What is the Diversity Visa Lottery?
The U.S. Diversity Visa Lottery, commonly known as the Green Card Lottery, is an annual program that offers a pathway to permanent residency for individuals from countries with historically low immigration rates to the United States. Established by the Immigration Act of 1990, the lottery aims to promote diversity in the U.S. immigrant population by allowing citizens of qualifying countries to apply for a chance to win a visa.
How Many Visas Are Available and What is the Eligibility Criteria
Each year, around 50,000 diversity visas are made available. The selection process is random, and participants can only enter the lottery online during a designated application period. Eligible applicants must meet two basic criteria:
Country of Origin: They must be from a qualifying country.
Education or Work Experience: They must either have a high school education or its equivalent, or possess two years of work experience in a job that requires at least two years of training or experience.
The Selection Process
Winning the lottery does not guarantee a green card. Selected applicants must pass additional steps, including interviews, background checks, and medical exams, to confirm their eligibility. Once approved, they and their immediate family members are granted permanent residency, allowing them to live and work in the United States.
The Diversity Visa Lottery is highly competitive. Millions of people worldwide apply each year, but only a fraction are selected. Nevertheless, the lottery continues to be a significant route for individuals seeking a new life in the U.S., contributing to the nation’s cultural and demographic diversity.
Eligibility Restrictions
For DV-2026, natives of the following countries and areas are not eligible to apply, because more than 50,000 natives of these countries immigrated to the United States in the previous five years:
- Bangladesh
- Brazil
- Canada
- The People’s Republic of China (including mainland and Hong Kong born)
- Colombia
- Cuba
- Dominican Republic
- El Salvador
- Haiti
- Honduras
- India
- Jamaica
- Mexico
- Nigeria
- Pakistan
- Philippines
- Republic of Korea (South Korea)
- Venezuela
- Vietnam
Natives of Macau SAR and Taiwan are eligible. With the exception of Cuba, which is not eligible for DV-2026, there were no changes in eligibility from the previous fiscal year.
How to Apply
If you are interested in registering for the diversity lottery, we recommend working with a skilled immigration lawyer. The Law Office of Gregory J. Eck can help. Contact us at 201-604-2544.
For additional information and instructions for registering for the diversity lottery you can visit the U.S. government diversity visa website here: Diversity Visa Lottery