How many diversity visas there are
The law sets the worldwide level of diversity immigrants at 55,000 a year.[1] Visas are allocated among regions, and within a region, DV numbers go to selected entrants in random rank order.[5]
| Rule | What it says |
|---|---|
| Annual limit | 55,000 visas |
| Education or work | High school education or equivalent, or 2 years of work in the last 5 years in an occupation needing at least 2 years of training or experience |
| Registration fee | $1 per entry |
| Application fee | $330 per applicant, paid only if selected and applying |
| Passport | Valid, unexpired passport data and a scan of the biographic page at entry (unless exempt) |
The education and work requirement comes from the statute.[2] Fees are listed in the State Department’s consular fee schedule; an amendment effective July 1 to December 31, 2026 may adjust that schedule, so confirm the amounts in the official instructions.[3]
2026 rule changes
A State Department rule effective April 10, 2026 requires entrants to provide valid, unexpired passport information and upload a scan of the passport’s biographic and signature page, unless exempt. It applies from the DV-2027 program, for which the Department estimated about 10 million entrants, and it refers to a deferral of the DV-2027 entry period.[4] Entry dates and instructions for each program year are published only by the State Department; we could not confirm DV-2027 or DV-2028 dates from the sources available to us, so check the official E-DV website directly.
After selection
Selected entrants must apply within the program’s fiscal year, and DV visas cannot be issued after September 30 of that year. Selections exceed the 55,000 visas, so the State Department’s monthly visa bulletin also lists the DV rank numbers being processed by region. Selected entrants check their status through the official entrant status check; our visa status check guide explains the official systems, and the 221(g) guide explains administrative processing.
Scam warning. The only place to enter is the State Department’s official E-DV website. No outside service can improve your odds, and the government does not email winners.
Frequently asked questions
Who can apply for the diversity visa lottery?
Natives of eligible countries with at least a high school education or equivalent, or two years of work experience within the last five years in an occupation requiring at least two years of training or experience.
How much does the diversity visa lottery cost?
The consular fee schedule lists a $1 registration fee per entry and a $330 application fee per person for selected entrants who apply. Check the official instructions, as the schedule was amended temporarily in 2026.
Does winning the DV lottery guarantee a green card?
No. More entrants are selected than there are visas, and each selectee must still qualify, apply in time and receive a visa before the fiscal year ends.
Sources
- 8 U.S.C. 1151 (INA 201): worldwide level of immigration
- 8 U.S.C. 1153 (INA 203): allocation of immigrant visas
- 22 CFR 22.1: Schedule of fees for consular services (Diversity Visa fees)
- Visas: Enhancing Vetting and Combatting Fraud in the Diversity Immigrant Visa Program, 91 FR 11891
- 22 CFR 42.51: Department control of numerical limitations