Eligibility Requirements for DV-2027
To enter the DV-2027 Lottery, you must meet certain conditions related to your birth country, education or work history, and documentation. You must also avoid disqualifying factors that could end your application.
Country of Birth Criteria
Your eligibility depends mainly on your country of birth. The U.S. excludes countries that have sent more than 50,000 immigrants in the last five years.
If your birth country is on the excluded list, you cannot apply based on your birth country. You might still qualify if your spouse’s birth country is eligible, or if neither of your parents was born or legally resided in your birth country when you were born and their birth country is eligible.
Some countries eligible for DV-2027 include:
- Bangladesh
- Brazil
- Canada
- China (including Hong Kong)
- India
- Mexico
- Nigeria
- Philippines
- South Korea
- Vietnam
Note: Macau SAR and Taiwan are eligible.
Education and Work Experience
You must have at least a high school education or its equivalent. This means completing a formal 12-year course of elementary and secondary schooling recognized in your country.
If you don’t meet the education requirement, you must have two years of work experience in the last five years in a job that requires at least two years of training or experience. The U.S. Department of Labor’s database lists which jobs qualify.
Only the main applicant must meet these standards. Your spouse and children do not need to meet the education or work rules to be included in your application.
Passport and Documentation
You must submit a valid passport from your country of birth when applying for the DV-2027 Lottery. The passport must be current and issued by your home country’s government.
The passport confirms your identity and is needed for visa processing if you win. Without a valid passport, your application will be rejected or disqualified.
Make sure your passport details are accurate and match the information in your application. Any false or inconsistent information will make your entry invalid.
Other Disqualification Factors
You must provide truthful information in your application. Submitting false details or leaving out eligible family members results in permanent disqualification.
List all eligible family members—your spouse and unmarried children under 21—at the time of entry, even if they don’t plan to immigrate right away.
There is no minimum age to enter, but the education or work requirement usually disqualifies applicants under 18 years old.
You do not need a prior U.S. visa or previous travel to the United States to be eligible.
DV-2027 Entry Period and Key Deadlines
You must apply during the official registration window. Missing the deadline or applying outside the official website will disqualify your entry.
Official Registration Period
The DV-2027 registration opens on October 2, at 12:00 PM EDT and closes in early November, likely around November 7,. You can only submit your entry online through the official U.S. Department of State website: dvprogram.state.gov.
Paper or late applications are not accepted. Use only the official site. No fees are required to apply, and any third-party websites asking for payment are scams.
If you miss the deadline, you must wait until next year’s lottery.
Timeline for Application Submission
Submit your application as soon as registration opens to avoid site overload and delays. Many people apply close to the deadline, which can cause slowdowns or technical errors.
After you submit, you receive a confirmation page with your unique number. Save this number carefully. It is the only way to check your application status on the official website.
Results for DV-2027 are expected around May. You need your confirmation number to check if you were selected.
Common Timing Mistakes
Waiting until the last days to submit is risky because the website often slows or crashes. Applying early helps you avoid stress and technical problems.
Submit only one entry per person per year. Submitting more than one entry will disqualify all your entries.
Do not submit before the opening date or after the deadline. Any entry outside the official time will be rejected. Always check the current year’s exact dates on dvprogram.state.gov.
Step-by-Step DV-2027 Application Instructions
To apply for the DV-2027 Diversity Visa Lottery, follow specific steps to ensure your entry is valid. Use the official government site, complete the required forms accurately, and submit a photo that meets strict guidelines.
Accessing the Official DV Lottery Website
Go to the official DV program website at www.dvlottery.state.gov. This is the only place where the Department of State accepts applications for the Green Card lottery.
Avoid third-party sites that may charge fees or give false information. Fill out the electronic Diversity Visa (E-DV) entry form directly during the open registration period.
The application window for DV-2027 typically opens in October and runs for about one month. Apply only during this time.
Keep your confirmation number after submitting the form. You will need it to check your status later on the official site.
Completing the DV Lottery Form
When filling out the DV-2027 form, enter your personal details exactly as shown on your official documents. This includes your name, date of birth, country of birth, and any dependents you want to include.
Verify your eligibility before applying. You must be from a qualifying country and meet the education or work experience requirements.
Answer every question carefully and avoid mistakes like misspellings or incorrect dates. Any errors can cause disqualification. Submit only one application.
Uploading a Compliant Photo
Your photo must meet the Department of State’s strict rules for size, background, and head positioning. Use a recent photo taken within the last six months that clearly shows your full face.
The image must be in color with a plain white or off-white background. Avoid shadows, hats, and glasses.
Before submitting, use an online photo checker tool designed for the DV program to crop and adjust your photo. Incorrect photos are a common reason for disqualification, so this step is very important.
Confirmation Number and Entry Status
You need a confirmation number to check your entry status on the official website. This number proves your registration and allows you to see if you were selected.
Saving Your Confirmation Number
After completing your application, you receive a unique 16-digit confirmation number. It usually starts with the four-digit fiscal year of the lottery, such as “2027.”
