The “American Dream” continues to attract millions of people worldwide. If you are looking for one of the most affordable and straightforward ways to immigrate legally to the United States, the USA Diversity Visa (DV) Program—commonly known as the Green Card Lottery—is your golden ticket.
Every year, the U.S. government offers thousands of people from eligible countries the incredible chance to live, work, and settle permanently in the USA. However, the process is highly competitive and extremely strict.
If you are planning to apply, understanding the USA Diversity Visa Application Form correctly is your most critical step. A single, minor spelling mistake or a slightly incorrect photograph can lead to instant disqualification, even if you are perfectly eligible.
In this comprehensive, easy-to-read guide, we will walk you through everything you need to know about the DV application form, eligibility criteria, photo requirements, and how to protect yourself from common immigration scams.
What Is the USA Diversity Visa (DV) Program?
The Diversity Visa Program is an official immigration program administered by the U.S. Department of State. Its primary goal is to promote cultural diversity in the United States by offering immigrant visas to individuals from countries with historically low rates of immigration to the USA.
Each year, up to 55,000 immigrant visas (Green Cards) are made available through a randomized computer lottery system. Winning this lottery does not give you a visa instantly, but it gives you the exclusive right to apply for a U.S. Green Card.
Once approved, you and your immediate family gain the right to live, study, and work permanently anywhere in the United States.
What Is the USA Diversity Visa Application Form?
The USA Diversity Visa Application Form is an online-only form (technically known as the Electronic Diversity Visa Entry Form or E-DV).
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No Paper Copies: You cannot print it, write on it, or mail it. It must be filled out entirely online.
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No Entry Fee: Submitting the initial entry form is 100% free. The U.S. government does not charge any fee to enter the lottery.
The form collects basic personal information such as your full name, date of birth, country of eligibility, highest level of education, marital status, and a digital photograph.
When Can You Apply?
The official DV application window usually opens once a year, typically between early October and early November. Exact dates are announced by the U.S. Department of State every September. Applications submitted outside this strict 30-day window are permanently rejected.
Strict Eligibility Criteria: Can You Apply?
Before you begin searching for the USA Diversity Visa Application Form, you must ensure you meet two very strict eligibility rules.
1. Country of Birth Eligibility (Crucial Update for Bangladeshis)
To apply, you must be born in a country that is officially eligible for that year’s DV program. Countries that have sent more than 50,000 immigrants to the U.S. in the previous five years are excluded.
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Important Note for Bangladesh: Currently, native-born citizens of Bangladesh, India, and Pakistan are NOT eligible to apply for the standard DV Lottery.
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The “Cross-Chargeability” Exception: If you were born in Bangladesh, you can STILL apply if your spouse was born in an eligible country (e.g., Nepal or Sri Lanka). You can claim your spouse’s country of birth as your country of eligibility, provided you both receive visas and enter the U.S. together. You can also claim eligibility if your parents were born in an eligible country and were not legally residents of Bangladesh at the time of your birth.
2. Education or Work Experience Requirement
If you meet the country requirement, you must also meet ONE of the following:
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Education: You must have successfully completed at least a high school education (12 years of formal primary and secondary schooling). In South Asia, this means passing your HSC, A-Levels, or equivalent.
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Work Experience: If you do not have a high school diploma, you must have at least two years of work experience within the past five years in an occupation that requires at least two years of training or experience to perform (Designated as Job Zone 4 or 5 on the U.S. Department of Labor’s O*NET Online database).
You can also check for: Italy Work Permit Visa Apply.
Documents Needed Before Filling the Form
Gather these details before sitting at your computer. You only have 60 minutes to complete the online form before the session expires.
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A Valid Passport: Ensure your name matches your passport exactly.
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Accurate Personal Information: City of birth, date of birth, and current address.
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Family Details: Full names, dates of birth, and photos of your legally married spouse and all unmarried children under 21 years of age (even if they do not plan to immigrate with you).
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Digital Photographs: A recent, perfectly formatted passport-size photo for yourself and every family member included in the application.
Step-by-Step Guide: How to Fill the USA Diversity Visa Application Form
Here is exactly how to navigate the official system without making fatal errors:
Step 1: Access the Official Government Website
Only apply through the official Department of State website: dvprogram.state.gov. Never use third-party websites ending in .com or .org.
Step 2: Begin the Entry
Click the “Begin Entry” button and type the security Captcha code displayed on your screen.
