Checking your Diversity Visa (DV) Lottery status is an exciting and nerve-wracking moment for millions around the world. Whether you’re a DV-2025 entrant anxiously awaiting results or a future applicant planning ahead, this step-by-step guide will walk you through exactly how to check your Green Card Lottery status on the official website – and what the results mean. As a past applicant familiar with the process, I’ll also share tips on common issues (like lost confirmation numbers or website glitches) and friendly advice on next steps if you’re selected. Remember, every DV hopeful is part of a global community sharing the same hopes, so you’re not alone in this journey! Let’s dive in.
When and Where Are DV Lottery Results Announced?
DV Lottery results are released once a year on the U.S. Department of State’s official Entrant Status Check website. All entrants must check the results themselves online – you will not receive an email or letter if you win, so be wary of any messages claiming you won (more on scam warnings later). Typically, the results become available in early May of the year after you submit your entry. For example, the DV-2025 Lottery (entries submitted in October/November 2023) announced its results starting May 4, 2024, and those results remain accessible until September 30, 2025. Looking ahead, DV-2026 entrants (who applied in late 2024) will be able to check their status starting May 3, 2025, and the portal will stay open at least until September 30, 2026.
All results are checked on the official Electronic Diversity Visa Program website. This is the only website for DV Lottery status – don’t trust any other websites or agents claiming to check for you. Only websites ending in “.gov” are official. Mark the result release date on your calendar, and once that day comes, follow the steps below to find out if you’re a winner!
(An official announcement for DV-2025 results. Each year, the Diversity Visa Lottery results are available on the Entrant Status Check website starting in early May (for example, May 4, 2024, for DV-2025). Always use the official site to check your status.)
What You Need Before You Check Your Status
Before heading to the Entrant Status Check portal, make sure you have the key information required to log in and view your DV Lottery entry result:
- Confirmation Number:
This is the 16-character number you received when you submitted your DV entry. It usually starts with the program year (e.g., 2025 or 2026) followed by a mix of letters and numbers. For example, a confirmation number might look like “20251O0DZWY3DOV9.” Double-check that you’re entering all characters correctly (zeros vs. the letter “O”, etc.). Without this number, you cannot check your result, so hopefully you kept it safe! - Last/Family Name:
The surname you used on your DV entry form. Enter it exactly as you wrote it in your application, including any punctuation or spacing. (If you have no last name, there’s usually an option to indicate that on the site.) - Year of Birth:
The four-digit year you were born (e.g., 1985). Make sure this also matches what you entered on your original application. - Authentication Code (Captcha):
The site will display a random code (a series of letters/numbers in a distorted image) that you must type in to verify you’re a real person. This is just a security step to prevent bots. If you have trouble reading the code, you can click the “refresh” icon next to it to get a new code or use the audio option.
Having these details ready will make the process smoother. Important: If you lost or misplaced your confirmation number, don’t panic. The official site has a “Forgot Confirmation Number” feature that can help retrieve it. You’ll need to provide your entry year, name, date of birth, and the email address you used on the DV entry to recover the confirmation number. We’ll cover more about lost numbers and other common issues in a later section. Now, let’s get to the actual status checking process!
Step-by-Step: How to Use the Entrant Status Check (ESC) Tool
Checking your DV Lottery status is a straightforward online process. Below is a step-by-step walkthrough to use the Entrant Status Check on the official DV Lottery website. This guide is up to date as of March 25, 2025, and the steps should remain the same for future DV lotteries as well:
- Go to the Official DV Lottery Status Page:
Open your web browser and navigate to the official site, https://dvprogram.state.gov/. Once there, find and click the link that says “DV Entrant Status Check” or a button that says “Check Status.” This will take you to the Entrant Status Check portal. - Click “Continue” on the Welcome Page:
You’ll see a welcome page with some instructions reminding you what information you need (confirmation number, last name, birth year). Read the instructions if you like, then click the “Continue” button to proceed to the login form. - Enter Your Confirmation Number:
In the field labeled Confirmation Number, carefully type in the 16-character code you received when you applied. Double-check each character. (Tip: If you saved the confirmation email or page, it’s best to copy-paste the number to avoid typos.) - Enter Your Last Name:
In the next field, input your Last/Family Name exactly as it appears on your DV entry. For example, if you wrote “O’Neill” with an apostrophe on the entry, include the apostrophe here as well. (The form does not ask for your first name here – just the last/family name.) - Enter Your Year of Birth:
In the Year of Birth field, enter the four-digit year you were born (for example, 1990). - Type the Authentication Code:
Look at the captcha image with random characters, and type those characters into the box exactly as shown. If the characters are hard to read, you can click the “reload” icon to get a new code or click the speaker icon to hear the code. - Submit the Form:
After filling in all the fields, double-check everything for accuracy. Then click the “Submit” button (or it may say “Check Status”). Now, hold your breath and wait a moment as the site processes your information. - View Your Result:
The website will display a result page informing you of your DV entry status. This is the moment of truth! Scroll carefully and read the message on the page. In the next section, we’ll explain the two possible outcomes – “Selected” or “Not Selected” – and how to understand exactly what the message means.
