The U.S. government runs a program that randomly selects up to 55,000 individuals each year to receive permanent resident visas. It’s called the Diversity Visa Lottery, and it offers a chance to get a green card if you’re from a country with historically low rates of immigration to the U.S.
This isn’t just another bureaucratic process. Winning the Diversity Visa Lottery could change your life. It allows you, your spouse, and children under 21 to apply for green cards and start the path toward permanent U.S. residency.
It’s one of the few immigration paths that doesn’t require employer sponsorship or family petitions.
At Weiss & Moy, P.C., we help applicants from across the country make sure their entries are accurate, timely, and complete. With offices in Phoenix, AZ, and Boca Raton, FL, our firm supports applicants throughout the country.
Jessica J. Weiss, our immigration attorney, has guided individuals and families through every stage of the immigration process.
The diversity visa (DV) program is an annual U.S. immigration program authorized by Congress under the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA). It was created to increase immigration from countries with historically low rates of U.S. immigration. Each year, applicants from eligible countries can submit entries for a chance to be randomly selected for a green card.
According to the U.S. Department of State, the registration window for the 2027 program has not yet opened. However, selected individuals will be able to apply for their immigrant visas between October 1, 2026, and September 30, 2027. Entry is limited to one per person per year who is over 18 and meets the criteria, which will be explained below. Note that multiple entries can disqualify you.
To enter the lottery, you must be born in an eligible country. This list changes each year slightly, but is exclusive to countries with a typically low U.S. Immigration rate. Country of birth matters, not citizenship.
If your country is not eligible, you may qualify through your spouse or parents if they were born in a qualifying country and you’re a minor under 21 years old.
You also need to meet one of two requirements:
Jessica J. Weiss says, “Many applicants get disqualified simply because they misunderstand eligibility rules. Reviewing these details before applying is one of the most important steps.”
Yes. If you currently have a pending visa or green card application, applying for the Diversity Visa Lottery will not hurt your case. The lottery is a separate program and does not affect other petitions or adjustment of status applications.
“We encourage people who already have immigration cases pending to still enter the lottery,” says Attorney Jessica J. Weiss. “It’s another opportunity, and it doesn’t interfere with anything else you’ve filed.”
Filing for the Diversity Visa Lottery seems simple, but errors can lead to disqualification. Our immigration lawyer, Jessica J. Weiss, reviews your eligibility, prepares your entry, and makes sure everything complies with current rules.
We also help you respond if you’re selected. That includes preparing your visa application, gathering documents, and getting you ready for your consular interview. From Phoenix to Boca Raton, we handle cases across the U.S. and provide local knowledge with national reach.
“Every year we help people avoid common mistakes that would have cost them their shot,” Mrs. Weiss explains. “It’s about knowing how the system works.”
Our team brings decades of immigration experience to each client. We serve individuals in Arizona and Florida, but we represent clients in every U.S. state. Our firm has handled thousands of immigration matters, including successful Diversity Visa applications.
Jessica J. Weiss is dedicated to immigration law with a track record of client success and personalized support. From explaining eligibility to finalizing a green card, we walk with you through the entire process.
Call toll-free at 888-689-1862, or click here to schedule a consultation.
What is the Diversity Visa Lottery?
It’s a U.S. program that selects up to 55,000 people annually from eligible countries for permanent resident status through a lottery system.
When does the DV Lottery open each year?
It typically opens in the fall. The dates are announced each year by the U.S. Department of State.
Can I apply if I already have a visa application pending?
Yes. It will not affect your existing visa or green card case.
How much does it cost to enter?
The online entry may cost a minimal fee; the filing fee has not been set yet.
Does winning the lottery mean I automatically get a green card?
No. Selection allows you to apply for a green card during a certain period of time, but you must still meet eligibility and admissibility requirements.