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Diversity Visa Lottery results and what to do if you were selected
If you entered the Diversity Visa (DV) Lottery, check online to see if you were selected. Then, find out what to do to apply for an immigrant visa.
Beware of these scams
Check the diversity visa lottery results.
Check the results for all applicants for the 2024 DV Lottery. Results for the 2024 lottery are available until September 30, 2024.
- Results for the 2025 DV Lottery will be available on or about May 4, 2024.
- Results for the 2023 lottery were available until September 30, 2023.
You must remember to check the lottery results yourself online using your confirmation number. If your confirmation number is lost, learn how you can retrieve it.
Be aware that:
- The Department of State will not send you a letter or an email to let you know if you have been selected. See the fraud warning above.
- Being selected in the DV Lottery does not guarantee you will receive a visa. Selection means you can move forward in the DV Program.
What to do if you are selected in the DV Lottery
If you are selected in the DV Lottery and have the qualifications, you can apply for an immigrant visa. If approved, you would be able to come to the U.S., become a permanent resident, and get a Green Card.
To apply for an immigrant visa, sign in to the Immigrant/Diversity Visa portal .
Fill out and submit your immigrant visa application, Form DS-260, online. Learn more about Form DS-260 before you submit it.
After you apply, you may receive an email scheduling you for an interview at a U.S. embassy or consulate. Learn how to prepare for your interview.
Your interviewer will tell you if you are approved for an immigrant visa. Learn more about what happens after an interview , including
- What to do if your visa application has been approved or denied
- How to enter the U.S.
- What happens when you receive your Permanent Resident Card (Green Card)
Who to contact if you need help after being selected for the DV Lottery
If you have questions about the DV Lottery, check the Department of State’s Diversity Visa Instructions page for more information.
If you still need help, email the Kentucky Consular Center (KCC) at [email protected] and include your:
- Case number
LAST UPDATED: December 8, 2023
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Green Card Through the Diversity Immigrant Visa Program
The Diversity Immigrant Visa Program (DV Program) makes up to 50,000 immigrant visas available annually, drawn from random selection among all entries to individuals who are from countries with low rates of immigration to the United States. The DV Program is administered by the U.S. Department of State (DOS).
Most lottery winners reside outside the United States and immigrate through consular processing and issuance of an immigrant visa. To learn more, visit the U.S. Department of State's website .
Diversity Visa Winners Legally Residing In the United States: Apply Through USCIS
There are, however, a small number of lottery winners each year who, at the time of “winning the lottery,” are residing in the United States in a nonimmigrant or other legal status. For these winners residing inside the United States, USCIS processes adjustment of status applications.
The following information applies to winners legally residing in the United States only.
For an applicant to adjust status under the DV Program, you must establish that you:
- Have been selected for a diversity visa by DOS’s lottery;
- Have an immigrant visa immediately available at the time of filing an adjustment application ( Form I-485, Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status ); and
- Are admissible to the United States.
For visa availability, check the latest month's DOS Visa Bulletin . Section B contains a chart showing the current month's visa availability in the Diversity Immigrant category. The chart shows when the Diversity Immigrant cut-off is met. When the cut-off is met, visas will be available in that month for the applicants with Diversity Immigrant lottery rank numbers below the specified cut-off numbers for their geographic areas.
Section C contains a chart showing the Diversity Immigrant category rank cut-offs for the following month, which represents the advance notification of Diversity Immigrant visa availability. As soon as a monthly Visa Bulletin is published, anyone with a lower rank number than the rank cut-off number shown in Section C is eligible to file for adjustment of status. This provides lottery winners the opportunity to file for adjustment of status up to six or seven weeks before a visa number can actually be allocated. This gives USCIS additional time to determine your eligibility for adjustment of status before the end of the fiscal year.
A Diversity Immigrant-based adjustment application cannot be adjudicated until a visa can be allocated, as indicated in the Visa Bulletin’s current Diversity Immigrant rank cut-offs for a particular month.
To obtain a Green Card, you must file Form I-485 .
Supporting Evidence for Form I-485
Submit the following evidence with your Form I-485:
- Two passport-style photos
- Copy of birth certificate
- Form I-693, Report of Medical Examination and Vaccination Record
- Copy of passport page with nonimmigrant visa (if applicable)
- Copy of passport page with admission (entry) or parole stamp (if applicable)
- Form I-94, Arrival/Departure Record
- Certified copies of court records (if the individual has been arrested)
- Copy of the principal applicant’s selection letter for the diversity visa lottery from DOS
- Copy of the receipt from DOS for the diversity visa lottery processing fee
- Form I-601, Application for Waiver of Grounds of Inadmissibility (if applicable)
- Applicable fees
The adjustment of status process for diversity visa winners must be completed by September 30 of the fiscal year the lottery pertains to. Visas cannot be carried over to the next fiscal year.
Fraudsters may send you emails claiming you’ve won the Diversity Visa (Green Card) lottery.
Never send money to anyone who sends you a letter or email claiming you have won - learn how to protect yourself from scams .