Following these steps will reveal your DV Lottery fate for that entry. Make sure you perform this process on a secure internet connection to avoid any interruptions. If the website is extremely slow or not loading (which can happen due to heavy traffic, especially in the first hours or days after results go live), don’t get frustrated – just try again a bit later. Now, let’s discuss what you might see on the results page and what to do next.
Understanding Your DV Lottery Result: “Selected” vs “Not Selected”
After clicking submit, you’ll see one of two result messages. It will either tell you (1) that your entry HAS NOT BEEN SELECTED, or (2) that you have been selected for further processing. Here’s how to interpret each:
“HAS NOT BEEN SELECTED”
Unfortunately, this means your entry was not chosen in the random lottery drawing for this DV program year. The exact message on the site will read something like:
“Based on the information provided, the Entry HAS NOT BEEN SELECTED for further processing for the Electronic Diversity Visa program at this time.”
Seeing “HAS NOT BEEN SELECTED” is disappointing, but it’s the reality for most entrants – remember that millions apply and only a small percentage are selected. “Not selected” is final for that year, and there is no appeals process. The phrase “at this time” can confuse people, but it essentially means for the current DV year. In nearly all cases, if you see not selected, it will stay that way (we’ll mention a rare exception below). Take heart and remember you can try again in the next DV Lottery season. Many people apply year after year before finally getting selected.
“YOU HAVE BEEN SELECTED”
If you’re greeted with a letter starting with “Dear [Your Name], you have been randomly selected for further processing in the Diversity Immigrant Visa Program for the fiscal year 20XX…”, congratulations! This means you are among the lucky entrants who won the DV Lottery for that year. The letter (displayed on the Entrant Status Check page) is often called the “first notification letter.” It will provide further instructions for you. A portion of the selection notice reads:
“…You have been randomly selected for further processing in the Diversity Immigrant Visa Program for the fiscal year 2025… Selection does not guarantee that you will receive a visa because the number of applicants selected is greater than the number of visas available.”
In plain language: being selected means you’ve won the opportunity to apply for a diversity visa (green card), but it’s not an automatic visa or guarantee of a green card. There are more selectees than available visas, so now it’s up to you to properly follow through with the next steps and qualify for the immigrant visa. The notification letter will include your Case Number (an important number that will track your application) and direct you to additional resources or a website for selectees. It might also instruct you to print the letter for your records. Make sure to save both a digital and physical copy of this selection letter.
In summary: “Not Selected” means your DV journey ends this round, and you can try again next time, whereas “Selected” means your journey is just beginning – you can proceed to the visa application process. If selected, celebrate this moment! If not, don’t be discouraged; many of us have faced the “not selected” message and kept trying until luck smiled. Every year is a new chance.
How Long Should You Keep Checking? (Will Status Change Later?)
One question entrants often ask is whether a “not selected” status might change later in the year. Generally, after the initial May announcement, your status will not change – the vast majority of selectees are all announced at once. However, the U.S. State Department recommends keeping your confirmation number until the end of the DV program year (September 30 of the following year). In rare cases, additional selectees could be notified later. For example, if some winners are disqualified or if not enough selectees proceed to visas, the Department of State may select additional entries after the first round. This is uncommon (it has happened only very rarely, such as once about a decade ago according to anecdotal reports), but it’s wise to hold onto your confirmation info just in case.
Practically speaking, if you checked on the official site and it says “not selected,” you can be 99.9% sure it’s a final result for that year. There is no need to constantly re-check every day. But do keep that confirmation number safe until at least September of the next year, and you can do a quick final check near the program end date if you wish. Remember: the Entrant Status Check website remains open until September 30 of the relevant year for each DV Lottery (for example, DV-2025 entries can be checked up to Sept 30, 2025). After that, the next year’s lottery results will take over and older ones close.
