United States · Permanent Residency

Diversity Visa — publish only when programme active

Makes up to 55,000 immigrant visas available annually through a randomized lottery for nationals of countries with historically low rates of immigration to the United States.

Who it suits

Who this pathway suits

Citizens of eligible low-admission countries.

Eligibility

Eligibility at a glance

  • Born in an eligible country (or chargeable to spouse's/parents' country of birth)
  • High school education or its equivalent, OR 2 years of work experience in an occupation requiring 2 years of training
Process

How the process works

  1. Submit electronic entry on dvprogram.state.gov during the annual October/November window
  2. Check results online the following May
  3. Selected winners submit DS-260 and attend consular interview
Documents

Documents you will typically need

  • Passport, high school diploma or qualifying work experience proof, birth certificate
Good to know

What to keep in mind

Registration is completely free; only official fee is the immigrant visa interview fee ($330) paid at the embassy if selected.

Official source: U.S. Department of State — Diversity Visa Program. Government authorities make all final decisions; no outcome is guaranteed.

Is Diversity Visa — publish only when programme active the right route for you?

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