The Diversity Visa (DV) Lottery — often called the U.S. Green Card Lottery — is a U.S. government program that provides immigrant visas (green cards) to applicants from countries with historically lower rates of immigration to the United States. It is one of the few immigration pathways where you can apply without an employer sponsor or family petitioner.
Important 2026 Update: DV Visa Issuance Pause
The U.S. Department of State posted updated guidance stating that diversity visa issuances were paused (guidance updated December 23, 2025). DV selectees should monitor official State Department updates closely.
DV Lottery 2026–2027: Key Dates
DV-2026 registration ran October 2, 2024 to November 7, 2024. DV-2026 results are available from May 3, 2025 to at least September 30, 2026. DV-2027 dates will be announced separately by the State Department — watch Travel.State.Gov for updates.
DV Lottery Eligibility Requirements
Country of Eligibility (Based on Country of Birth)
Eligibility is generally based on your country of birth (not citizenship). If your birth country is ineligible, you may still qualify through a spouse's country of birth or (in limited cases) a parent's country of birth — with strict rules.
Education or Work Experience Requirement
You must meet one of: a high school education (or equivalent completing a full course of elementary and secondary education), or two years of qualifying work experience within the last five years in an occupation requiring at least two years of training/experience.
DV Lottery Fees (2026)
| Fee | Amount |
|---|---|
| DV Lottery Registration Fee (new rule) | $1 per registration |
| DV Applicant Visa Fee (if selected) | $330 per person (nonrefundable) |
| USCIS Immigrant Fee (after visa approval) | Verify current amount at USCIS before paying |
Photo Requirements
Digital images must be square, JPEG format, minimum 600×600 pixels (up to 1200×1200). Common disqualifiers: wrong size/crop, shadows, busy background, old photo reused from a prior DV entry, over-editing or filters, glasses.
After Selection: What Happens Next
Selection is only step one — it does not guarantee a visa. You must prove eligibility, pass background checks, complete medical exams, provide correct civil documents, and complete the process before the fiscal-year deadline (September 30). DV programs are strictly time-limited.
Common DV Disqualifiers
- Multiple entries in the same year — automatic disqualification
- Non-compliant photo
- Incorrect family info (marital status, missing spouse/child)
- Failure to meet education/work requirement later
- Lost confirmation number (can't check results)
- Missing fiscal year deadline (September 30)
Key Takeaway
The DV Lottery is one of the few immigration pathways with no employer or family sponsor required. The $1 registration fee and $330 selectee fee are confirmed for 2026. Selection does not guarantee a visa — you must still qualify, complete processing, and meet the fiscal-year deadline. Always use the official State Department portal for entry.