Diversity Visa (DV) Lottery
Green Card Lottery Guide: Eligibility, Costs & Status
⚠️ PROGRAM STATUS: SUSPENDED (As of Dec 2025)
Please be advised: The Department of State has temporarily suspended the issuance of Diversity Visas. However, the underlying laws remain in effect. We provide the following information for reference regarding eligibility and requirements should the program resume.
The Diversity Immigrant Visa Program (DV Program) makes up to 55,000 Green Cards available annually to persons from countries with low rates of immigration to the United States. Winners are selected through a random computer drawing.
1. Eligible Countries & Exceptions
Natives of the following countries are EXCLUDED (Ineligible) because they have sent more than 50,000 immigrants to the U.S. in the past five years:
| Bangladesh | Brazil | Canada | China (Mainland) |
| Colombia | Cuba (Newly Excluded) | Dominican Rep. | El Salvador |
| Haiti | Honduras | India | Jamaica |
| Mexico | Nigeria | Pakistan | Philippines |
| South Korea | Venezuela | Vietnam | |
Notable ELIGIBLE Countries (Exceptions):
- ✅ United Kingdom (UK): Now ELIGIBLE (including Northern Ireland).
- ✅ Taiwan: Eligible.
- ✅ Macau SAR: Eligible.
- ✅ Hong Kong SAR: Eligible.
2. Basic Eligibility Requirements
Option A: Education
High School Diploma
You must have completed a 12-year course of formal elementary and secondary education.
*GED or vocational degrees generally do NOT qualify.
Option B: Work Experience
Skilled Labor
If you have no diploma, you need 2 years of work experience (within the last 5 years) in an occupation requiring at least 2 years of training (Job Zone 4 or 5 on O*Net).
3. New Policies & Updates
Passport Rule Vacated
Good News: You are NO LONGER required to have a valid passport to enter the initial lottery registration. This barrier has been removed by federal court order. You only need a passport if you win and apply for the visa.
Photo AI Scrutiny
Photos must be taken within the last 6 months. Using an old photo (one used in a previous year) results in automatic disqualification by facial recognition software.
4. Program Fees (2026)
Entering the lottery is FREE. You only pay fees if you are selected.
| Fee Type | Cost | Who Pays? |
|---|
| Consular Visa Fee | $330 | Per person (if applying abroad) |
| I-485 Adjustment Fee | $1,440 | Per person (if applying inside US) |
| USCIS Immigrant Fee | $235 | Green Card Production Fee |
*Note: Medical exam fees (I-693) are extra and paid directly to the doctor (~$300-$500).
Need Guidance?
Whether the program resumes or you need an alternative strategy, Wang Law PLLC is here to help.