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Update April 12, 2024
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Is It Safe in Moscow?
Stanislav Solntsev / Getty Images
When you visit Moscow , Russia, you’re seeing one of the world’s largest, and most expensive, capital cities . While there is a history of violent crime against foreign journalists and aid personnel in Russia, a trip to Moscow is usually safe for mainstream travelers. Most tourists in Moscow only face potential issues with petty crime, though terrorism is also a concern. Visitors should stick to the principal tourist areas and abide by the local security advice.
Travel Advisories
- The U.S. Department of State urges travelers to avoid travel to Russia because of COVID-19 and to "exercise increased caution due to terrorism, harassment, and the arbitrary enforcement of local laws."
- Anyone exploring more of Russia should avoid "The North Caucasus, including Chechnya and Mount Elbrus, due to terrorism, kidnapping, and risk of civil unrest." Also, travelers should stay away from "Crimea due to Russia’s occupation of the Ukrainian territory and abuses by its occupying authorities."
- Canada states travelers should use a high degree of caution in Russia due to the threat of terrorism and crime.
Is Moscow Dangerous?
The Moscow city center is typically safe. In general, the closer you are to the Kremlin , the better. Travelers mainly need to be aware of their surroundings and look out for petty crime. Be especially careful in tourist areas such as Arbat Street and crowded places like the Moscow Metro transit system. The suburbs are also generally fine, though it is advised to stay away from Maryino and Perovo districts.
Terrorism has occurred in the Moscow area, leading authorities to increase security measures. Be more careful at tourist and transportation hubs, places of worship, government buildings, schools, airports, crowds, open markets, and additional tourist sites.
Pickpockets and purse snatching happen often in Russia, perpetrated by groups of children and teenagers who distract tourists to get their wallets and credit cards. Beware of people asking you for help, who then trick you into their scheme. Don’t expect a backpack to be a safe bag bet; instead, invest in something that you can clutch close to your body or purchase a money belt . Always diversify, storing some money in a separate location so that if you are pickpocketed, you'll have cash elsewhere. Keep an eye out for thieves in public transportation, underground walkways, tourist spots, restaurants, hotel rooms and homes, restaurants, and markets.
Is Moscow Safe for Solo Travelers?
Large cities like Moscow in Russia are overall fairly safe if you are traveling alone, and the Moscow Metro public transit is a secure and easy way to get around. But it is still a good idea to follow basic precautions as in any destination. Avoid exploring alone at night, especially in bad areas. You may want to learn some basic Russian phrases or bring a dictionary, as many locals don't speak English. However, in case you need any help, there are tourist police that speak English. Also, exploring with other trusted travelers and locals or on professional tours is often a good way to feel safe.
Is Moscow Safe for Female Travelers?
Catcalling and street harassment are infrequent in Moscow and the rest of Russia and females traveling alone don't usually have problems. There are plenty of police officers on the streets as well. Still, it serves to stick to Moscow's well-lit, public areas, avoid solo night walks, and use your instincts. Women frequenting bars may take receive some friendly attention. Females can wear whatever they want, but those entering Orthodox churches will be required to cover up. Though women in Russia are independent, domestic violence and other inequality issues take place regularly.
Safety Tips for LGBTQ+ Travelers
Russia is not known as a gay-friendly country. However, Moscow is one of the more welcoming cities with a blooming LGBTQ+ community and many friendly restaurants, bars, clubs, and other venues. Hate crimes in Russia have increased since the 2013 anti-gay propaganda law. Openly LGBTQ+ tourists in this conservative country may experience homophobic remarks, discrimination, or even violence, especially if traveling with a partner. Also, while women hold hands or hug publicly—whether romantically involved or not—men should avoid public displays of affection to prevent being insulted or other issues.
Safety Tips for BIPOC Travelers
Moscow and other big cities in Russia have sizable populations of various cultures, so discrimination against BIPOC travelers is rarer than in other parts of the country where it can become dangerous. Some people living in Russia who are Black, Asian, Jewish, and from other backgrounds have experienced racial discrimination and violence. Tourists won't usually experience overt racism but may be the recipients of some stares. If anyone should bother you, be polite and resist being taunted into physically defending yourself.
Safety Tips for Travelers
Travelers should consider the following general tips when visiting:
- It's best not to drink the tap water. If you do, boil it before drinking, though showering is safe and the amount used to brush teeth is generally not harmful. Mineral water is widely drunk, especially at restaurants, and if you prefer not to have it carbonated ask for “ voda byez gaz” (water without gas).
- If you need emergency assistance in case of fire, terrorism, medical issues, or more, dial 112 in Russia for bilingual operators.
- Be judicious about taking photographs, especially of police or officials. This can potentially bring unwanted attention to yourself by members of law enforcement who won’t mind asking to see your passport. Also avoid snapping photos of official-looking buildings, such as embassies and government headquarters.
- Carry your passport in as secure a manner as possible. If you get stopped for any reason by the police, they can fine or arrest you if you don't have the document with you. Also, keep photocopies of your passport, the page on which your travel visa appears, and any other documents that relate to your stay in Russia.
