How does Diversity Visa (Green Card Lottery) work in the United States, and who qualifies?

The Diversity Visa (DV) programme, often called the Green Card Lottery, makes up to 55,000 immigrant visas available each year to people from countries with historically low rates of immigration to the United States. It is a route to permanent residence that does not require a job offer or family sponsor.

To qualify, you must be a native of an eligible (under-represented) country and meet an education or work-experience requirement — generally a high-school education or two years of qualifying work experience. You submit a free electronic entry during the annual registration window; there is no charge to enter.

If you are selected, you must complete consular processing before the year's visas run out, so acting promptly matters. Eligible countries and rules are set each year, and selection is by random draw, so being chosen is not guaranteed. Beware of scams that charge to enter the official lottery. ACME can help selected applicants with the follow-on process, and you should confirm current eligibility and dates with the Department of State.