Step 3: Enter Personal Information
Fill in your details exactly as they appear on your official travel documents:
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Full name (Last Name, First Name, Middle Name).
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Gender and Date of Birth.
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City and Country where you were born.
Step 4: Upload Your Photograph
Upload the digital photos for you and your family. The system has a built-in photo validator, but passing the validator does not guarantee the photo meets all human-reviewed rules.
Step 5: Provide Contact Information
Enter your current mailing address. Provide an email address that you use regularly and will have access to for the next two years.
Step 6: Declare Your Education Level
Select your highest level of completed education. Do not lie; you will be asked to present the original certificates at the embassy interview if you win.
Step 7: Add Family Information
You must include your legally married spouse and all living unmarried children under 21. Warning: Failing to list an eligible spouse or child is the number one reason for disqualification after winning.
Step 8: Review and Submit
Carefully review all data. Once you hit the “Submit” button, the form is locked. You cannot edit it, and you cannot submit a second form (doing so will disqualify you).
Step 9: Save Your Confirmation Number!
After submitting, a screen will display your Confirmation Number. Print this page, save it as a PDF, and email it to yourself. The U.S. government will NEVER email you to tell you if you won. You must use this number to check your results manually.
The Most Critical Step: DV Lottery Photo Requirements
A massive percentage of applicants are disqualified entirely because of bad photographs. Your photo must follow these strict U.S. visa guidelines:
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Age of Photo: Taken within the last 6 months. Do not use the same photo you used in last year’s DV application.
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Background: A plain white or off-white background with no shadows on the wall.
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Expression & Posture: Look directly at the camera with a neutral expression (no smiling). Both ears should ideally be visible.
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No Glasses: Eyeglasses are absolutely prohibited.
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Head Coverings: Religious head coverings (like a Hijab) are allowed, but they must not cover any part of the face, from the bottom of the chin to the top of the forehead.
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Format: 600 x 600 pixels in dimension, JPEG format, and maximum file size of 240 KB.
What Happens After You Submit the Application?
Submitting the USA Diversity Visa Application Form means you have successfully entered the lottery pool.
Checking the Results
Results are typically announced in May of the following year. You must visit the official website and enter your saved Confirmation Number to check your status.
What If You Win?
Winning the lottery does not guarantee a visa; it gives you a “selectee rank number.” If you win, you must immediately:
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Complete the detailed DS-260 Immigrant Visa Form online.
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Submit required supporting documents (police clearances, birth certificates, medical reports).
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Wait for an interview schedule at your local U.S. Embassy.
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Pass the consular interview and pay the official visa fee (currently $330 per person).
Also check: Germany Work Visa Application Process.
Warning: Avoid Scams and Fake Agents
The DV Lottery is a prime target for scammers. Keep these rules in mind to protect yourself:
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It is FREE: There is no fee to fill out the USA Diversity Visa Application Form.
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No Guarantees: No agent, lawyer, or website can “increase your chances” of winning. It is a computer-generated random draw.
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The “Ransom” Scam: Many local internet cafes offer to apply for you for free. However, they keep your Confirmation Number. If you win, they demand thousands of dollars to give you the number. Always fill out the form yourself.
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No Emails: The U.S. government will never send you an email or WhatsApp message claiming you have won and asking for money.
Final Thoughts
The USA Diversity Visa Application Form is your gateway to one of the most incredible immigration opportunities in the world. It provides a fair, randomized chance to build a prosperous future in the United States.
By taking the time to understand the cross-chargeability eligibility rules, preparing your photos perfectly, and avoiding greedy middlemen, you can submit a flawless application. Gather your documents, take a fresh photograph, and get ready for the next application window. Good luck!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Can I apply for the DV Lottery if I am from Bangladesh? A: Native-born Bangladeshis are currently ineligible because Bangladesh has high immigration rates to the U.S. However, you can apply if your legally married spouse was born in an eligible country (like Nepal), or under specific parental birth rules.
Q: How much does the USA Diversity Visa Application Form cost? A: Submitting the online entry form is 100% free. You only pay visa processing and medical fees later IF you are selected and invited for an embassy interview.
Q: Can I submit more than one application to increase my chances? A: No! The system uses advanced facial recognition and duplicate-detection software. Submitting more than one entry per person will result in automatic and permanent disqualification.
Q: What happens if I lose my Confirmation Number? A: The official website has a “Forgot Confirmation Number” tool. You can retrieve it by entering your registered email address, full name, and year of birth.