DV Lottery USA 2027 Guide – American Diversity Visa Lottery

The program

Each year, about 55,000 visas are allocated by random draw. Registration is free and done only online at the official site dvprogram.state.gov. No intermediary can guarantee selection or register on your behalf on the government site.

Key figures

Millions of applicants participate each year. Only confirmation numbers allow you to check results from May on the same site. No email or mail notification is sent by the authorities.

DV-2027 timeline

For the DV-2027 program, the State Department announced changes to the registration period: opening and closing dates are published each year on travel.state.gov and dvprogram.state.gov (historically October–November). The period during which DV-2027 selectees may apply for their immigrant visa remains fixed: October 1, 2026 to September 30, 2027. Draw results are available on the official site (Entry Status Check) on a date announced by the Department. After selection: complete the DS-260 form and attend the embassy or consulate interview.

Eligible countries

You must be born in an eligible country. The list is published each year by the State Department. Countries that have sent more than 50,000 immigrants to the United States in the last five years are generally excluded (e.g. Mexico, Canada, United Kingdom, mainland China, India).

Education or experience

You must have either a high school diploma (or equivalent) or two years of work experience in a qualifying occupation within the last five years.

• High school diploma (or recognized equivalent)
• Two years of experience in a qualifying occupation (within the last five years)

Excluded countries

Nationals of high-admission countries are not eligible. The exact list is updated each year on the program website.

Chargeability (country of charge)

If you were born in an excluded country, you may sometimes be eligible through your spouse's or a parent's country of birth. Cross-chargeability rules are detailed on the official site.

Registration period (DV-2027)

For DV-2027, the State Department publishes exact opening and closing dates on travel.state.gov and in the official DV Instructions. In November 2025, the Department stated that these dates would be announced "as soon as practicable." Check dvprogram.state.gov and the Diversity Visa Program page on travel.state.gov regularly. Registration is free and online only. Register when the period opens to avoid traffic peaks.

Registration steps

• Go to the official site dvprogram.state.gov
• Enter the required information (identity, contact details, compliant photo)
• Check all data before submitting
• Submit the entry and keep your confirmation number
• Do not submit multiple entries (disqualification)

Checking results

From May following registration, check dvprogram.state.gov with your confirmation number. No email or mail is sent by the government. Beware of sites or messages asking for payment to 'check' or 'unlock' a supposed selection.

Common mistakes

• Non-compliant photo (dimensions, background, glasses, etc.)
• Multiple entries (one per person only)
• Errors in name or date of birth
• Using a non-official site or paying an intermediary to 'guarantee' registration

Technical specifications (DV-2027)

• Dimensions: 600 × 600 pixels (square, height = width)
• Format: JPEG only
• File size: 240 KB maximum (no minimum; exceeding this can cause disqualification)
• White or off-white, plain background, no shadows

Composition rules

• Face centered, facing camera. Head height (bottom of chin to top of head) must be between 50% and 69% of total image height. Neutral expression.
• Eyes open, mouth closed, no exaggerated smile
• No glasses (except documented medical necessity)
• No head covering except for religious reasons (face fully visible)

Rejection risk

Any non-compliant photo may result in disqualification. Use a professional photographer or the verification tool recommended on the official site.

DS-260 form

The DS-260 form (Immigrant Visa Application) is completed online at ceac.state.gov. It covers your personal information, background, education, employment, and security questions.

• Fill it in accurately; any error can delay or invalidate the case
• Keep a copy of the submission confirmation
• You may be asked to provide additional documents

Documents to prepare

• Valid passport
• Birth certificate
• Police certificate (depending on country)
• Medical examination results (panel physician)
• Diplomas and transcripts
• Photos meeting visa requirements

Embassy or consulate interview

You will be scheduled for an interview. Present all requested originals, medical examination results, and proof of fee payment.

• Prepare all documents in advance
• Answer accurately and honestly
• Keep a copy of everything you submit

Fees

• DV fee (as set by the State Department)
• Immigrant visa fee
• Medical examination cost (varies by country)

Visa issuance

If approved, the immigrant visa will be placed in your passport. You must enter the United States before the expiration date on the visa. Your Green Card will then be sent to the U.S. address you provided.

Register early

Register as soon as the period opens to avoid site overload and last-minute errors.

Compliant photo

Have your photo checked by a professional or by the tool recommended on the official site. A rejected photo leads to disqualification.

Accuracy of information

Check name, date and place of birth, nationality. Any inconsistency can invalidate your case.

Scams

Registration is free. No website, email, or intermediary can 'guarantee' selection or 'unlock' results. Never send money for a supposed selection received by email.

Spouse entry

If you are married, you may each submit one entry. If one of you is selected, the other can be included in the DS-260 as spouse.