The Diversity Visa Lottery most folks just call it the DV Lottery opens the door for people from countries that don’t send many immigrants to the U.S. each year. It’s a chance to win one of up to 55,000 Green Cards the State Department gives away through a plain old random computer draw.
As of November 2025, we’re talking about the DV-2027 round, the one that could let winners settle in the U.S. starting October 1, 2026, and running through September 30, 2027.
I’ve put this guide together using only the newest info straight from official sources. The entry period isn’t open yet, but the State Department will post the exact dates any day now. The only real change this time around is a tiny $1 fee you pay when you submit—non-refundable, of course.
Everything else is still done online and pretty simple. Just use the government website and you’ll steer clear of the fake services that always show up during lottery season.
What the DV Lottery Is All About
The program’s goal is straightforward – bring in new residents from parts of the world that don’t send many immigrants to the U.S.
The State Department looks at the last five years of data and decides which countries qualify. For DV-2027, the final list will appear in the official instructions once registration opens.
A few key points to keep in mind:
- Total visas: Up to 55,000, though the real number is usually a bit lower.
- How winners are picked: A computer runs a random draw after the entry period closes.
- Winning isn’t automatic: If your name comes up, you still have to prove you meet the rules and pass an interview.
The entry itself is low-cost (just that $1 fee), but later steps involve standard visa fees. You can read the full program overview on the U.S. Department of State’s Diversity Visa page.
Who Can Actually Apply for DV-2027?
Two main boxes need to be checked: where you were born and your education or work background.
Country of Birth Rules
- Your birth country must have sent fewer than 50,000 immigrants to the U.S. in the past five years.
- If your country is on the “high-immigration” list (think China mainland, India, Mexico), you might still qualify through a spouse or parent born in an eligible country.
- The complete eligible-country list for DV-2027 will be posted with the instructions.
Also Read: USA H-1B Visa Process November 2025: Lottery Dates, Eligibility & Step-by-Step Application
Education or Work Requirement
- Option 1: A high-school education that matches a U.S. 12-year diploma.
- Option 2: Two years of work in the last five years in a job that normally needs at least two years of training. The Department of Labor’s O*NET database sets the standard (Job Zone 4 or higher).
You don’t have to send proof when you register – just certify that you meet the rule. If you win, that’s when the documents come in. The USCIS Policy Manual explains the details clearly.
How to Enter the DV-2027 Lottery – Step by Step
Everything happens online during a short window, usually early October to early November. As of mid-November 2025, the exact dates are still pending, so keep an eye on announcements.
1. Double-Check You Qualify and Gather Basics
- Confirm your country and education/work history.
- Get a recent photo that meets the rules: 2×2 inches, color, plain white background, no glasses, full face forward.
- Have ready: full name exactly as in your passport, birth date and place, marital status, and details for any spouse or unmarried kids under 21.
2. Head to the Official Site
- The only place to enter is dvprogram.state.gov.
- Pick your language, then start the form when the period opens at noon Eastern Time.
3. Pay the $1 Fee
- Use a debit or credit card that works for international payments.
- The fee is processed securely on the government portal. Your bank might add a small foreign-transaction charge.
4. Fill Out Form DS-5501
- Enter personal info, eligibility details, and family members.
- Upload your photo – the system checks it automatically.
- Submit once only. Multiple entries get everyone disqualified.
5. Save Your Confirmation Number
- A unique code appears on screen right after you submit.
- Print it or screenshot it – you’ll need it to check results next May.
The whole thing takes 15–30 minutes if you’re prepared. Photo problems cause most rejections, so use the site’s validator tool. Full photo specs and sample forms are on the Diversity Visa Instructions page.
What Happens After You Enter
Checking If You Won
- Starting May 2026, log back into dvprogram.state.gov and enter your confirmation number.
- No letters or emails – you check yourself.
- Results stay online through September 30, 2027.
If You’re Selected – Next Steps
- File DS-260 online and pay the $330 visa processing fee.
- Collect documents: birth certificate, police records, medical exam, proof you won’t become a public charge.
- Attend an interview at your local U.S. embassy or consulate.
- Enter the U.S. within six months of visa issuance; your Green Card arrives by mail.
People already in the U.S. on another visa can file Form I-485 with USCIS instead. All visas must be used by the end of the fiscal year.
Mistakes That Can Ruin Your Entry
- Bad photo – the number-one disqualification reason.
- More than one entry – even if you think you fixed a mistake.
- Wrong personal details – they must match official records.
- Paying third parties – only the government site is legitimate.
Latest Visa Bulletin Notes
The November 2025 Visa Bulletin confirms DV-2027 details are coming soon. DV-2026 visas are still being issued until September 30, 2026. Check the monthly Visa Bulletin for regional cut-offs.
Getting Ready Right Now
Start by confirming your eligibility and taking a test photo. Save your documents in one folder. The DV Lottery is a fair random draw, but only accurate entries count. Bookmark the official pages and you’ll be set when the window opens.