The DV lottery registration refers to the registration period for the Diversity Visa (DV) lottery program, through which 50,000 immigrant visas are made available annually to people from countries with low rates of immigration to the United States. The registration is conducted online at www.dvlottery.state.gov and typically opens in early October for a 30-60 day period.
The exact dates and times of the registration period vary from year to year, but some key facts about the DV lottery registration are:
- Registration is only open for a short period once per year, usually in October/November.
- The registration period usually lasts for 30-60 days.
- Registrants can only submit one entry per registration period.
- There are no fees or costs to register for the lottery.
- Winners are randomly selected by a computer-generated drawing.
- Only successful entrants are notified, starting in May of the following year.
Knowing the exact registration dates and times is crucial, as missing the registration period results in having to wait until the following year. Advanced preparation and planning is essential for potential DV lottery entrants.
When is the DV Lottery Registration Period?
The DV lottery registration period typically opens in early October and runs for 30-60 days, closing in early November. However, the specific dates can vary year to year. Here are the registration periods for the most recent years:
| DV Lottery Year | Registration Opened | Registration Closed |
|---|---|---|
| DV-2023 | October 6, 2021 | November 9, 2021 |
| DV-2022 | October 7, 2020 | November 10, 2020 |
| DV-2021 | October 2, 2019 | November 5, 2019 |
| DV-2020 | October 3, 2018 | November 6, 2018 |
As you can see, the DV lottery registration typically opens on the first Wednesday of October and runs for 4-5 weeks, closing in early November. However, it’s important to check the official DV lottery website in September/October each year to confirm the exact dates and times for the next registration period.
What Time Does Registration Open?
On the opening date of registration, the DV lottery website will begin accepting entries starting at 12:00 PM (Noon), Eastern Daylight Time (EDT) in the U.S. This means entrants can begin submitting their registration any time after 12:00 PM EDT.
For example, based on the table above:
- For DV-2023, registration opened at 12:00 PM EDT on October 6, 2021.
- For DV-2022, registration opened at 12:00 PM EDT on October 7, 2020.
- For DV-2021, registration opened at 12:00 PM EDT on October 2, 2019.
So on the opening date, you can begin submitting your DV lottery entry after 12:00 PM EDT. It does not matter what time zone you are in – entries are accepted based on EDT.
The DV website receives heavy traffic when registration first opens. Many people try submitting entries immediately at noon, which can slow down the system. Therefore, it is recommended to wait a few hours before submitting your entry if possible. But you can submit any time after 12:00 PM EDT.
What is the Deadline for Submitting an Entry?
The deadline for submitting your DV lottery entry is before 12:00 PM (Noon) EDT on the final closing date of the registration period. For example:
- For DV-2023, the deadline was 11:59 AM EDT on November 9, 2021.
- For DV-2022, the deadline was 11:59 AM EDT on November 10, 2020.
- For DV-2021, the deadline was 11:59 AM EDT on November 5, 2019.
No entries are accepted after the noon deadline on the closing date. The online form automatically closes at that time.
Again, it does not matter what your local time zone is – the deadline is based on EDT. Be sure to submit your entry before 11:59 AM EDT on the official final registration date to ensure you are entered.
Tips for Registering Within the Deadline
Here are some tips to keep in mind to make sure you register within the deadline:
- Check the registration dates and times well in advance – As soon as the registration dates are published on the DV website (typically in August/September), add them to your calendar.
- Double check the time zone – The registration system uses Eastern Daylight Time (EDT), so adjust any dates/times to your own time zone.
- Don’t wait until the last minute – Submit your entry as soon as possible once registration opens. Don’t delay until the final hours as heavy traffic may slow down the system.
- Confirm your submission – You should receive a confirmation screen and email after submitting your registration. Save/print these for your records.
- Submit early in the day – If possible, submit your entry early in the day during lower website traffic times. The system tends to slow down most near the deadline.
As long as you submit before the deadline, your entry will be accepted. But keep these tips in mind to avoid any last minute issues. Sign up for email alerts on the website for notifications about the registration dates.
What Information is Required to Register?
The DV lottery registration is submitted online through the official website www.dvlottery.state.gov. The registration process requires submitting the following basic information:
- Name – Your complete legal name as written on your passport or official documents.
- Birth date – Your date of birth, using the mm/dd/yyyy format.
- Gender – Your gender (male or female).
- City/town of birth – The city/town where you were born.
- Country of birth – The country where you were born.
- Country of eligibility/chargeability – In most cases this will be the same as your country of birth. Determine your chargeability here: https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/us-visas/immigrate/diversity-visa-program-entry/diversity-visa-instructions.html
- Photograph – A digital photo of yourself, your spouse, and all children under 21 years old must be uploaded. The photo requirements are very specific, as detailed here: https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/us-visas/immigrate/diversity-visa-program-entry/diversity-visa-apply.html#Photo
In addition, you must provide a valid email address and confirm the email address. The email is used to notify winners and request further documentation.