Common Issues and FAQs During DV Lottery Status Check
Lost Confirmation Number:
If you lost your confirmation number (maybe you misplaced the email or didn’t save the confirmation screen), use the official retrieval tool on the Entrant Status Check site. On the status check page, there’s a link that says “Forgot Confirmation Number.” Click it, and you’ll be prompted to enter details like the DV program year, your name, date of birth, and the email address you used in your entry. If the details match, the site will display your confirmation number.
Note: This tool is a newer feature, so older advice saying “if you lose it, you’re out of luck” is no longer true – now you can recover it online. Always use the official site to retrieve the number; do not trust any third-party service offering to find it for you.
Typo or Mismatched Information:
The Entrant Status Check will return an error if any of the info you enter doesn’t exactly match your original entry. A common mistake is spelling your last name incorrectly or using a different order (for example, if you have multiple last names). Make sure to enter your last name exactly as it was on your DV entry (check the confirmation page or email you received when you applied). The site gives guidance, for instance, to include punctuation as needed. If you get an error, double-check the confirmation number (every character) and try again. Remember the confirmation number is 16 characters long – if yours isn’t, you might be missing part of it. Also, be sure you’re selecting the correct DV year in case the site asks (for instance, if you’re checking DV-2025, be sure it’s on the DV-2025 page).
Website Down or Not Loading:
It’s not uncommon for the official site to get overloaded when results first come out. Millions of people might be checking at the same time, which can slow the system or even cause temporary errors. If you try to load the page right after the opening time (usually noon Eastern Time on results day) and it’s not responding or you get a “502” error, don’t worry. This is typically due to excessive traffic in the first hours after results are announced. The best thing to do is be patient and try again later in the day or during off-peak hours. The results aren’t going anywhere – you have months to check, so a delay of a few hours won’t affect your chances. Also, ensure you have a stable internet connection when checking.
Invalid Confirmation Number Error:
If you get a message that your confirmation number is invalid, triple-check that you typed it correctly. Sometimes the font can make certain characters look confusing (e.g., the number “0” vs. letter “O” or letter “l” vs. the number “1”). The confirmation number format for recent DV lotteries includes the year, so if you applied for DV-2025, your number will begin with “2025”. If you accidentally mix up the year or enter a wrong digit, you’ll get an invalid error. Retrieve your number via the forgot tool if you’re unsure.
Emails or Letters Claiming You Won:
Ignore them! A very important reminder: the U.S. government will never email or mail you saying you won the DV Lottery. Any email claiming you’ve been selected and asking for money or personal info is a scam. The ONLY way to know if you were selected is by checking the official Entrant Status Check yourself. The State Department does not send selectee notifications via email – at most, winners might get follow-up emails after they’ve checked (for example, to alert about an interview appointment), but those emails will never contain the actual “you won” notice or ask for payment. If you get any unsolicited message about your DV entry, do not click any links or provide any details. Always confirm your status directly on the official website to be safe.
Community Support and Verification:
If you’re unsure about what you’re seeing on the Entrant Status page, you can always seek guidance from the community of DV applicants. There are many forums and social media groups where people share their experiences. Just remember to never share your personal confirmation number or sensitive details publicly. But, for example, if you want to confirm that the not-selected message you got is the same as everyone else’s (for peace of mind that you checked correctly), you’ll find that others can confirm the standard phrasing. The DV Lottery process is the same for everyone worldwide, so fellow entrants can relate to what you’re experiencing.
I’m Selected! What Are the Next Steps?
