The visa lottery process, also known as the Diversity Immigrant Visa Program, is a program run by the U.S. Department of State that allows people from countries with low rates of immigration to the United States to apply for a diversity visa. This visa allows them to immigrate and gain permanent residency in the U.S. The diversity visa lottery aims to diversify the immigrant population in the United States by selecting applicants mostly from countries with low rates of immigration to the U.S. in the previous five years.
What are the requirements to apply for the visa lottery?
There are a few basic requirements in order to apply for the diversity visa lottery:
- You must be a native of a qualifying country – Countries that have sent more than 50,000 immigrants to the U.S. in the previous 5 years do not qualify.
- You must have a high school education or equivalent or 2 years of qualifying work experience within the last 5 years.
- You must satisfy all eligibility requirements under U.S. immigration law.
In addition, there are some restrictions on who can apply. If you are from a country that has sent more than 50,000 immigrants to the U.S. in the previous 5 years, you do not qualify for the diversity lottery. This includes countries like Mexico, China, India, Philippines, etc. There are also limitations based on country of birth – for example, if you were born in a non-qualifying country but your spouse was born in a qualifying country, you can claim your spouse’s country of birth to apply.
When does registration open for the visa lottery?
Registration for the diversity visa lottery generally opens in early October for the following fiscal year and remains open for 30-60 days. For example, registration for the 2024 fiscal year diversity visa lottery opened on October 5, 2022 and closed on November 8, 2022. The registration period is usually open for about a month each year. Entries must be submitted electronically during this registration period – no late entries are accepted.
How does the online registration for the visa lottery work?
The online registration for the diversity visa lottery is free and completed electronically through the U.S. Department of State’s designated website during the registration period. Basic steps include:
- Access the designated diversity visa website during the registration period.
- Submit your entry by filling out the online form with required information like full name, birth date, country of eligibility, photo, etc.
- Make sure to note the confirmation number at the end for your records.
You can submit only one entry per person during each registration period. Submitting more than one entry will disqualify you.
How are winners selected in the visa lottery?
The diversity visa lottery uses a computer-generated random selection process to select winners. A set number of visas are allocated to each world region and country. Within each region, the visas are distributed among the qualifying countries proportional to their populations. The computer randomly selects entries from among all the entries submitted for each geographic region. Here is a quick overview of the selection process:
- Millions of people around the world register online during the 30-60 day entry period.
- After the entry period closes, a computer randomly selects registered applicants and assigns them a number.
- The first 50,000-100,000 applicants randomly selected are eligible to apply for a diversity visa.
- Selected applicants are notified and must meet eligibility requirements and apply during designated period.
Not all registrants can or will pursue their application after being selected. But generally around 50,000 diversity visas are granted each year through this lottery system.
When are visa lottery winners notified?
Winners of the diversity visa lottery are notified through the designated U.S. State Department website in the first week of May following the entry period. For example, if you registered for the diversity visa lottery in October 2022, you would be notified in May 2023 if you were selected. The confirmation page on the website will provide further instructions on procedures to apply for the visa if you are selected. You can use your confirmation number from registration to check if you were selected. Only 50,000-100,000 applicants are selected through the lottery system.
What documents do you need for the visa application?
If you are selected through the diversity visa lottery, you will need to submit various documents to complete your visa application. Required documents generally include:
- Passport – Must be valid for 6 months beyond intended date of U.S. entry
- Recent photograph
- Birth certificate establishing qualifying relationship to spouse and/or children if applicable
- Marriage certificate if applying with spouse
- Police certificates showing no criminal record
- Court records if previously convicted of a crime
- Proof of education or work experience meeting eligibility requirements
In some cases, more documentation may be requested as you complete the visa application process. All required documents, along with visa application forms and fees, must be submitted to the appropriate U.S. embassy or consulate in your home country within the designated timeframe.
What are the steps after you are selected in the visa lottery?
If you are selected in the diversity visa lottery, there are several steps you must complete to obtain your immigrant visa:
- Confirm selection online – Use your lottery entry confirmation number to check online if you were selected.
- Submit visa application – You must submit a completed online visa application form (DS-260) within the designated period.
- Gather required documents – Obtain all required civil and financial documents like birth certificates, passports, police certificates, etc.
- Attend visa interview – Attend an in-person interview at the U.S. embassy or consulate in your home country.
- Obtain medical exam – Complete a medical exam with an approved doctor to show you are free of health conditions that would make you inadmissible.
- Receive final approval – If approved, you will be issued a diversity visa packet to allow you to enter the U.S. as a lawful permanent resident.
The entire process must be completed within the designated timeframe, usually within a year of being selected. There are no extensions or exemptions allowed.
How much does it cost to apply for the visa lottery?
Registering for the diversity visa lottery online is free. However, if you are selected and apply for the visa, there are fees required at different steps in the process:
- Visa application fee – $330 per person
- Medical examination fee – Varies, approximately $100-200 per exam
- Document translation fees if applicable
- Postage fees for submitting documents and application
Additional costs may include travel expenses to attend the visa interview. All fees must be paid to the U.S. embassy or consulate at the time of your visa interview. Costs for document fees like birth certificates vary by country.
If selected, can family members also apply for a visa?
