful permanent resident.