The entry period for the Diversity Visa (DV) Program generally opens each year in October. To enter the DV Program, please visit https://dvlottery.state.gov/ and follow the instructions. Instructions are available in French under “Additional Resources”.  An online entry submitted through https://dvlottery.state.gov/ is the only way to register for the DV Program. Entering the DV Program is free.

Starting with the entry period for DV-2021, all principal entrants must also include the passport number, country of issuance, and expiration date for their valid, unexpired passport. This requirement applies to the principal entrant only, not to dependents. The only exceptions are for entrants who are stateless, a national of a communist-controlled country and unable to obtain a passport from the government of the communist-controlled country, or the beneficiary of an individual waiver approved by the Secretary of Homeland Security and the Secretary of State. Entrants who do not submit required passport information will be disqualified.

It is very important for entrants to keep a record of their unique confirmation number.  The confirmation number is the only way to check whether an entry has been selected and to obtain visa application and appointment information, if selected.  The unique confirmation number helps to protect DV entrants against fraud and malfeasance.  Unscrupulous visa facilitators have been known to assist entrants with their entries, retain the confirmation page, and then demand more money in exchange for information on the entry.  Entrants can avoid this by ensuring they receive the unique confirmation number at the time of entry.