How to Apply for the U.S. Diversity Visa (Green Card Lottery)
The authoritative, step-by-step manual to entering the official DV Program without costly third-party middlemen.
The ONLY Official Portal: dvprogram.state.gov
There is only one official website for submitting entries: dvprogram.state.gov. Any other website ending in .com, .org, or .net is an unaffiliated third-party agency or scam.
1. Registration Window & Program Timeline
The Diversity Visa Program runs on an annual schedule. Understanding the timeline prevents missed deadlines:
Registration Window
Submit your electronic entry online at dvprogram.state.gov.
Entrant Status Check
Check selection status using your 16-character confirmation number.
Interviews & Visa Issuance
Selectees file DS-260, undergo medical, and attend consular interviews.
2. The Official Fee Policy
A common misconception is that entering the DV Lottery requires an upfront payment. Under current Department of State regulations:
- Initial Registration: $0 (FREE). The U.S. government charges no fee to submit the Electronic Diversity Visa entry form.
- Post-Selection Visa Application Fee: $330. This fee is paid strictly in person at the U.S. Embassy or Consulate cashier on the day of your consular interview. It is NEVER paid online or in advance.
3. Step-by-Step Application Walkthrough
Prepare Your Biometric Photos in Advance
You have a strict 60-minute time limit to complete the online form once you begin. Having verified 600×600 px JPEGs ready for yourself and all family members ensures you do not get timed out. Use our AI Photo Cropper beforehand.
Fill Part 1: Entrant Information
Enter your Name, Gender, Birth Date, City of Birth, Country of Birth, Country of Eligibility (Nativity or Cross-Chargeability), Mailing Address, Email, Education Level, and Marital Status.
Fill Part 2: Derivatives (Spouse & Children)
Enter information and upload individual photographs for your legal spouse and all living unmarried children under 21 years of age.
Review & Submit
Carefully review every field on the review screen. Once submitted, changes cannot be made under any circumstances.
4. Spouse & Child Derivative Rules (Disqualification Trap)
The single most common ground for consular visa denial is failure to list qualifying family members:
Strict Legal Requirement:
You MUST list your spouse (unless deceased or legally divorced) and ALL natural children, legally adopted children, and stepchildren under age 21—even if they do not live with you, or do not intend to immigrate with you.
Omitting a spouse or child on your entry form results in mandatory disqualification of your entire case at the interview.
5. Archiving Your Confirmation Number
Upon successful submission, the system generates a Submission Confirmation Screen showing:
- Entrant Name
- Confirmation Number (16 characters, e.g.
20271OABCDE89XYZ) - Year of Birth
- Digital Signature
Do not rely solely on screenshotting your browser. Store it immediately in our Encrypted Vault to generate an offline PNG Backup Card.
Regulatory Notice & Official Links
This guide is prepared based on Title 22 of the Code of Federal Regulations (22 C.F.R. § 42.33) and Foreign Affairs Manual (9 FAM 502.6). Always verify instructions on the official U.S. Department of State portal: dvprogram.state.gov .