The United States government runs an annual Green Card Lottery, officially known as the Diversity Immigrant Visa Programme, which provides eligible applicants from qualifying countries with an opportunity to obtain permanent residency in the country.
The programme is administered by the US Department of State (DOS), which makes up to 55,000 immigrant visas available annually.
The Diversity Visa programme allows eligible individuals to apply for permanent residence in the United States through a random selection process. However, participation is restricted to nationals of countries with historically low rates of immigration to the US. Applying for the programme is free.
US Green Card Lottery: How to apply
Applicants must submit their entries electronically through the Electronic Diversity Visa (E-DV) website during the registration period announced by the Department of State for each fiscal year.
Paper applications are not accepted, while entries submitted after the deadline are automatically excluded. Applicants are also permitted to submit only one entry during each registration period.
The Department of State uses technology to identify duplicate entries, and applicants who submit multiple entries may be disqualified.
After completing the application, applicants receive a confirmation screen containing their name and a unique confirmation number.
The DOS strongly advises applicants to print and retain the confirmation page because the confirmation number is needed to check the outcome of the application and, if selected, proceed with scheduling a visa interview.
Detailed instructions for the DV-2026 programme, including eligibility criteria and guidance on completing the online application, are available through the Department of State.
What happens after selection?
Most Green Card Lottery winners are living outside the United States when they are selected. They generally undergo consular processing, which requires them to obtain an immigrant visa from a US embassy or consulate in their country of residence before travelling to the United States.
A smaller number of selected applicants are already in the US under a valid nonimmigrant or other lawful status when they are chosen.
Such applicants do not undergo consular processing. Instead, their cases are handled by the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) through a process known as adjustment of status.
US Green Card Lottery: Warning about visa agents
The US government advises prospective applicants to be cautious of “Visa Consultants,” “Visa Agents,” and other third-party facilitators who claim they can help secure selection or complete the application.
The government emphasises that entering the programme is free and that applicants can complete the process themselves.
Anyone who chooses to seek assistance is advised to remain physically present while their entry is prepared, verify that all submitted information is accurate and personally retain their confirmation number.
Countries eligible for the Diversity Visa Programme
The US government has published a list of countries whose citizens were eligible to participate in the DV-2026 Diversity Visa programme, commonly referred to as the Green Card Lottery.
The programme recorded about 129,516 prospective applicants across six geographic regions, according to the information provided.
Prospective applicants should rely on official US government information for the latest registration dates, eligibility requirements and application instructions, as details may change from one programme year to another.