Green Card Lottery 2028: Dates, Eligibility, Results & Selection Guide
The Green Card Lottery 2028, officially called DV-2028, is the upcoming annual U.S. Diversity Visa Program. As of now, the U.S. Department of State has not published the official DV-2028 registration dates, eligible-country list, or result-release date. The only official entry website is dvprogram.state.gov.
You cannot enter yet unless the Department of State officially opens registration. When it opens, eligibility will usually depend on your country of chargeability — normally your country of birth — plus education or qualifying work experience.
Important: Being selected in the lottery does not mean you automatically receive a Green Card. Selectees must still complete the immigrant visa process, submit documents, and pass a consular interview.
What Is DV-2028?
DV-2028 is the Diversity Visa Program for fiscal year 2028. Each year, the program makes a limited number of immigrant visas available to applicants from countries with historically low rates of immigration to the United States.
The program is often called the Green Card Lottery because the first stage is random. However, the process after selection is not random: it is a formal immigration process based on eligibility, documentation, visa availability, and consular review.
The key distinction is simple:
The lottery selects an entry.
The U.S. government decides whether the selectee qualifies for a visa.
A Green Card becomes possible only after the visa process is completed.
DV-2028 Dates: What Is Confirmed
Item | Current status |
Official registration dates | Not yet announced |
Official entry website | dvprogram.state.gov |
Eligible-country list | Not yet published |
Result-release period | Not yet announced |
Paper entries | Not accepted |
Late entries | Not accepted |
Entry fee | Free to enter |
The Department of State has not published DV-2028 registration dates, country eligibility lists, or result dates. Historically, DV registration has opened in early October and remained open for about a month, but that pattern is not an official DV-2028 date and should not be treated as confirmation.visafortheunitedstates+1
Do not rely on third-party websites announcing “DV-2028 is open.” Check only the official Diversity Visa website and the Department of State’s annual instructions.
Not sure whether you can enter DV-2028?
Use the free eligibility and readiness checker below. It does not predict lottery results — it helps you understand what to verify and prepare before registration opens.
Want a complete preparation checklist for DV-2028?
Download the Green Card Lottery Readiness Checklist and get a step-by-step plan for passport, photo, documents, results, and DS-260.
Who Can Enter DV-2028?
You will generally need to meet two core requirements:
Country of chargeability.
Education or qualifying work experience.
Country of Chargeability
For most applicants, your chargeability country is the country where you were born — not your citizenship, passport nationality, or current country of residence.
The DV-2028 instructions will list countries whose natives are eligible to enter. Countries are excluded when they had more than 50,000 immigrants to the United States in the previous five years.
There are limited exceptions where an applicant may be able to use a spouse’s or parent’s country of birth. These rules are technical, so applicants considering chargeability exceptions should read the official DV-2028 instructions carefully before submitting.
Education Requirement
The standard education requirement is a high school education or its equivalent — generally, successful completion of a formal elementary and secondary education comparable to 12 years of schooling in the United States.
A diploma alone is not always enough. The education must be equivalent to U.S. high school completion. Short courses, incomplete programs, or certificates that do not represent secondary education may not qualify.
Work Experience Alternative
If you do not meet the education requirement, you may qualify through work experience.
Generally, you need at least two years of experience within the past five years in an occupation that requires at least two years of training or experience. This is not “any job counts.” The occupation must meet the program’s qualifying standard.
New Passport Requirement
Under the Department of State’s updated Diversity Visa entry process, DV entrants must provide information from a valid, unexpired passport and upload a scan of the passport’s biographic and signature page, unless they qualify for an authorized passport exemption.
This makes passport preparation one of the first practical steps for potential DV-2028 applicants.
Before registration opens, check:
Your passport is valid and unexpired.
Your name, date of birth, and nationality are correct.
The biographic page is clear and readable.
The signature page is available for upload if required.
You understand whether any passport exemption applies to your situation.
DV-2028: Current Status Table
Item | Current status | What you need to know |
Official program name | DV-2028 / Diversity Visa Program | The Diversity Visa Program for fiscal year 2028 |
Registration | Not open yet | Official registration dates have not been published |
Entry period | Not announced | DV registration has historically often opened in early October, but this is not a confirmed DV-2028 date |
Official entry website | dvprogram.state.gov | Entries may be submitted only through the official website |
Paper entries | Not accepted | Participation is online only |
Entry fee | Free | Fees may apply later in the process, such as visa application fees |
Number of entries | One entry per person | Duplicate entries can lead to disqualification |
Country of birth | Key eligibility factor | The program generally uses your country of birth, not citizenship or current residence |
Eligible-country list | Not yet published | It will be included in the official DV-2028 instructions |
Education requirement | High school education or equivalent | Generally, education comparable to 12 years of schooling in the United States |
Work experience alternative | May replace education | Generally, two years of qualifying work experience within the past five years |
Valid passport | Required under updated rules | Entrants must provide details from a valid, unexpired passport and upload the required passport scan; exemptions may apply only under official rules |
Photo | Required | Must meet the official DV photo requirements |
Confirmation number | Required to check results | Save it immediately after submitting your entry |
Result check | Entrant Status Check only | The Department of State does not email winners |
DV-2028 results | Date not announced | Check only the official Diversity Visa website |
DS-260 | After selection | Selectees must complete the immigrant visa application |
Interview | After DS-260 processing | Scheduled when a visa number is available |
Does selection mean a Green Card? | No | Selection does not guarantee visa issuance |
Paid services | Do not improve selection odds | The lottery selection is random; paying for assistance does not affect the result |
How to Prepare Before DV-2028 Opens
1. Confirm Your Country of Birth
Do not guess. Check the exact country listed on your birth record and passport.
