Green Card Lottery: A Complete Step-by-Step Guide

The Green Card Lottery (DV-2027): A Complete Guide to Eligibility and Registration

The Diversity Visa (DV) Lottery, commonly known as the Green Card Lottery, is a U.S. government program that grants up to 55,000 immigrant visas each year to individuals from countries with low rates of immigration to the United States. It is a program of chance, and applying is completely free. This guide covers everything you need to know for the upcoming DV-2027 lottery.

Who is Eligible for the DV Lottery?

To qualify, you must meet both of these requirements during the registration period:

1. Country of Birth: You must be born in an eligible country. The U.S. government publishes a list of eligible and ineligible countries each year. (Countries like Canada, Japan, and Australia are typically eligible, while countries like China, India, Mexico, and the Philippines are not).

   • Exception: If you were born in an ineligible country, you may claim eligibility through your spouse’s country of birth or, if you are unmarried, through a parent’s country of birth.

2. Education or Work Experience: You must have EITHER:

   • A high school education or its equivalent (successful completion of a 12-year course of formal elementary and secondary education), OR

   • Two years of work experience within the last five years in an occupation that requires at least two years of training or experience.

Key Dates for the DV-2027 Lottery

• Registration Opens: Early October 2025 (Tentatively October 2, 2025)

• Registration Closes: Early November 2025 (Tentatively November 5, 2025)

• Results Available: May 2026

• Visa Processing: October 2026 – September 30, 2027

Important: The registration window is short—only about four weeks. Do not wait until the last day to apply.

How to Register: A Step-by-Step Guide

Registration is only accepted online at the official website during the open period.

Step 1: Prepare Your Documents and Photo
Before you start, gather:

• Your passport

• Birth certificates for you, your spouse, and all children

• Recent digital photos of you and each family member that meet strict requirements (see below).

Step 2: Go to the Official Website
Only use: dvprogram.state.gov

Step 3: Fill Out the Electronic Entry Form
You will provide:

• Your full name (exactly as it appears in your passport)

• Your date and place of birth

• Your gender

• Your marital status

• Information about your spouse and all unmarried children under 21

• Your mailing address and current country of residence

• Your education/work background

• A recent, compliant digital photo

Step 4: Submit and Save Your Confirmation
After submitting, you will receive a unique 16-character Confirmation Number.

• PRINT OR SAVE THIS NUMBER. You will need it to check your results, and there is no way to recover it if you lose it.

Passport Photo Requirements (Strict Rules)

Your photo is one of the most common reasons for disqualification. Follow these rules carefully:

• Size: Between 600 x 600 pixels and 1200 x 1200 pixels.

• Format: JPEG, under 240 KB in size.

• Composition: Your face must take up 50-69% of the image, centered with a neutral expression.

• Background: Plain white or off-white with no shadows, patterns, or other people.

• Attire: Wear normal clothing. Do not wear a uniform.

• Accessories: No glasses or headphones. Head coverings are only permitted for religious reasons and must not obscure your face.

Tip: Use the free photo tool provided on the official DV Lottery website to verify your photo meets all requirements before uploading.

What Happens After You Register?

1. Check Your Results: Starting in May 2026, you must return to the official website (dvprogram.state.gov/ESC) and enter your Confirmation Number to see if you were selected. The U.S. government will NOT notify you by email or mail.

2. If You Are Selected: You will see a congratulations message and receive a Case Number. This does not guarantee a visa, but it allows you to begin the formal application process (Form DS-260) and proceed with a medical exam and interview.

3. If You Are Not Selected: You will see a “not selected” message. You are welcome to apply again in the next year’s lottery.

Fees and Scam Warnings

• Registration is FREE. It does not cost anything to enter the lottery.

• Beware of Scams: Many fake websites look official and promise to help you win or register for a fee. Only use the official .gov website. The U.S. government will never contact you by email or phone to tell you that you’ve won.

Summary Checklist for a Successful Application

• Confirm your country of birth is eligible.

• Confirm you meet the education or work requirement.

• Take a compliant digital photo.

• Apply only once during the registration period (October 2025).

• Use only the official website: dvprogram.state.gov.

• Save your Confirmation Number securely.

• Check your results yourself on the official website in May 2026.

The Diversity Visa Lottery is a unique opportunity. By following this guide and using only official resources, you can ensure your application is submitted correctly and safely.

Official Registration Website: dvprogram.state.gov