DV Lottery (Green Card) Frequently Asked Questions

Not always. The consulate typically requires certified translations and official originals/copies, but apostilles can help confirm authenticity depending on local procedures.

A U.S. green card holder can sponsor parents only after naturalization, generally. So your child must first become a U.S. citizen.

Yes, but ensure you maintain access to the email and phone number you used for your entry. International travel does not affect your eligibility, but you must be able to check your status online.

The DV Lottery process does not offer expedited processing. You must complete all steps within the designated timeline. If you have urgent travel needs, consider other visa options.

It depends on the jurisdiction where the marriage was performed. Some places recognize virtual weddings if both spouses are physically present in some manner. Check local laws.

There is no official minimum age; however, the education/work requirement typically means that most entrants are 18 or older.

Each year, tens of millions of entries are submitted worldwide. The exact number varies, but the competition remains fierce due to the limited number of available visas.

Be consistent across documents. If you’ve legally changed gender, ensure your passport and other IDs align before filing DS-260.

No. The DV Lottery entry itself is free every year, regardless of how many times you apply, as long as you submit only one entry per cycle.

Once you submit the DS-260, you cannot change the information. Make sure all details are correct before submission, as discrepancies can lead to delays or visa denial.

Yes, a previous visa denial does not disqualify you from entering the DV Lottery. However, if selected, previous denials may be reviewed during your visa interview, so be prepared to explain any issues.

Photos must be recent (taken within the last six months), in color, with a plain white or off-white background, and must follow specific dimensions and composition rules. Glasses are not allowed.

Not automatically, but it could prompt closer scrutiny. Criminal or violent behavior might lead to ineligibility depending on the case details.

The DV visa fee is currently USD 330 per applicant. It is paid at the time of the visa interview at the U.S. embassy or consulate. This fee is non-refundable, even if your visa is denied.

If you cannot attend, contact the embassy or consulate immediately to request a reschedule. However, delays can be risky because all DV visas must be issued by September 30 of the fiscal year.

While not mandatory, using a professional photographer is recommended to ensure that your photo meets all the technical specifications and reduces the risk of rejection.

No. The official DV application is only at dvprogram.state.gov. Any app claiming to do so is not endorsed by the State Department.

No. You must use a government-issued passport. International driving permits are not acceptable for the DV entry requirement.

Each DV Lottery is associated with a U.S. government fiscal year. For instance, DV-2025 refers to a program where entries are collected in 2024 and visas are issued between October 2024 and September 2025.

They can request more documents or details if needed, but phone records are unusual. Security checks are primarily data-based, focusing on identity and background.

No. Use the legal name on your current valid passport. A name under review is not recognized until legally changed.

If you divorce before the visa is issued, the ex-spouse is no longer eligible as a derivative. It is important to update your marital status and be prepared to provide divorce decrees during the visa process.

Only if you were born there or meet the spouse/parent chargeability rules. Ancestry alone does not let you choose a different country.

There are occasional updates to the DV Lottery process, but any major changes are publicly announced on the official U.S. Department of State website. It is important to check for updates each year.