Understanding the US Diversity Visa Lottery Process

The Diversity Immigrant Visa Programme, managed by the US Department of State (DOS), provides up to 55,000 immigrant visas each year to individuals from countries that historically send low numbers of immigrants to the United States. The application process is free and requires online submission through the Electronic Diversity Visa (E-DV) website within a specific registration window announced each fiscal year.

Paper applications are not accepted, and each applicant is allowed only one entry per registration period. The DOS employs advanced technology to detect duplicate submissions, leading to automatic disqualification for those who submit more than one entry.

After submission, applicants receive a confirmation screen with a unique confirmation number, which is essential for checking entry status and scheduling a visa interview if selected. Most winners reside outside the US and undergo consular processing, while some already in the US may adjust their status through the U.S.

Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).