Green Card Lottery

Each year, the Diversity Lottery (DV) Program makes 50,000 immigrant visas available through a lottery to people who come from countries with low rates of immigration to the United States.  Please note that Canadians are NOT eligible to enter this lottery. 

The law and regulations require that every diversity visa entrant must have at least a high school education or its equivalent or have, within the past five years, two years of work experience in an occupation requiring at least two years' training or experience.

A recipient of a visa through the DV program will be authorized to live and work permanently in the United States. 

The DV program is administered by the U.S. Department of State.  For a list of participating countries, eligibility information, and application forms, please visit the DOS website.  http://travel.state.gov/visa/immigrants/types/types_1322.html

Please note: 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. The Department of State notifies successful Diversity Visa applicants by letter, and NOT be electronic mail. To learn more, see the Department of State Website. 

Page Summary: The Diversity Lottery program is intended to assist immigrants from countries with low rates of immigration to the U.S.