Diversity Visa (DV) Basics: The Lottery, Annual Eligibility, and Filing Timing

01

What Is the Program?

The Diversity Immigrant Visa Program makes up to 50,000 immigrant visas available each year through random selection from all entrants. It is intended for people from countries with low rates of immigration to the United States and is administered by the Department of State.

Eligible countries and regions are determined by the official instructions for each program year and may change from year to year. This website was denied access when attempting to read the Department of State's DV page, so it does not list countries or state that any country is “permanently” excluded.

02

Most Applicants Use Consular Processing

Most selectees live outside the United States and obtain immigrant visas through consular processing. For the small number who are already lawfully residing in the United States when selected (in nonimmigrant or other lawful status), USCIS handles their applications for adjustment of status within the United States.

03

Key Timing for Selectees in the United States

Adjustment of status within the United States requires proof that the applicant was selected by the Department of State, that an immigrant visa is immediately available when Form I-485 is filed, and that the applicant is admissible. Section B of the Visa Bulletin shows the DV rank cutoffs for the current month, and Section C shows the cutoffs for the following month. The official guidance states that DV adjustment applications cannot be adjudicated before a visa is available for allocation.

Thus, “selection” only provides an opportunity to pursue eligibility and does not guarantee approval within that year; supporting documents include the Department of State selection letter and the receipt for the DV processing fee, among other items.