The Diversity Visa program selects 55,000 registrants at random from nations with historically low levels of immigration to the United States. Those selected are then given the opportunity to apply for Lawful Permanent Residence (a “green card”) in the U.S. The deadline for applicants to register for the 2018 Diversity Visa program is 12:00 p.m. Eastern Standard Time on the first Monday in November (11/07/2016). Beginning May 2, 2017, the results of the lottery will be available.

Those wishing to apply are encouraged to do so as early as possible and avoid applying in the final week of registration. Because of heavy demand for the lottery, the registration process may be significantly delayed.

Registration details and program instructions (including a list of eligible applicants) may be found here. There is no fee to register! To register for the Diversity Visa program, submit an entry at the official registration site: dvlottery.state.gov.