If you are selected for a diversity visa, you can apply for a visa for your spouse and any unmarried children under 21 years of age. They can be included on the same entry and apply with you. However, if you marry or have a child after you submit your original entry, your new family members will not be eligible for diversity visas based on your selection.
To bring eligible family, you will need to include them on your visa application form, collect required documents for each, and bring them to the visa interview. Additional fees must be paid for each family member’s visa application.
How long is the visa issued for if you are selected?
If approved through the diversity visa lottery process, you are issued an immigrant visa packet that allows you to travel to the United States and apply for admission as a lawful permanent resident. The initial immigrant visa is valid for up to 6 months from the date of issuance. This allows time for you to make arrangements to move to the U.S. and complete processing upon arrival.
Once you enter the U.S., you will receive a permanent resident card valid for 10 years. You must enter the U.S. before the expiration of the initial visa packet in order to obtain permanent residency status.
Can you re-apply if you are not selected?
Unfortunately, you cannot “re-apply” in subsequent years if you register once for the lottery but are not selected. However, you can enter each year that you are eligible. As long as you continue to meet the entry requirements for the diversity visa lottery, you may submit a new entry each year during the registration period. There is no limitation on how many times you can submit a lottery entry.
While there is no guarantee you will ever be chosen, you can maximize your chances by applying each year you are eligible. The more times you register, the higher probability you may have for selection through the random computer drawing.
What are the pros and cons of winning the visa lottery?
There are several advantages and disadvantages to obtaining a U.S. visa through the diversity visa lottery program:
Pros:
- Opportunity to immigrate when other paths may not be available
- Applicants are randomly selected with no country limits
- Lower barriers to entry than other U.S. visa types
- Diversity visa leads to legal permanent resident status and eventual citizenship
Cons:
- No guarantees of being selected – it’s a chance lottery system
- Complicated application process with specific timeline
- Significant effort needed to collect documents and complete process
- High risk of denial if application errors are made
If selected, the diversity visa provides an incredible opportunity. But the process has strict requirements so consulting immigration attorneys and experts is highly recommended.
What happens if you are selected but your circumstances change?
If you are selected through the diversity visa lottery, visa numbers are reserved only for you and your eligible family members listed on the entry form. If your circumstances change, such as marriage, divorce, or a new child, the following rules apply:
- Marriage – You can add a new spouse acquired after entry submission. Your spouse must meet eligibility requirements.
- Divorce – Ex-spouses cannot receive a diversity visa based on original selection.
- Children – You can add children born after entry submission. Children must meet eligibility requirements.
Death of the primary applicant or a family member requires notifying the consulate immediately. Your selection cannot be transferred to someone else if your personal circumstances change. Changes can complicate the process so it is recommended to consult with an immigration attorney.
Can selection in the lottery be denied or revoked?
Even if you are selected in the diversity visa lottery, your visa application can still be denied. Some of the reasons for denial include:
- Fraud or misrepresentation on visa application
- Inadmissible based on health, criminal, or security grounds
- Failure to meet education or work requirement
- Incomplete or inadequate application materials
- Quota already met for your country before visa interview
Your selection can also be revoked and visa cancelled if you are already in the U.S. and found to be unlawfully present or in violation of status.
Having an experienced immigration attorney assist with your visa application is highly recommended to avoid denial or revocation of your selection and to address any complicated issues like changes in circumstances.
Can you adjust status from a diversity visa from within the US?
In most cases, diversity visa lottery winners must attend a visa interview and obtain the immigrant visa from a U.S. consulate in their home country. However, there are a few scenarios where you may be eligible to adjust status and obtain your permanent residency within the U.S.:
- If you are already in the U.S. in a valid nonimmigrant status, like an H-1B work visa or F-1 student visa
- If you entered the U.S. legally on a nonimmigrant visa and maintain legal status
- If you are the spouse or child of a diversity visa winner adjusting status in the U.S.
To qualify for adjustment of status from within the U.S., you must still meet all standard diversity visa eligibility requirements. You must also file for adjustment and complete the entire process before the end of the fiscal year you were selected. It is recommended to consult with an immigration attorney to determine if you are eligible.
What are the immigration options if you don’t get selected?
Unfortunately, the odds of being selected for a diversity visa are low given the millions of people who enter the lottery each year. If you are not selected, there are some alternative options to immigrate or work in the United States:
- Employment-based visa – Find a U.S. employer willing to sponsor you for an employment-based green card.
- Family-based visa – Immigrate through a family member who is a U.S. citizen or green card holder.
- Refugee or asylum status – Those fearing persecution in their home country may qualify as a refugee or asylum seeker.
- Nonimmigrant visas – Apply for a temporary visa like a student (F-1) visa or skilled work (H-1B) visa.
- Green card lottery – Enter the lottery again the next eligible year.
Consult an immigration attorney to determine the best option if you are not selected in the diversity visa lottery and still wish to live and work in America.
Conclusion
The diversity visa lottery provides an opportunity each year for people around the world to immigrate legally to the United States. While there are millions of applicants, only around 50,000 diversity visas are granted annually. The random computer selection process and strict eligibility requirements make obtaining one challenging. But the incredible benefits make the lottery worthwhile for many seeking the American dream. With proper preparation, diligent application, and legal guidance, the diversity visa program can help you start a new life in the United States.