First off, if you saw the magical words “You have been randomly selected,” take a moment to celebrate – it’s a huge achievement given the odds. But after the excitement settles, remember that being selected is just the first step in actually getting a Diversity Visa. Here’s a very brief overview of what to do next, presented in a warm, encouraging tone from someone who’s been through it:
- Carefully Read Your Selection Letter:
The Entrant Status Check confirmation page (your selection notice) includes instructions on how to proceed. It will direct you to additional information (usually on an official website) about forms and fees. Read everything thoroughly. The letter will mention important details like your Case Number, which you’ll need in all future correspondence and forms. - Submit the DS-260 Immigrant Visa Application:
All DV selectees and their immediate family members (spouse and children, if they were included in the entry) need to fill out an online immigrant visa application form. This is the DS-260 form, which is completed through the Department of State’s Consular Electronic Application Center (CEAC). Essentially, this form asks for detailed information about you (and your derivatives) and is the formal application for your visa. It’s wise to fill out the DS-260 as soon as you can – you don’t need to wait, and in fact the State Department encourages selectees to complete the DS-260 immediately to start the visa process. When filling it out, be accurate and truthful, and ensure it’s submitted successfully. - Prepare Required Documents:
While or after submitting DS-260, start gathering the civil documents you’ll need for the visa interview. This typically includes passports, birth certificates, marriage or divorce certificates (if applicable), police clearance certificates, and other supporting documents. The official instructions (often referred to as the DV Instructions) will list exactly what you need. It’s okay if you don’t have everything immediately – just know what you’ll need and start the process (for example, some documents like police certificates can take time). - Wait for Interview Notification:
DV visas are issued between October 1 of the selection year through September 30 of the following year (for DV-2025 selectees, interviews and visas occur between October 2024 and September 2025). Applicants are scheduled for interviews based on their Case Number order (lower numbers get called first) and the visa bulletin progression. When your interview is scheduled at the appropriate U.S. Embassy or Consulate, you will get an email notification to check the Entrant Status Check site again for your appointment details. Remember: Even these emails won’t say “you got a visa” – they’ll just alert you to an update; you’ll log into the ESC site to see the appointment letter. Don’t miss your interview when it’s scheduled, as that’s your chance to actually secure the visa. - Go to Your Visa Interview:
This is jumping ahead, but ultimately if all goes well, you (and your family, if applicable) will attend an in-person interview at the U.S. embassy/consulate. An officer will review your case, documents, and qualifications. If all requirements are met, you could be approved for an immigrant visa (Green Card). After that, you’ll have to pay the USCIS Green Card fee and travel to the U.S. within the visa validity period to become a permanent resident. But one step at a time – focus on the paperwork first.
I promised to keep next-step guidance brief, so I won’t delve deeper into interview prep here. The key takeaway for selected entrants is: act promptly and follow instructions carefully. There are strict deadlines (all DV visas for a program year must be issued by September 30, and unused selection slots don’t carry over), so do not procrastinate. Also, being selected is a chance, not a guarantee – you still must qualify and undergo the process properly. Thousands of people each year get selected but either don’t pursue the visa or run into issues that prevent visa issuance, so give yourself the best chance by doing everything by the book.
Final Tips and Encouragement
- Always Use the Official Website:
Once more for the people in the back – only check your DV Lottery status on the official site, https://dvprogram.state.gov/. No other website can legitimately tell you your entry result. If you use a cybercafe or ask an agent to help you, make sure they are using the official site and not a copycat. Never pay anyone just to check your result – it’s free and simple to do it yourself. - Stay Calm, Whether Selected or Not:
If you find out you weren’t selected, it’s okay to feel upset – we know how much hope goes into this. Remember that the DV Lottery is truly random. Not being picked doesn’t reflect on your worth or qualifications. Many people apply for 5, 10, even 15+ years before hitting the jackpot. Use it as motivation to try again, and explore other immigration avenues in the meantime if moving to the U.S. is your dream. The Diversity Visa program runs every year, so keep your head up for the next one. - If You Did Get Selected – Congrats and Get to Work:
Winning the DV Lottery is like getting the golden ticket – it’s thrilling! Share the good news with your family, but also transition quickly into planning mode. Make a checklist of the next steps (forms, documents, etc.) and perhaps connect with DV selectee forums for support during the process. There’s a whole community of past winners and experts happy to help newcomers navigate the steps after selection. And don’t forget, do not miss any deadlines given in your instructions. - Beware of Scams and Fraud:
I’ve mentioned this multiple times, but it bears repeating: there are many scams targeting DV Lottery entrants around the world. They may promise guaranteed selection or send fake “winning notifications” asking for fees. The U.S. government never charges a fee to enter the lottery, and does not notify winners by email or phone. Any request for money for “processing your green card” before you’ve actually been to a visa interview is bogus. The only time you pay fees is after being selected and when you’re submitting your visa application or attending the interview, and those fees are paid to the U.S. government or at the embassy – never via Western Union or random bank accounts. Stay informed and share this knowledge with others who might be new to the process.
In a global community of DV Lottery hopefuls, helping each other with accurate information is crucial. This guide has covered how to check your DV Lottery status and what to do after, up through 2025 and for future years. I hope it has made the process clearer and eased some of the anxiety of the unknown. Checking your status is a big moment – take a deep breath and go for it. No matter the outcome, know that millions are checking right along with you, and there’s always a supportive community to turn to for the next steps or the next try. Good luck to everyone, and may your DV Lottery journey lead you to success!
Amazing explanation
Thank you!