What is the DV lottery?

The Diversity Immigrant Visa Program (DV Program) makes up to 50,000 immigrant visas available annually, drawn from random selection among all entries to individuals who are from countries with low rates of immigration to the United States.

What are the requirements?
  • You must be born in or be chargeable to a country that qualifies for the program.
  • You must meet the education/work experience requirement.
Which countries qualify?

Over 100 countries qualify. Call us today to find out if you do.

Which countries do not qualify?

Bangladesh, Brazil, Canada, China (mainland-born), Colombia, Dominican Republic, El Salvador, Haiti, India, Jamaica, Mexico, Nigeria, Pakistan, Peru, Philippines, South Korea, United Kingdom (except Northern Ireland) and its dependent territories, and Vietnam.

What is the education/work requirement?

You, as the principal DV applicant, are required to have a high school education, or its equivalent, or two years of qualifying work experience as defined under provisions of US law.

What are the main issues faced in succeeding under the DV lottery?
  • Inaccuracies in the initial application – incorrectly stating any information on your original application can adversely impact you. If you have a child or marry subsequent to your initial application, they will not have been included in the original application and as such will need to be included on the DS-260. Children or spouses who existed at the time the original application was filed but were omitted will not be entitled to derivative status.
  • Inadmissibility issues – if you have a criminal record (this includes convictions, cautions, reprimands), medical issues (if you have an addiction/misuse, an infectious disease of public significance), any overstays in the US, any misrepresentation or fraud to gain entry to the US.
  • Adjustment problems – if you are already in the US and cannot adjust status
  • Timing issues (exhaustion of DV visas before obtaining lawful permanent residence (green card)) – application must obtain approval prior to 30th September, which is a strict deadline.
  • Death of principal beneficiary – if the person who applies dies.
  • Age-outs – if unmarried dependents turn 21 years old it causes eligibility issues.