Diversity Visa Program (Green Card Lottery)

Immigrant Visa Unit

An annual Diversity Immigration Program, commonly known as the “green card” visa lottery, makes available each year by random selection 55,000 immigrant visas to people from countries with low rates of immigration to the U.S. Eligibility to apply for this Program is determined by a person's place of birth, not citizenship.

The only official way to apply for the DV Program is directly through the official U.S. Department of State website during the specified and limited-time registration period. 

When you have entered the DV Program, you will receive a confirmation number. It is important that you save this confirmation number. You will not be able to retrieve this number after the entry. The U.S. Embassy is unable to provide your entry confirmation number if it is lost. You will be able to check the status of your entry by returning to the State Department's Entrant Status Check website during a specified time period and by entering your unique confirmation number and personal information. Entrant Status Check will be the sole means of informing you of your selection for the DV program, providing instructions to you on how to proceed with your application, and notify you of your appointment for your immigrant visa interview.

There is no/no fee to participate in the DV Program. The U.S. Government employs no outside consultants or private services to operate the DV program and does not contact individuals about participation. Any intermediaries or others who offer assistance to prepare an application do so without the authority or consent of the U.S. Government. There have been instances of fraudulent websites posing as official U.S. Government sites. Some companies posing as the U.S. Government have sought money in order to "complete" lottery entry forms. There is no charge to download and complete the Electronic Diversity Visa Entry Form.

Please visit the State Department travel site for additional information.