Diversity Visa (DV) Lottery — Guidance

Education and scam-awareness only. We do not process DV entries and we never charge for “guaranteed” results.

Official update — last checked: July 13, 2026

Freedom to Belong is not affiliated with the U.S. government. The official Diversity Visa entry is free and may only be submitted at dvprogram.state.gov when the Department of State opens registration for a program year.

Current status (important)

Registration is not open right now for a new program year on this site’s “Apply” button. Do not pay third parties who claim they can enter for you. When registration is open, the only official website is dvprogram.state.gov.

DV-2027 entry period: the Department of State stated that the start date will be announced when ready — do not rely on old “October–November 2025” calendars. Official notice
Visa issuance guidance: review the Department’s updates on Diversity Visa issuance (including pauses and policy changes). Official guidance
Full instructions: always use the current year’s Diversity Visa instructions for eligibility, photos, and process. Official instructions

Eligibility — do not use outdated country lists

Country eligibility changes every program year. Lists that name specific “eligible” or “ineligible” countries on private websites go out of date and can be wrong. Freedom to Belong does not publish a manual country list. Check the official instructions for the program year that is currently open.

In general (always confirm on travel.state.gov): you must meet education or work-experience rules, submit a compliant photo, and enter only once. A passport may be required later in the process if you are selected; it is not something this page will overstate as a universal entry-form requirement without the current year’s instructions.

How we help (education only)

Explain how the official process works in plain language (EN / PT / ES).
Warn about scams: the entry is free; never pay for a “guaranteed win.”
Point you only to dvprogram.state.gov and travel.state.gov.
Connect you to free English/civics education and community support if you are building a longer U.S. immigration journey.

Official site: dvprogram.state.gov Ask Freedom to Belong for education support Free study app

Scam checklist

Official entry is FREE.
Ignore emails demanding payment to “process” your DV entry.
Ignore “guaranteed selection” claims.
Only trust confirmation numbers from the official Entry Status Check when available.

Legal notice

Freedom to Belong, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) educational nonprofit (EIN 33-3807359). We are not a law firm and not the U.S. government. This page is general information, not legal advice. Freedom to Belong looks for volunteers to help all cases, including pro bono — contact us to volunteer. For paid legal advice, consult a licensed attorney under a separate engagement (optional private firms are separate entities).