Diversity Visa Lottery (DV Program) Guide for Irvine Residents
Understanding the green card lottery and how to increase your chances of selection
Quick Answer
The Diversity Visa (DV) Lottery, also known as the green card lottery, provides a unique opportunity for nationals of countries with low immigration rates to the United States to obtain permanent residency. Each year, approximately 55,000 diversity visas are available worldwide. SoCal Immigration Services helps Irvine and Orange County residents understand and navigate the DV lottery process.
Reviewed for accuracy by
Maria Santos
DOJ Accredited Representative • 15+ years experience
The Diversity Visa (DV) Lottery, also known as the green card lottery, provides a unique opportunity for nationals of countries with low immigration rates to the United States to obtain permanent residency. Each year, approximately 55,000 diversity visas are available worldwide. SoCal Immigration Services helps Irvine and Orange County residents understand and navigate the DV lottery process.
What is the Diversity Visa Lottery?
The program aims to diversify the immigrant population by providing visas to people from underrepresented countries. It's completely free to enter - there is no fee to submit a lottery entry.
Eligible Countries for Arab Applicants
| Typically Eligible | Usually NOT Eligible |
|---|---|
| Algeria | Egypt (high immigration rates) |
| Bahrain | Jordan (varies by year) |
| Iraq | |
| Kuwait | |
| Lebanon | |
| Libya | |
| Morocco | |
| Oman | |
| Qatar | |
| Saudi Arabia | |
| Syria | |
| Tunisia | |
| UAE | |
| Yemen |
Eligibility Requirements
- •Be a native of an eligible country (born there or qualify through spouse/parents)
- •Have at least a high school education OR two years of qualifying work experience
- •Work experience must be in an occupation requiring at least 2 years of training
- •No criminal history that would make you inadmissible to the U.S.
- •Meet standard visa eligibility requirements
Education and Work Experience Requirements
- 1Education Requirement
Completed a 12-year course of elementary and secondary education (equivalent to U.S. high school diploma). This is the most common way to qualify.
- 2Work Experience Requirement
At least 2 years of work experience in the past 5 years in an occupation that requires at least 2 years of training or experience. The occupation must be classified as Job Zone 4 or 5 in the O*NET database.
How to Apply for the DV Lottery
- 1Registration Period
The lottery opens for a limited time each year, usually October-November. Mark your calendar and don't miss the window.
- 2Online Entry Only
Entries are submitted ONLY through the official website: dvprogram.state.gov. There is NO fee to enter.
- 3One Entry Per Person
Each person can submit only ONE entry. Multiple entries will disqualify you.
- 4Accurate Information
All information must be accurate and match your official documents. Any discrepancies can result in disqualification.
- 5Photo Requirements
Submit a recent photo meeting strict specifications. The photo is a common reason for disqualification.
- 6Confirmation Number
Save your confirmation number. You'll need it to check if you've been selected.
Photo Requirements
- •Recent photo taken within the last 6 months
- •600x600 pixels (for digital submission)
- •Color photo with white or off-white background
- •Full face, front view, eyes open
- •No glasses (even prescription glasses)
- •No head coverings except for religious purposes
- •No uniforms (military, police, etc.)
- •Photo must be in JPEG format
- •File size must be less than 240 KB
After Winning the Lottery
• Selection Notification: Check results online starting in May using your confirmation number
• No Official Letters: The State Department does NOT send selection letters by mail or email
• DS-260 Application: Submit the online immigrant visa application
• Document Preparation: Gather all required civil documents
• Medical Examination: Complete the required medical exam
• Interview: Attend an interview at the U.S. Embassy or Consulate
• Visa Issuance: If approved, receive your immigrant visa
• Deadline: All processing must be completed by September 30 of the fiscal year
Required Documents for DV Winners
- •Valid passport (at least 6 months validity)
- •Birth certificate (with English translation)
- •Police certificates from all countries lived in
- •High school diploma or equivalent (with translation)
- •Work experience letters if qualifying through work
- •Marriage certificate (if applicable)
- •Children's birth certificates
- •Divorce or death certificates of former spouses
- •Military records (if applicable)
- •Medical examination results (Form I-693)
- •Passport-style photographs
- •Proof of financial support (Affidavit of Support if needed)
Common Mistakes to Avoid
| Mistake | Consequence |
|---|---|
| Multiple entries | Permanent disqualification for that year |
| Wrong photo specifications | Entry rejected |
| Incorrect personal information | Visa denial at interview |
| Missing the deadline | Cannot enter that year |
| Using unofficial websites | Entry not submitted, possible scam |
| Not saving confirmation number | Cannot check selection status |
| Inaccurate education/work info | Disqualification at interview |
Beware of DV Lottery Scams
- •The official website is dvprogram.state.gov - no other site is legitimate
- •There is NO fee to enter the DV lottery
- •The government does NOT email or mail lottery winners
- •Never pay anyone who claims to guarantee lottery selection
- •Don't share personal information with unofficial websites
- •Winners check results themselves online using their confirmation number
- •Beware of calls or emails claiming you've won if you didn't enter
Including Family Members
• Spouse: Your legally married spouse must be included, even if they're from a non-eligible country or already a U.S. citizen/LPR
• Unmarried Children Under 21: All your unmarried children under 21 must be listed
• Both Spouses Can Enter: If both spouses are from eligible countries, BOTH should enter separately (doubling your chances)
• Children Can Enter: Children 18-21 can also submit their own entries
Adjustment of Status vs. Consular Processing
• Consular Processing: If you're outside the U.S., you'll interview at a U.S. Embassy or Consulate in your country
• Adjustment of Status: If you're already in the U.S. on a valid visa, you may be able to adjust status without leaving
• Timing: All DV visas must be processed by September 30 of the fiscal year - there are no extensions
FAQFrequently Asked Questions
Q:Is the DV lottery really free?
A: Yes, there is absolutely no fee to enter the DV lottery. The only official website is dvprogram.state.gov. Any website or person asking for money to submit a lottery entry is a scam. Fees are only required later if you're selected and proceed with the visa application.
Q:What are my chances of winning the DV lottery?
A: Chances vary by region and year. Approximately 55,000 visas are available among millions of entries. Selection rates are typically 1-2% or less. Both spouses entering separately effectively doubles your household's chances.
Q:I was born in an ineligible country. Can I still enter?
A: Possibly. You may claim your spouse's country of birth if they were born in an eligible country. You can also claim your parents' country of birth if neither parent was a legal resident of your birth country at the time of your birth.
Q:What if I'm selected but can't complete processing by September 30?
A: There are no extensions. If you don't complete processing by September 30 of the fiscal year, your selection expires and you lose the opportunity. This is why it's critical to begin processing immediately after selection.
Q:Can I apply for the DV lottery if I'm already in the U.S.?
A: Yes, you can enter the DV lottery regardless of where you currently live. If selected while in the U.S. on a valid status, you may be able to adjust status without leaving. However, if you're out of status, you may need to consular process.
Q:Do I need a job offer to get a DV lottery green card?
A: No, unlike employment-based green cards, the DV lottery does not require a job offer. However, you must show you won't become a public charge, either through your own resources, a job, or an Affidavit of Support from a sponsor.
Get Help with Your DV Lottery Application
Our team helps Irvine residents understand DV lottery eligibility and prepare winning-compliant applications. We also assist lottery winners with the immigrant visa process.