- Use official taxis only and steer clear of illegal taxi companies, especially at night. Ask your hotel to call a reputable taxi company.
U.S. Department of State. " Russia Travel Advisory ." August 6, 2020.
Government of Canada. " Official Global Travel Advisories ." November 19, 2020.
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There is a limited period of time during which you can register for the Diversity Immigrant Visa (DV) Program during each fiscal year. Each year, the Department of State publishes detailed instructions for entering the DV Program.These instructions include the dates of the registration period during which you will be able to enter.
If you are selected in the DV-2025 program, you may apply for visa issuance only during U.S. government fiscal year 2025, which is from October 1, 2024, through September 30, 2025. We encourage selectees to apply for visas as early as possible once their program rank numbers become eligible.
Welcome. Our State Department Web site for the 2025 Diversity Visa Program (DV-2025) is now open. The entry submission period for DV-2025 is from 12:00PM EDT (GMT -4) on October 4, 2023 to 12:00PM EST (GMT -5) on November 7, 2023. The entry form will only be available for submission during this period and this period only.
Diversity Immigrant Visa Program (Green Card Lottery) The Diversity Immigrant Visa (DV) Program awards up to 50,000 immigrant visas each year. Learn if you can apply, see the results, and know what to do if you are selected.
Welcome. The U.S. Department of State Electronic Diversity Visa Entrant Status Check for DV-2024 applicants is available until September 30, 2024. The Entrant Status Check for DV-2023 applicants will remain open until September 30, 2023.
Enter Entrant Information. 1. Confirmation Number: In the space below, type the confirmation number that was given when you applied. Confirmation Number. Invalid Confirmation Number: Please enter the correct confirmation number that is 16 characters long (example: 20241O0DZWY3DOV9)Confirmation Number is required. Forgot Confirmation Number.
The dates you can register for the DV Lottery change each year. Registration for the 2025 DV Lottery was from October 4, 2023 to November 7, 2023 at 12 noon ET. Read the instructions for the registration process. Apply through the Electronic Diversity Visa Program online portal. Keep your confirmation number in a safe place when you register ...
Who to contact if you need help after being selected for the DV Lottery. If you have questions about the DV Lottery, check the Department of State's Diversity Visa Instructions page for more information. If you still need help, email the Kentucky Consular Center (KCC) at [email protected] and include your: Name. Birthdate.
United States Department of State
The Diversity Immigrant Visa Program (DV Program) makes up to 50,000 immigrant visas available annually, drawn from random selection among all entries to individuals who are from countries with low rates of immigration to the United States. The DV Program is administered by the U.S. Department of State (DOS). Most lottery winners reside outside ...
The U.S. Embassy in Dar es Salaam announces the opening of the 2023 Diversity Visa Program (DV-2023) October 6, 2021. This program annually awards up to 55,000 U.S. immigrant visas to people from countries with historically low rates of immigration to the United States. Interested and qualified Tanzanians are invited to apply for this ...
Diversity Visa Program. Check your DV application status using the Entry Status Check function on the E-DV website.. Entrants must have their confirmation number to access information through Entry Status Check, which will be the sole means by which Diversity Visa entrants are notified of their selection, provided instructions on how to proceed with their application, and notified of their ...
Your photos or digital images must be: In color. Sized such that the head is between 1 inch and 1 3/8 inches (22 mm and 35 mm) or 50% and 69% of the image's total height from the bottom of the chin to the top of the head. View the Photo Composition Template for more size requirement details. Taken within the last 6 months to reflect your ...
Call us in Washington, D.C. at 1-888-407-4747 (toll-free in the United States and Canada) or 1-202-501-4444 (from all other countries) from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., Eastern Standard Time, Monday through Friday (except U.S. federal holidays). See the State Department's travel website for the Worldwide Caution and Travel Advisories.
× External Link. You are about to leave travel.state.gov for an external website that is not maintained by the U.S. Department of State. Links to external websites are provided as a convenience and should not be construed as an endorsement by the U.S. Department of State of the views or products contained therein.
Notarial services are for all nationalities and are by appointment only. Normally the document to be notarized is for use within the United States, although there may be exceptions. If you have multiple documents to be notarized, you should only make one appointment. You will pay $50 USD in Russian Rubles (9500 Rubles) in cash, at the Embassy ...
The Federal Commission for the Securities Market is the federal executive organization responsible for implementing government policy on the securities market, regulating activities of professional securities market participants, and protecting the rights of investors and shareholders. Address: Leninsky prosp. 9 | Phone: +7 (495) 797-95-64
Travel Advisories . The U.S. Department of State urges travelers to avoid travel to Russia because of COVID-19 and to "exercise increased caution due to terrorism, harassment, and the arbitrary enforcement of local laws."; Anyone exploring more of Russia should avoid "The North Caucasus, including Chechnya and Mount Elbrus, due to terrorism, kidnapping, and risk of civil unrest."