The short answer
The Diversity Visa program picks about 55,000 people a year by lottery from countries that send fewer immigrants to the U.S. Entering is free, only on the official State Department site during the registration period. Being selected only gives you the chance to apply.
What to know
- You must be from an eligible country and have a high school education or two years of qualifying work in the last five.
- Entry is free. Be careful of any site that asks you for money.
- If selected, you must complete your case and pass an interview before the end of the fiscal year (30 September).
- Many more people are selected than there are visas.
For the exact rules, forms and fees, see the State Department visa website.
Visa Status is an unofficial site. This is general information in plain words, not legal advice. Rules, fees and forms change, so check the official website and your own papers. Written October 2026.