Diversity Visa (Green Card Lottery)
The diversity visa (DV) program, often called the green card lottery, is a US program that offers up to 55,000 immigrant visas a year by random selection to people from countries with low rates of immigration to the United States.
How it works and its 2026 status
Entrants must be from an eligible country (chargeability rules apply) and have a high school education or two years of qualifying work experience. Entry is free on the official State Department site. Selected people still need an interview.
Status as of September 2026: paused. Visa issuance stopped on December 23, 2025, and DV-2027 registration never opened. A court order restarted DV-2026 issuance on August 28, 2026, but only until September 30, 2026, the end of the fiscal year. See DV lottery paused and our diversity visa page.
Beware of scams: the official lottery never charges to enter. See scam protection.
Frequently asked questions
Is the green card lottery open in 2026?
No. DV-2027 registration never opened, and the program is paused.
Does it cost money to enter the DV lottery?
No. Entry on the official State Department site is free.
How many diversity visas are there?
Up to 55,000 a year under the law.
Official sources
- State Department: Diversity visa issuance guidancetravel.state.gov
- State Department: Diversity Visa Programtravel.state.gov
General information, not legal advice. NorthAmericans.com is independent and not affiliated with any government.