Save this number immediately. Write it down, print it, or save it digitally. Without it, you cannot check your results on dvprogram.state.gov.
Keep your confirmation number private to prevent fraud.
Checking Selection Results
Starting May 3, 2025, you can check your selection status online. Visit the official DV Lottery site at dvprogram.state.gov and enter your confirmation number, last name, and birth year.
Only use the official website to check your status. Third-party sites may charge fees or give false information.
You can check your result until September 30, 2026. After this date, the system stops showing results for the DV-2027 lottery.
Avoiding Common Errors
When entering your confirmation number, check the spelling and number order. A single mistyped digit or letter will cause errors.
Always verify your last name and birth year match exactly what you used in your application. The system is case-insensitive but requires exact matches.
Never trust emails or messages claiming you won without checking the official site. The U.S. government does not notify winners by email or phone.
If you lose your confirmation number, you cannot retrieve it on dvprogram.state.gov. This means you will not know if you were selected.
If You Are Selected: Next Steps to Secure Your Visa
If you are selected in the DV-2027 Diversity Visa Lottery, you must complete several steps. Act quickly and accurately when submitting forms and gathering documents.
Completing Form DS-260
The DS-260 is the official immigrant visa and alien registration application you must complete online. Fill out this form on the Department of State’s Consular Electronic Application Center website.
Provide all requested information, such as your personal details, family background, education, and work history. Print the confirmation page after submitting the form, as you need it for your visa interview.
Make sure all information matches your original lottery entry. Errors or inconsistencies can delay or block your visa approval.
Complete the DS-260 as soon as possible after notification to secure an interview appointment at the U.S. embassy or consulate.
Required Supporting Documents
Gather the correct documents for your visa interview. You will need:
- A valid passport for you and any family members applying with you
- Birth certificates for all family members included in your application
- Police certificates from all countries where you have lived since age 16
- Court and prison records, if applicable
- Military records, if you served
- Medical examination results from an authorized panel physician
Keep originals and clear copies ready. Missing or incomplete documents can affect your interview.
Visa Interview Preparation
The visa interview is the last step before you receive your diversity immigrant visa. Arrive early at the U.S. embassy or consulate with your DS-260 confirmation, passport, and all required documents.
Dress neatly and be ready to answer questions about your background, eligibility, and plans in the United States. The consular officer will check that you meet all legal requirements for the visa.
You must pay any necessary visa fees before or during the interview. Being selected does not guarantee a visa; you must meet all eligibility rules and pass the interview.
Costs and Financial Considerations for Winners
Winning the Diversity Visa lottery comes with several expenses. You will pay fees for your visa, medical exams, and required documents. You must also show proof that you can support yourself financially in the U.S.
Visa Application Fees
The Diversity Visa fee is $330 per person and must be paid on the day of your consular interview. This fee covers your immigrant visa processing and is non-refundable, even if your visa is denied.
Each family member must pay the $330 fee. Payments are usually made in cash or local currency at the U.S. embassy or consulate. Some embassies accept credit cards, but confirm payment methods with your specific embassy in advance.
Pay visa fees only in person at the consulate on your interview date.
Medical and Documentation Costs
You and your family must complete a medical exam by an approved doctor before your visa is granted. This exam usually costs around $200 per person, but prices vary by country and clinic.
You may need vaccinations if you lack required immunizations. Bring vaccination records to avoid extra charges. Some vaccines might cost up to $100 each.
Other expenses include fees for police certificates or document translations. These fees vary by country and may range from a few dollars to $50 or more.
Financial Proof Requirements
You must prove you can support yourself financially in the U.S. during your visa interview. This shows you will not rely on public assistance after arrival.
There is no set amount, but consular officers expect you to have savings for at least 3–6 months of living expenses. This covers housing, food, transport, and other basic costs.
You can show bank statements, job offers, or an Affidavit of Support from a sponsor if needed. Bring clear evidence of financial stability to improve your chances of approval.
Avoiding Scams and Common Mistakes
When you apply for the DV Lottery, watch out for fraud and errors that could hurt your chances. Knowing how to spot fake notifications and where to find official help protects your application and personal information.
Recognizing DV Lottery Frauds
Scammers often send fake emails or letters telling you that you’ve won the lottery. These messages usually ask for money to process your visa or secure your place.
The U.S. Department of State only notifies winners through its official website. Be cautious of offers that claim to increase your chances of winning.
No one can influence the random selection process. Submitting multiple entries will get you disqualified.
Do not pay any fees before your visa interview. The U.S. government never asks for money upfront. If someone pressures you for payment before official steps, it is a scam.
Official Resources and Assistance
Always use the official DV Lottery website (dvlottery.state.gov) to apply and check your status. This site is the only authentic source for the application process.
After you apply, you will get a confirmation number. Keep it safe because it is the only way to check if you have been selected.
Do not share your confirmation number with others who claim they can help.
If you are unsure about any communication you receive, visit the U.S. Department of State website. You can also contact them directly for verification.
You may seek advice from a trusted immigration attorney. An attorney can guide you through complex issues.