Short answers to common questions about the Diversity Visa (DV) lottery and Green Card basics, each linked to a longer guide. The answers describe DV-2026 rules unless a different year is named, and the current official instructions control.
The Diversity Visa lottery
What is the Diversity Visa lottery?
A program run by the U.S. Department of State that makes up to 55,000 immigrant visas available each fiscal year, for DV-2026, to people from countries with historically low rates of immigration to the United States. Selection is a random computer drawing. See how the lottery works.
Who can enter?
A person born in an eligible country, or who qualifies through a spouse’s or parent’s birth country, and who has a 12-year formal education or two years of qualifying work experience in the past five years. See DV lottery eligibility.
Does it cost money to enter?
DV-2026 had no entry fee. The Department of State states that DV-2027 entries require a $1 fee and a valid passport scan. See what changes for DV-2027 entrants.
How many entries can one person submit?
One per entry period. More than one entry disqualifies all of that person’s entries. See the DV entry form guide.
How are results announced?
Only through Entrant Status Check on the official site, using the confirmation number from the entry. The Department of State does not send winner notices by email or letter. See checking DV lottery results.
Does selection guarantee a visa?
No. More than 55,000 entries are selected for DV-2026, and visas run out when the annual limit is reached. Visas must be issued by September 30 of the program year.
Can anyone improve the chances of winning?
The FTC says nothing can increase the chances. See whether anyone can improve DV lottery odds.
Scams
How can a fake winner notice be recognized?
The Department of State does not announce winners by email or mail, and only .gov websites are official. See fake DV lottery winner emails and letters.
Where can fraud be reported?
The FTC takes reports at ReportFraud.ftc.gov or 1-877-382-4357. See where to report Diversity Visa fraud.
Green Card basics
How long is a Green Card valid?
USCIS says most are valid for 10 years and conditional cards for two years. See Green Card expiration and renewal.
Which number is the A-Number?
A unique seven-, eight-, or nine-digit number assigned by DHS. See A-Number, USCIS number, and receipt number.
What ways are there to get a Green Card?
Through family, employment, special immigrant status, refugee or asylee status, victim categories, the lottery, and a few others. See Green Card eligibility categories.
Can a permanent resident travel abroad?
Yes, with a valid Green Card to return. Long absences raise abandonment questions. See traveling abroad with a Green Card.
About this website
Does this website enter people in the lottery or give advice?
No. It is for information only, accepts no entries, and gives no legal advice or consultations. See how this website works and the editorial policy.
Last verified: October 2026. Sources: Department of State instructions for DV-2026 and the March 2026 final rule (Federal Register), USCIS, and FTC consumer advice.