Everything You Need to Know About the US Visa Lottery

Navigate the TN Visa process with these 7 expert tips for Mexican and Canadian citizens pursuing U.S. work opportunities.

Every year, thousands of people around the world get a shot at living and working in the United States, thanks to something called the Diversity Visa Lottery, also known as the US Visa Lottery. If you’ve heard about it but aren’t quite sure how it works or whether you’re eligible, you’re not alone. This guide will walk you through everything in simple terms—what the lottery is, who can apply, how to do it, and what happens if you win.

What Is the US Visa Lottery?

The Diversity Visa (DV) Lottery is a program run by the U.S. Department of State. Its purpose is to increase diversity among immigrants in the United States by offering green cards—about 55,000 of them each year—to people from countries with historically low rates of immigration to the U.S.

While winners are selected randomly (hence the name "lottery"), there are still eligibility requirements. You need to qualify before your name can even be entered into the system.

Who’s Eligible?

Eligibility depends mainly on two things: your country of birth and your background in education or work.

First, your country of origin must be on the list of eligible countries. The program is designed for people from nations that haven’t sent large numbers of immigrants to the U.S. in recent years. If too many people from your country have immigrated recently, you may be excluded that year. Keep in mind, it’s your place of birth that matters—not necessarily your citizenship or where you live now.

Second, you need to meet basic education or work experience standards. This means you should either have completed high school (or the equivalent) or have two years of work experience within the past five years in an occupation that typically requires at least two years of training. These criteria are checked after you're selected—so winning the lottery doesn’t mean much if you can’t prove them later on.

How to Apply

Applying for the DV Lottery is actually pretty straightforward. The application window typically opens once a year, usually around October or November, and is only available online at the official site: dvprogram.state.gov. There is no fee to apply. If a site is asking you for money, it’s likely a scam.

You’ll need to fill out an online form and upload a passport-style photo that meets all the required specifications. Once submitted, you’ll receive a confirmation number. Be sure to save this number—it’s the only way to check if you’ve been selected.

What Happens If You’re Selected?

If you’re among the lucky ones picked by the computer, congratulations—but the journey isn’t over yet. Being selected doesn’t guarantee you a visa. It just means you have the opportunity to apply for one. In fact, the government selects more people than there are actual green cards available, so time is of the essence.

Next, you’ll be asked to submit additional documents and attend a visa interview. You’ll need to prove you meet all the program’s requirements and that you don’t have any disqualifying factors, such as a criminal record. If your application is approved, you’ll be issued a Diversity Visa, which lets you move to the United States as a permanent resident.

Once you arrive in the U.S., you can live and work legally, apply for jobs, pursue studies, and even start the process toward becoming a U.S. citizen if you choose to stay long-term.

Clearing Up Some Common Myths

There’s a lot of misinformation out there about the DV Lottery. For one, it’s completely free to apply. It’s designed to be simple, and most people can complete it themselves in under an hour.

And perhaps the biggest misunderstanding: winning the lottery doesn’t automatically mean you get a green card. It just gets your foot in the door—you still have to complete the application process and meet all the criteria.

Final Thoughts

The Diversity Visa Lottery can be a life-changing opportunity. For eligible individuals, it’s one of the rare chances to apply for permanent U.S. residency without having to secure a job offer or sponsorship. But to make it work, you have to understand the rules, avoid common pitfalls, and stay alert to potential scams.

And remember, the DV Lottery isn’t the only path. If you’re interested in fields like hospitality, business, or culinary arts, other visa options—like the J-1 for interns and trainees or the F-1 for students—might be a better fit depending on your goals.

Whether you're planning your future in the U.S. through the DV Lottery or another visa route, the key is preparation. Know your options, understand the process, and take the steps that align with your long-term dreams.

Need more personalized advice? We’re here to help at every step. Let’s turn your dream job into reality here!