Providing complete and accurate information according to the instructions is very important. Mistakes, missing information, or false claims on your registration can make you ineligible for a visa later on. Read all instructions carefully before submitting the form.
How is Registration Done Online?
Registration for the DV lottery happens exclusively on the official government website www.dvlottery.state.gov. The entry form becomes available on the website at 12:00 PM EDT on the opening date of registration.
To complete the registration, follow these steps:
- Go to www.dvlottery.state.gov
- Read and review the instructions and eligibility requirements thoroughly
- Click the “Apply Here” button to access the online form when registration opens
- Fill out the form with all required information accurately
- Upload your digital photograph according to the specifications
- Verify all information entered is correct
- Submit your registration and print the confirmation screen
The online form allows you to review and edit any information before submitting. Make sure everything is accurate, as entries cannot be changed once submitted. Be sure to follow all photo requirements carefully.
After submitting, you will see a confirmation screen that you should print for your records. You will also receive a confirmation email (check spam folders). This will serve as proof you registered, since selectees are chosen randomly by computer.
Is Registration Free?
Registering for the DV lottery online is completely free – there are no fees or costs to submit an entry.
Beware of any websites or services claiming to register you for a fee – they are scams. Only the official dvlottery.state.gov website can register you, at no cost. Any website asking for payment is fraudulent.
Can I Submit More Than One Entry?
Each person can only submit one entry for each registration period. If you submit more than one entry, you will be disqualified.
However, if you are married, your spouse can also submit a separate entry, and any children under 21 years old can be listed on your entry. But no one person can submit multiple entries.
Only use the official https://www.dvlottery.state.gov website to register.
Registration Troubleshooting
With millions of people trying to register during the 30-60 day period, the DV lottery website can experience technical issues at times. Here are some common problems and solutions:
Problem: The registration website is down or loading slowly.
This often occurs due to high traffic volumes, especially near the registration deadline. The best solutions are:
- Be patient and keep trying – refresh the page to reload it.
- Try registering during off-peak hours like early morning or late evening.
- Enable browser cookies and try with different browsers or devices if needed.
- Clear browser history/cache to eliminate possible conflicts.
The website should become available if you keep trying. Avoid waiting until the last minute.
Problem: My photos are not uploading.
Photo files that are too large or incompatible formats may fail to upload. Solutions:
- Resize photos to the maximum 240×240 pixels size and under 240 KB file size.
- Use .jpg or .png format – other formats are not accepted.
- Clear browser cache and restart browser if photos won’t upload.
Refer to the photo requirements and use simple editing software to adjust photos as needed.
Problem: I did not receive a confirmation email.
If you did not receive the auto-confirmation email after submitting, try these steps:
- Check your spam or junk folders – the email may have been blocked.
- Make sure you entered a valid email you can access.
- Try submitting again, verifying your email is entered correctly.
- Add the domain @state.gov to your safe senders list.
- Use the confirmation screen you printed as proof of registration.
As long as you got the on-screen confirmation, your entry was submitted. But follow up if you did not get the email.
After You Submit Your Entry
Once you have successfully submitted your entry for the DV lottery online during the registration period, there are some important next steps:
- Save your confirmation – Keep the confirmation screen and email for your records. This is your proof of registration if any issues arise later.
- Mark your calendar – Make note of the following year’s Results and Entrant Status Check available starting May 8 on the E-DV website. This is when you can check if you were selected.
- Notify KCC if your contact info changes – Immediately email [email protected] if your email, phone number, or mailing address changes after you submit your entry.
- Learn next steps if selected – Start learning about next steps like DS-260, fees, and processing if selected, so you are prepared.
- Apply again next year if not selected – You can enter each year’s DV lottery, as long as you are eligible.
Registering for the DV lottery is the crucial first step in pursuit of a green card through the program. Understanding the registration timeline and following official instructions carefully is key to maximizing your chances. With proper preparation using the guidance above, you can successfully register during the 30-60 day window.
Conclusion
The DV lottery registration period is a brief but important opportunity for prospective immigrants to submit an entry to potentially obtain permanent U.S. residence. The online registration only opens for 4-5 weeks each year, usually in October.
Knowing the precise start and end dates, checking the registration website in advance, and following all instructions carefully is critical. This ensures you can submit a valid entry before the noon EDT deadline on the final closing date. Patience and persistence are needed to overcome potential technical issues caused by heavy website traffic.
While winning the lottery involves luck, properly registering yourself or your family is something you can control. Use the information provided above to maximize your chances and submit your official DV lottery entry successfully during the registration timeline. Good luck!
