Overview
Each year, the Diversity Lottery (DV) Program makes 55,000 immigrant
visas available through a lottery to people who come from countries
with low rates of immigration to the United States. Of such visas,
5,000 are allocated for use under NACARA beginning with DV '99.
The State Department (DOS) holds the lottery every year, and randomly
selects approximately 110,000 applicants from all qualified entries.
The DOS selects the approximately 110,000 applications since many
will not complete the visa process. However once 55,000 are issued
or the fiscal year ends, the DV program is closed. If you receive
a visa through the Diversity Visa Lottery Program you will be
authorized to live and work permanently in the United States.
You will also be allowed to bring your spouse and any unmarried
children under the age of 21 to the United States.
Entering the Diversity Visa Lottery
Please see How
Do I Participate in the Diversity Immigrant Visa Lottery Program? for
more information on the program.
Please see Department of State Warning on Fraudulent/Impostor DV Lottery Websites.
Diversity Immigrant Visa Lottery 2006 has begun.
Diversity Immigrant Visa Lottery 2006 Guidelines Instructions, and Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) (Department of State Website)
Federal Register Notice: Department of State, Bureau of Consular Affairs; Registration for the Diversity Immigrant (DV-2005) Visa Program
Diversity Lottery 2005 Results (Department of State Website)
Diversity Lottery 2004 Results (Department of State Website)
Diversity Lottery 2003 Results (Department of State Website)