If you were born in one country but hold citizenship of another, do not automatically assume you are ineligible or eligible. DV eligibility is generally based on country of birth, subject to chargeability exceptions.
2. Check Your Education or Work Experience
Prepare documents that can support your qualification:
School diploma or secondary education certificate.
Academic transcripts.
Employment letters.
Contracts or job descriptions.
Evidence of professional duties and experience.
3. Prepare a Valid Passport
Because of the passport requirement, this is no longer optional preparation. Make sure your passport is valid, accurate, and ready for scanning.
4. Prepare a Compliant Photo
The DV photo must meet strict technical requirements. A weak photo can jeopardize an otherwise valid entry.
Check:
Recent photograph.
Plain light background.
Full face visible.
Neutral expression.
No filters or heavy editing.
Correct head size and positioning.
No unsuitable head covering unless permitted for religious or medical reasons.
5. Save Your Confirmation Number
After submitting, the system gives you a confirmation number. You need it to check your result through Entrant Status Check.
Save it in:
A password manager.
A secure cloud folder.
A printed or offline copy.
How to Submit a DV-2028 Entry
When registration officially opens:
Go only to dvprogram.state.gov.
Read the official DV-2028 instructions.
Prepare your passport scan and photo.
Complete the online entry form.
Enter your personal, family, education, and country-of-birth information accurately.
Upload the required photo and passport scan.
Submit once.
Save your confirmation number immediately.
You may submit only one entry per person per DV year. Duplicate entries do not improve your chances and can lead to disqualification.
Married couples may each submit separate entries if both independently meet the eligibility requirements. Each spouse must be correctly listed in the other’s entry.
How DV Lottery Selection Works
After the entry period closes, the Department of State randomly selects entries through a computer-generated process. Selected entrants receive rank numbers.
But selection does not guarantee a visa.
The number of DV visas is limited. Visa numbers are distributed by region and category, and availability is published through the Visa Bulletin. A selectee may need to wait until their number becomes current before an interview can be scheduled.
This is why fast action after selection matters. A selectee who delays the DS-260 or document preparation may lose the opportunity before the program year ends.
How to Check DV-2028 Results
The Department of State does not email winners.
The only official way to check whether you were selected is through the Entrant Status Check on the official Electronic Diversity Visa website. To check your status, you need:
Your confirmation number.
Your last/family name.
Your year of birth.
If you see a selection notice, follow the instructions exactly. Do not trust emails, social media messages, or third-party websites claiming to announce DV results.
What To Do If You Are Selected
If you become a DV-2028 selectee:
Verify your status only through official Entrant Status Check.
Read the selection notice carefully.
Complete Form DS-260 as soon as possible.
Gather civil, identity, education, and employment documents.
Monitor the Visa Bulletin.
Prepare all family members included in your case.
Attend the interview with consistent, truthful answers.
Do not make irreversible financial or career decisions before visa issuance.
The Department of State encourages selectees to complete the DS-260 promptly. After the Kentucky Consular Center processes the completed DS-260, an interview may be scheduled at the U.S. embassy or consulate selected in the form.
Common DV-2028 Mistakes
Mistake | Consequence |
Submitting more than one entry | Possible disqualification |
Using the wrong country of birth | Ineligibility or complications |
Uploading a non-compliant photo | Entry problems or rejection |
Missing the passport requirement | Entry may not be accepted |
Losing the confirmation number | Difficulty checking results |
Waiting for an email notification | Missing the official result |
Delaying DS-260 | Risk of missing visa availability |
Inconsistent answers | Problems at interview |
Trusting “guaranteed win” services | Financial loss and false expectations |
DV-2028 FAQ
Is DV-2028 open now?
No. As of the latest available information, the Department of State has not opened DV-2028 registration or published official dates.visafortheunitedstates+1
When will DV-2028 open?
The official date has not been announced. Historically, registration has often opened in early October, but you should rely only on the Department of State’s official announcement.
Is DV-2028 free?
Yes. Entering the Diversity Visa Lottery is free. Paid services cannot increase your chance of being randomly selected.
Can I submit more than one entry?
No. One person may submit only one entry per DV year.
Does citizenship matter?
Usually, no. DV eligibility is generally based on country of birth, subject to limited chargeability exceptions.
Do I need a passport?
Under the updated entry process, entrants generally must provide information from a valid, unexpired passport and upload the required passport scan, unless an authorized exemption applies.
Does selection guarantee a Green Card?
No. Selection only allows you to continue with the immigrant visa process.
Where can I check the result?
Only through the official Entrant Status Check on the Diversity Visa website, using your confirmation number.
Editorial Updates
This guide will be updated immediately after the Department of State publishes:
Official DV-2028 registration dates.
DV-2028 instructions.
Eligible and ineligible country lists.
Passport exemption rules.
Result-release period.
Any changes to the entry process.
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