DV Lottery 2017

Diversity immigration lottery exists to keep the U.S. population diverse. 50,000 Lottery visas will be issued to countries which have had under 50,000 immigrants to the U.S. over the past five years. The application to win an opportunity for permanent residence in the U.S. is accepted online October 1 - November 3, 2015. Winners will learn over time whether they have won. If so, they must have applications for adjustment of status or immigrant visas granted by September 30, 2015.

Citizens of most countries around the world of course qualify. Countries with large numbers of immigrants in recent years are disqualified. They include: Bangladesh, Brazil, Canada, China (mainland-born), Colombia, the Dominican Republic, Ecuador, El Salvador, Haiti, India, Jamaica, Mexico, Nigeria, Pakistan, Peru, the Philippines, South Korea, the United Kingdom (excluding Northern Ireland) and its dependent territories, and Vietnam. Hong Kong, Macau, and Taiwan remain eligible.