The State Department Web site for the 2020 Diversity Visa Program (DV-2020) is now open. The entry submission period for DV-2020 is from 12:00PM EDT (GMT -4) on October 3, 2018 to 12:00PM EST (GMT -5) on November 6, 2018. The entry form will only be available for submission during this period and this period only. Entries will NOT be accepted through the U.S. Postal Service.
After reading the instructions, click the “Begin Entry” button below to enter the DV Lottery.
Entry Instructions
Photo Instructions
Entry Form
2020 Entrant Status Check
Diversity Visa Instructions
Important Notices
Beware of fraud and scams. Some websites and emails attempt to mislead customers, posing as providers of official U.S. government information. Read our Fraud Warning here.
Complete your own application. The online entry application is easy and free.
The processing requirements below are for the DV 2020 program. Instructions for DV 2019 applicants follow.
DV-2020 Program: Online Registration
DV-2020 Program: The revised online registration period for the DV-2020 Program begins on Wednesday, October 3, 2018 at 12:00 noon, Eastern Daylight Time (EDT) (GMT-4), and concludes on Tuesday, November 6, 2018 at 12:00 noon, Eastern Standard Time (EST) (GMT-5). Individuals who submit more than one entry during the registration period will be disqualified.
DV-2020 Program Instructions
The English version of the DV-2020 Program Instructions in PDF format are provided for your convenience and required use. The English language version of the DV-2020 Program Instructions is the only official version. Unofficial translations in additional languages will be added to this webpage as they become available.
Note: As indicated in the instructions, for the purposes of eligibility some countries include components and dependent areas overseas. If you are a native of a dependency or overseas territory, please select the appropriate country of eligibility. For example, natives of Macau S.A.R should select Portugal, and natives of Martinique should select France.
DV-2020 Translations (unofficial)
Please view our video for an introduction to the Diversity Visa program, and step-by-step guidance to help you submit an entry. (Note: minor changes have been made to the DV-2020 entry form, but the instructions provided in the video are still valid.)
DV-2019 Program Instructions
Select the English version of the DV-2019 Program Instructions in PDF format for your convenience and required use. The English language version of the DV-2019 Program Instructions is the only official version. Unofficial translations in additional languages will be added as they become available.
Translations (All translations are in .pdf format)
Note: If you do not see instructions in your native language, please see the U.S. Embassy or Consulate website to find out whether your country may have additional Diversity Visa information.
Note: As indicated in the instructions, for the purposes of eligibility some countries include components and dependent areas overseas. If you are a native of a dependency or overseas territory, please select the appropriate country of eligibility. For example, natives of Macau S.A.R should select Portugal, and natives of Martinique should select France.
DV-2019 Translations (unofficial)