(NOTE: We have updated this article and re-published. Read the updated article here: The U.S. Greencard Lottery - info and how-to-apply for free )
We are explaining the application process on this page:
How it works: the application process
DV stands for Diversity Visa and the year identifies the American fiscal year which is the relevant one for this certain lottery.
Fiscal year 2021 starts October 1st, 2020 and ends September 30th, 2021.
And this is the time frame an applicant can use to plan his/her immigration - in case he/she was drawn.
Every year before the drawing the Department of State publishes
the instructions for the upcoming lottery.
These Instructions are usually posted in August, and the registration period is usually held in October, November each year.
There is no fee for entering the lottery and the application must be submitted via the official government website.
The 'winning' entries are
randomly selected by a computer. These are the so-called
'lottery winners' who will be notified.
Anyone who is selected under this lottery will be given the opportunity to apply for permanent residence.
If permanent residence is granted, then the individual will be authorized to live and work permanently in the United States.
You will also be allowed to bring your spouse and any unmarried children under the age of 21 to the United States.