The Diversity Immigrant Visa (DV) program, often called the green card lottery, is a U.S. government program that can offer a path to permanent residence for qualifying people. The program is limited, uses a random selection process, and has specific eligibility and application rules. This article summarizes the program described in a 2025 American Immigration Lawyers Association flyer in clear, practical language.

What Is the Diversity Visa Program?

The Diversity Visa program is run by the U.S. Department of State. Each year, it may make up to 55,000 immigrant visas available. An immigrant visa can allow a person to become a lawful permanent resident of the United States, commonly called a green card holder.

The program is intended for people from countries that have had lower levels of immigration to the United States. It is a lottery, which means selection is random. Meeting the basic requirements does not guarantee that a person will be selected or receive a visa.

For people and families considering immigration options, it is important to understand that the DV program has a separate process, timeline, and eligibility rules. Ventresca & Ventresca LLP helps clients understand immigration information and consider the steps that may apply to their individual circumstances.

Who May Be Eligible to Apply?

Eligibility can depend on a person’s country of birth. Under the information in the flyer, you, your spouse, or your parent must have been born in a country that sent fewer than 50,000 immigrants to the United States during the previous five years. The Department of State publishes a list of eligible countries each year.

Applicants must also meet one of these education or work requirements:

• They have completed at least a high school education, or the equivalent; or
• They have at least two years of work experience during the past five years in a job that requires at least two years of training or experience.

Not every job meets the work-experience standard. The Department of State provides instructions for determining whether an occupation qualifies. If you are relying on work experience, it is important to review the official instructions carefully before applying.

When Can You Apply?

The application period is only open for a limited time each year. According to the flyer, the entry period usually lasts a few weeks, often from early October to early November. The exact dates are announced by the Department of State.

You can only submit an entry during the official application period. Applying early in the window may help you avoid technical problems that can occur near the deadline. Do not assume that last year’s dates will be the same this year. Check the current instructions before you apply.

How Do You Apply?

Applications must be submitted online through the Department of State’s Electronic Diversity Visa website. Paper applications are not accepted. The flyer states that there is no fee to enter the DV program.

If you are selected and later scheduled for an interview, a visa application fee may apply. Selection is not the final step. It begins a further process that can include documents, a medical examination, and an interview.

Use caution when looking for information online. The official entry website is dvprogram.state.gov. The Department of State also publishes annual instructions for the Diversity Visa program. Reviewing official materials can help you understand the required timing and next steps.

How Will You Know if You Were Selected?

The Department of State uses a computer lottery to choose people for the DV program. If you submit an entry, keep the confirmation number you receive. You need that number to check your result.

The flyer explains that applicants can check through the Entrant Status Check portal, usually beginning in early May. The official portal is available at dvprogram.state.gov/ESC/. If you are selected, you may need to submit documents, complete a medical exam, and attend an interview.

Because the selection process and later steps can be important, keep your confirmation information in a safe place and follow the instructions provided by the Department of State.

Simple Steps to Keep in Mind

1. Check whether your country of birth is on the annual list of eligible countries.
2. Confirm that you meet the education requirement or the qualifying work-experience requirement.
3. Watch for the official application dates announced by the Department of State.
4. Apply online only during the official entry period.
5. Save your confirmation number after submitting your entry.
6. Use the Entrant Status Check portal to learn whether you were selected.
7. If selected, carefully follow the additional instructions for documents, medical exams, and interviews.

For individuals, families, and employers seeking immigration law information in the Wexford, Pennsylvania area, clear timing and accurate details can make a meaningful difference. Ventresca & Ventresca LLP monitors developments from sources including USCIS and the Department of State and provides responsive legal guidance when clients have time-sensitive questions.

FAQ

Is the Diversity Visa program the same as getting a green card automatically?

No. The program is a lottery for immigrant visas. Being selected does not end the process. Selected applicants may need to complete additional requirements, including documents, a medical exam, and an interview.

Can I submit a paper application?

No. The flyer states that paper applications are not allowed. Entries must be submitted online through the Department of State’s Electronic Diversity Visa website.

Is there a fee to enter the lottery?

The flyer states that there is no fee to enter the DV program. If you are selected and scheduled for an interview, a visa application fee may be required.

When should I check my selection result?

Use the confirmation number you received when you applied and check the Entrant Status Check portal. The flyer says the portal is usually available beginning in early May.

Where can I find the official annual instructions?

The Department of State publishes annual Diversity Visa instructions at travel.state.gov. The country list, dates, and instructions should be reviewed for the applicable program year.

This article is general information, not legal advice. If this update affects a pending or planned immigration matter, contact Ventresca & Ventresca LLP to discuss your situation and the information that may be relevant to you.