The US Diversity Visa (DV) Program, commonly known as the Green Card Lottery, is one of the most popular ways to legally immigrate to the United States. Every year, millions of hopefuls worldwide submit their entries in the hope of being selected. However, not everyone is eligible to apply. Understanding the Green Card Lottery eligibility requirements is the first and most important step toward achieving your American dream.
In this guide, we break down all the key eligibility criteria — from country of birth to education, work experience, and family considerations — so you can submit a compliant application for DV-2026 and beyond.
1. Country of Birth Eligibility
The most basic requirement for participating in the Green Card Lottery is that you must be a native of an eligible country. The US Department of State updates the list of eligible countries every year.
You may be ineligible if:
- Your country sent more than 50,000 immigrants to the US in the last five years (examples: China, India, Mexico, Canada, the UK – except Northern Ireland).
- You were born in an ineligible country but do not qualify through special exceptions.
Special Cases:
If you were born in a non-qualifying country, you can still apply if:
- Your spouse was born in an eligible country (you may use your spouse’s country of birth).
- Neither of your parents was born in the ineligible country nor resided there legally at the time of your birth — you may use one of your parents’ countries of birth if eligible.
This flexibility allows many applicants to still participate even if their country is excluded.
2. Education or Work Experience Requirement
Besides country eligibility, applicants must also meet a minimum education or work experience standard.
You must have:
- At least a high school education or its equivalent – completion of a 12-year course of formal elementary and secondary education comparable to that in the US.
OR - Two years of qualifying work experience within the last five years. This work experience must be in an occupation that requires at least two years of training or experience to perform.
Work experience is evaluated based on the US Department of Labor’s O*Net Online database. Make sure your job category qualifies before relying on this option.
One Entry Per Person Rule
Submitting multiple entries for the same person during a single DV program year will disqualify you. However, married couples can each submit one entry as principal applicants, effectively doubling their chances if both meet eligibility criteria.
Passport Requirements (When Applicable)
In recent years, applicants were required to have a valid, unexpired passport from their country of nationality when submitting the entry. While this requirement has been temporarily lifted, always check the latest instructions before applying, since passport rules may change with each fiscal year.
Accuracy and Honesty
The US government takes fraud very seriously. Always provide correct details about your:
- Name, date of birth, and country of birth
- Marital status (include spouse even if separated unless legally divorced)
- Children (all unmarried children under 21 must be listed, including stepchildren and legally adopted children)
Failure to list a spouse or child at the time of entry, even if not immigrating with you, can lead to disqualification later — even after selection.
Photo Requirements
Your entry must include a recent passport-style photo of you, your spouse, and all children. Photos must meet strict specifications:
- Taken within the last six months
- In color, against a plain white or off-white background
- Full-face view with a neutral expression
Photos that do not meet the technical requirements may result in rejection.
Free and Online Application
A final but crucial point: the official Green Card Lottery entry is free of charge and only available on the US State Department’s official website during the annual registration period. Avoid third-party agents who promise guaranteed selection for a fee — no one can influence the lottery outcome.
Conclusion
Applying for the Green Card Lottery can be life-changing, but only if you meet the strict eligibility requirements. Confirm that your country of birth qualifies, verify your education or work experience, gather accurate family information, and submit your entry within the official registration window.
By understanding these requirements, you avoid common mistakes that disqualify thousands of hopeful applicants each year. With careful preparation, your dream of living and working in the United States could be just one lottery win away.
Email: [email protected]
Alternatively, you can contact the U.S. Embassy in Kenya’s immigration call center
Phone: +254 20 764 0121/+254 20 500 0006
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