Archive · 16 Jun 2025
US Green Card Lottery: What Is It and Who's Eligible?
The US has a Green Card Lottery, also called the DV Program, that gives out 55,000 visas each year.
It started in 1990 and is run by the government.
People from countries with low immigration rates can apply.
If a country has sent many people to the US in the past, its citizens can't enter.
The program chooses winners randomly through a computer.
To win, you apply during October and November.
If you win, you'll have an interview, a medical checkup, and a background check.
Indians aren't currently eligible because of their high immigration numbers, but those born in an eligible country may still apply.
The US Diversity Immigrant Visa (DV) Program, also known as the Green Card Lottery, awards up to 55,000 visas yearly.
The program began in 1990 under the Immigration Act and is run by the US Department of State.
Names are selected randomly via a computerized draw, with the application period usually running from October to November.
Applicants must not be citizens of countries that have sent over 50,000 immigrants to the US in the past five years to be eligible.
Indians are not eligible currently due to high immigration numbers, but those born in eligible countries may apply.
- Who
- Natives of countries with low immigration rates.
- What
- The US Diversity Immigrant Visa (DV) Program, also known as the Green Card Lottery, awards visas.
- When
- The application period usually runs from October to November.
- Where
- United States
- Why
- To offer a chance for people from diverse backgrounds to become permanent residents.
- Program Name
- Diversity Immigrant Visa (DV) Program
- Also Known As
- DV Lottery, Green Card Lottery
- Visas Awarded Annually
- Up to 55,000
- Started
- 1990
- Administered By
- US Department of State
- Eligibility
- Citizens of countries with low immigration rates to the US
- Entry Fee
- None