Diversity Visa (DV) Lottery: How It Works, History, and Requirements

The Diversity Immigrant Visa program, commonly called the Green Card Lottery, is a U.S. government initiative that gives people from underrepresented countries a chance to live permanently in the United States. Winners of the lottery receive an immigrant visa, which leads to a green card (permanent resident status).

The program was officially established under the Immigration Act of 1990 and is run by the U.S. Department of State. Each year, the lottery offers up to 55,000 visas to people from countries that have sent few immigrants to the U.S. in recent years. Millions of people apply every year, but fewer than 1 in 400 applicants win.

Applicants can enter the lottery by filling out a form online on the Department of State website.

History of the DV Lottery

Before the permanent program, the U.S. ran temporary visa programs for diversity:

  • NP-5 (1987–1989): Limited visas on a first-come, first-served basis.
  • OP-1 (1989–1991): Lottery system for countries with low immigration.
  • AA-1 (1992–1994): For countries affected by earlier laws, with large benefits to Ireland and Northern Ireland.

The Donnelly, Berman, and Morrison visas were early versions of these programs. For example, under Morrison (1992–1994), Ireland received 40% of the visas set aside for that program.

In 1990, President George H. W. Bush signed the Immigration Act, creating the permanent Diversity Visa program.

Over the years, the total number of visas has changed slightly:

  • 1999–2019: About 50,000 visas annually
  • 2020–2024: Around 54,800 visas
  • 2025–2026: Approximately 51,600 visas

How the DV Lottery Works

The lottery runs once a year. Initially, entries were sent by mail, but since DV-2005, applicants can submit forms online. Winners are notified online starting from DV-2012.

Key Changes Over the Years

  • DV-2012: A computer error canceled the initial results, requiring a re-run.
  • DV-2021: A passport requirement temporarily cut applications by half, later reversed by court order.
  • DV-2025 & DV-2026: Errors in eligible countries list led to corrections for the United Kingdom and Cuba.
  • 2025: A $1 fee was added to enter the lottery.

Eligibility Requirements

To apply for the DV Lottery:

  1. Country of Chargeability: Your birth country determines eligibility, with exceptions if your spouse or parents are from different countries.
  2. Education or Work Experience: You must have at least a high school diploma or two years of qualifying work experience.
  3. Application Form: Includes personal details, photographs, spouse and children information, and contact information.

Selected applicants must meet standard immigrant requirements, including health checks, criminal background checks, and financial stability.

Ineligible Countries

Countries that sent over 50,000 immigrants to the U.S. through family or work visas in the last five years are not eligible.

For DV-2026, ineligible countries included:

  • Bangladesh, Brazil, Canada, China, Colombia, Cuba, Dominican Republic, El Salvador, Haiti, Honduras, India, Jamaica, Mexico, Nigeria, Pakistan, Philippines, South Korea, Venezuela, and Vietnam

Some countries, like Afghanistan, Guatemala, and Ukraine, remained eligible despite sending more than 50,000 total immigrants, because other categories like refugees do not count toward the limit.

Criticism and Attempts to End the Lottery

The DV Lottery has faced criticism for:

  • Fraud and scams
  • Security concerns, especially after rare incidents involving winners
  • Randomness of selection

Several attempts to end the program were made by U.S. lawmakers, including bills in 2005, 2007, 2009, and 2013, but none fully succeeded. In December 2025, the U.S. government temporarily suspended issuing diversity visas after a security incident. However, courts later noted that Congress approval is required for such a suspension.

Final Notes

The DV Lottery remains one of the few ways for individuals from underrepresented countries to move to the United States legally. It offers a fair, random chance for applicants to gain permanent residency and eventually build a life in the U.S.