The U.S. Green Card Lottery, also known as the Diversity Visa (DV) Lottery, is a program that provides a chance for individuals from countries with low immigration rates to the United States to apply for a permanent resident visa, or Green Card. This opportunity allows winners to live and work in the U.S. The lottery is held annually, and for the Fiscal Year 2025, the U.S. Department of State will make up to 55,000 Diversity Visas (DVs) available.
In this comprehensive guide, we will walk you through the steps to apply for the Green Card Lottery 2025.
The U.S. Green Card Lottery, officially known as the Diversity Visa (DV) Lottery, is a program that allows individuals from countries with historically low rates of immigration to the United States to apply for a permanent resident visa. The lottery is conducted annually, and for Fiscal Year 2025, the U.S. Department of State is making 55,000 Diversity Visas available.
Eligibility Requirements
Country of Chargeability
To participate in the DV Lottery 2025, you must be a native of a country that is eligible to participate. The list of eligible countries varies each year based on immigration data. If you were born in a country that is not eligible, you might still qualify if your spouse or parents were born in an eligible country.
Education or Work Experience
Applicants must meet one of the following criteria:
- Education: Have a high school diploma or its equivalent, meaning successful completion of a 12-year course of elementary and secondary education.
- Work Experience: Alternatively, if you do not have a high school diploma, you can qualify based on work experience. You must have at least two years of work experience in the last five years in an occupation that requires at least two years of training or experience.
Age Requirements
There is no specific age limit for the DV Lottery, but applicants must be at least 18 years old to meet the education or work experience requirements.
Passport Requirements
As of DV-2024, the requirement to have a valid passport at the time of application has been removed. However, you will need a valid passport if you are selected and need to proceed with the visa application process.
DV Lottery 2025 Registration Process
The application process for the DV-2025 Green Card Lottery is conducted entirely online. Here are the key steps:
Completing the Electronic Diversity Visa (E-DV) Entry Form
To apply, you must complete and submit the Electronic Diversity Visa Entry Form (DS-5501) online at dvprogram.state.gov during the application period. Only entries submitted through the official website are valid. The form requires personal information, including your name, date of birth, gender, and contact details. There is no fee to submit this form.
DV Photo Requirement
Your application must include a digital photograph that meets the following requirements:
- In color and in focus
- Size: The head should be between 1 inch and 1 3/8 inches (22 mm and 35 mm), or 50% to 69% of the image’s total height from the bottom of the chin to the top of the head.
- Taken within the last six months to reflect your current appearance.
- Background: Plain white or off-white.
- Full-face view directly facing the camera with a neutral expression and both eyes open.
- Clothing: Everyday attire. Uniforms are not acceptable except for religious attire worn daily.
- Headgear: No hats or head coverings unless worn for religious reasons, and the full face must be visible without shadows.
- Eyewear: No eyeglasses.
- Hearing devices: Permitted if normally worn.
Confirmation Number
After submitting your application, you will receive a confirmation screen with your name and a unique confirmation number. Print this confirmation screen for your records. Starting May 4, 2024, you can check your application status by returning to dvprogram.state.gov and entering your confirmation number and personal information.
Registration Period
Applicants must submit their entries for the DV-2025 program electronically at dvprogram.state.gov between October 4, 2023, at noon EDT and November 7, 2023, at noon EST. It is advisable not to wait until the last week to apply, as high demand may cause website delays. Late entries and paper entries are not accepted.
The law allows only one entry per person per year. Submitting more than one entry will disqualify all entries for that person.
Application Cost
There is no cost to register for the DV Lottery 2025. However, if you are selected and scheduled for an interview, you will need to pay a visa application fee before your interview with a consular officer, who will determine your eligibility for the visa.
Ineligible Countries
Each year, nationals of countries with high rates of U.S. immigration are ineligible to participate in the Green Card Lottery. For DV-2025, nationals of the following countries are not eligible:
- Bangladesh
- Brazil
- Canada
- China (including mainland and Hong Kong)
- Colombia
- Dominican Republic
- El Salvador
- Haiti
- Honduras
- India
- Jamaica
- Mexico
- Nigeria
- Pakistan
- Philippines
- South Korea
- Venezuela
- Vietnam
Official Website and Resources
To apply for the Green Card Lottery 2025, use the official State Department website: dvprogram.state.gov.
DV Lottery 2024 Photo Checker
The official Photo Tool on travel.state.gov can help you verify if your photo meets all the requirements. This is the legitimate way to ensure your photo is acceptable.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Who is eligible for the DV Lottery 2025?
The DV Lottery is open to natives of countries with historically low rates of immigration to the United States. If your country of birth is ineligible, you might qualify through your spouse or parents if they were born in eligible countries.
2. Is a passport required for DV Lottery 2025?
A valid passport is not required at the time of application for the DV Lottery 2025. However, you will need a passport if you are selected and proceed with the visa application process.
3. What is the deadline for DV Lottery 2025?
The registration period for the DV-2025 Lottery is from October 4, 2023, to November 7, 2023, at noon EST.
4. How can I increase my chances of winning the DV Lottery?
To increase your chances, both you and your spouse should apply separately if both are eligible. This gives you two chances to win, and if one wins, the other can apply as a derivative spouse.
5. What is the age limit for DV?
There is no maximum age limit for the DV Lottery. However, you must be at least 18 years old to meet the educational or work experience requirements.
6. What is the best time to apply for the DV Lottery?
The best time to apply is early in the registration period to avoid potential website delays due to high traffic.
7. How many times can I apply for the DV Lottery?
You can apply only once per year. Multiple applications will result in disqualification.
8. Can I include my boyfriend in the DV Lottery?
No, you can only include yourself, your legally married spouse, and all unmarried children under 21 on your DV Lottery application.
9. Can I fill the DV Lottery with my phone?
Yes, you can submit your DV Lottery application using your smartphone or tablet during the application period.
10. Can I apply for the DV Lottery without a passport?
A passport is not necessary at the time of application for the DV Lottery.
