Diversity Visa Lottery

There is no initial fee to enter the DV Program. The U.S. Government employs no outside consultants or private services to operate the DV program. Any intermediaries or others who offer assistance to prepare an application do so without the authority or consent of the U.S. Government. The Diversity Immigration Program makes available each year by random selection 50,000 permanent residence visas to persons from countries that have low rates of immigration to the United States.  Visas are apportioned among six geographic regions based on immigration rates over the last five years, with a greater number of visas going to regions with lower rates of immigration.

Entries for the DV- 2010 Program closed December 1, 2008.  Entries for the DV-2011 Program will start approximately October 1, 2009. 

Applicants may access the electronic diversity visa entry form at www.dvlottery.state.gov during the registration period.

Please be informed that under no circumstances can a visa be issued after September 30, 2009. It is important to understand that because of the limited number of visas that may be issued under this program, visas may cease to be available even before this September 30 date. This is especially true the closer to September 30 an application is made.