Once you’ve applied for the Green Card Lottery (Diversity Visa Lottery), the anticipation of finding out if you’ve been selected can be both exciting and nerve-wracking. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to check your Green Card Lottery results.
1. Know the Results Announcement Date
- The results for the Green Card Lottery are typically released in May of the year following your application. For example, if you applied in 2023, you would check the results in May 2024.
- The U.S. Department of State will not send out notifications or emails about your selection status. You must check the results yourself.
2. Visit the Official DV Lottery Website
- The only official website for checking your Green Card Lottery results is the U.S. Department of State’s Diversity Visa (DV) Lottery website: https://dvprogram.state.gov/.
- Be cautious of any emails or websites claiming to provide results. Scams are common, so always use the official site.
3. Enter the Entrant Status Check
- On the official DV Lottery website, locate the section titled “Entrant Status Check.”
- Click on the link provided to proceed to the status check page.
4. Provide Your Confirmation Details
- Confirmation Number: When you submitted your DV Lottery application, you received a unique confirmation number. This number is essential for checking your results. It usually looks something like “2025XXXXXX” (with “2025” representing the fiscal year of the lottery).
- Last Name: Enter your last name exactly as it appears on your DV Lottery application.
- Year of Birth: Provide your year of birth in the designated field.
- Authentication Code: You may be required to enter a code for security purposes. This code will be displayed on the page.
5. Check Your Status
- After entering the required information, click the “Submit” button to check your status.
- If you are selected, you will see instructions on how to proceed with the next steps. If you are not selected, the page will inform you that you were not chosen this time.
6. What to Do If You’re Selected
- If you see a notification stating that you’ve been selected, congratulations! However, this is just the first step.
- Read the Instructions Carefully: The notification will provide detailed instructions on what to do next, including submitting additional forms, preparing for an interview, and ensuring you meet all the requirements.
- Submit the DS-260 Form: You’ll need to fill out and submit the DS-260, the Online Immigrant Visa and Alien Registration Application, as soon as possible.
- Prepare for the Interview: You’ll be scheduled for an interview at a U.S. embassy or consulate. During this interview, you’ll need to provide documentation proving your eligibility, such as educational certificates, a valid passport, and financial support evidence.
7. What to Do If You’re Not Selected
- If you are not selected, the page will display a message stating that you were not chosen for this year’s lottery.
- Keep the Confirmation Number: Save your confirmation number, as sometimes the U.S. Department of State may select additional winners later in the year.
- Consider Applying Again: If you’re still interested, you can apply for the DV Lottery again next year, provided you meet the eligibility requirements.
8. Avoid Scams
- Be wary of any emails, letters, or phone calls claiming that you have won the lottery, especially if they ask for money or personal information. The U.S. government will never notify winners via email or ask for payment to receive a green card.