Country Eligibility FAQs for DV Lottery: Your Questions Answered

Why some countries are not eligible for DV?

Some countries are not eligible for the Diversity Visa (DV) Lottery because they have exceeded the maximum number of immigrants admitted to the United States in the past five years. The purpose of the DV Lottery is to promote diversity among the immigrant population of the United States by providing opportunities for individuals from countries with historically low immigration rates. 

Therefore, countries with high rates of immigration to the United States are excluded from the DV lottery to ensure a fair distribution of visas among eligible countries. This helps maintain the program's goal of diversity among immigrant populations.

How many countries are eligible for DV 2026?

There are 195 countries worldwide and US immigration policy approves 190 countries as eligible for the DV 2026 lottery. However, the exact number of countries eligible for the DV 2026 lottery may vary. Because eligibility is determined based on immigration rates for the previous five years. ,

Is UK eligible for DV lottery?

Yes, citizens of the UK (including England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland) are eligible to participate in the Diversity Visa (DV) Lottery. But the condition is that they must meet all other eligibility requirements as outlined by the US State Department.

Is there any DV for Australia?

No, Australia is not eligible for the Diversity Visa (DV) lottery. US immigration policy generally allows individuals from low-rate countries to apply for immigration through a DV lottery. Australia has historically been among the countries with relatively high immigration rates to the United States. Hence Australia is not included in the list of eligible countries for DV Lottery.

Is Japan eligible for DV lottery?

Yes, Japan is eligible for the Diversity Visa (DV) Lottery. Citizens of Japan can participate in the DV Lottery, provided they meet all other eligibility requirements outlined by the U.S. Department of State.

Is Sweden eligible for DV lottery?

Yes, Sweden is eligible for the Diversity Visa (DV) Lottery. Citizens of Sweden can participate in the DV Lottery, provided they meet all other eligibility requirements outlined by the U.S. Department of State.

Is India not eligible for DV lottery?

No, India is not eligible for the Diversity Visa (DV) lottery. Indian citizens cannot participate in the DV Lottery, even if they meet all other eligibility requirements as outlined by the US State Department.

Which country has green card lottery?

Diversity Visa (DV) Lottery, also known as Green Card Lottery. It is a legal US immigration system that has opened the door to live in the US for individuals from all over the world. But few countries are not allowed to apply for DV Lottery program. The list of countries eligible for the DV Lottery may vary from year to year. 

However, US immigration policy generally includes countries with low rates of immigration through the DV lottery. Eligible countries are determined by the United States Department of State.

What is the significance of country eligibility in the USA Diversity Visa (DV) Lottery?

Country eligibility in the DV Lottery determines whether individuals from a particular country are allowed to participate in the program. Only individuals from countries with low rates of immigration to the United States are generally eligible to apply.

How can I find out if my country is eligible for the DV Lottery?

The U.S. Department of State releases a list of eligible countries for each DV Lottery year. To check if your country is eligible, visit the official DV Lottery website or review the list when it's announced, typically in October.

Can I participate in the DV Lottery if my country is not on the eligible list?

If your country of birth is not eligible, you may still be able to participate in the DV Lottery under certain circumstances. You can qualify based on your spouse's country of birth, or if one of your parents was born in an eligible country, and meets the criteria.

What if my eligibility is based on my spouse's country of birth?

If you are using your spouse's country of birth for eligibility, both you and your spouse must be listed on the selected entry. You must also be legally married at the time of application.

How is country eligibility determined?

Country eligibility is determined based on historical immigration data to the United States. Countries that have sent fewer immigrants to the United States in recent years are typically eligible for the DV Lottery. These eligible countries change from year to year.

Can I participate in the DV Lottery if I am a citizen of one country but was born in another country?

Your eligibility for the DV Lottery is determined by your country of birth, not your current citizenship. If you were born in an eligible country, you can participate in the DV Lottery regardless of your current citizenship.

Are there any exceptions to the country eligibility rule?

There are no exceptions to the country eligibility rule, but certain cases, such as asylum seekers, refugees, and those with specific employment-based visas, might be eligible regardless of their country of birth. It is essential to carefully review the eligibility criteria for each DV Lottery year.

Can I apply if I am a stateless person or a refugee without a country of birth?

If you are stateless or a refugee without a country of birth, you may still be eligible to apply for the DV Lottery. The U.S. Department of State has specific provisions for stateless individuals and refugees to participate.

Where can I find more information on country eligibility for the DV Lottery?

For the most up-to-date and detailed information on country eligibility for the Diversity Visa (DV) Lottery, visit the official website of the U.S. Department of State's Bureau of Consular Affairs and review the specific country eligibility list for the current DV Lottery year. It's important to check the eligibility criteria every year, as they may change.