DV · Timeline

From entry to visa

1. 1

   Random drawing

   After registration closes, entries are sorted into six geographic regions and a computer randomly assigns rank numbers. Every entry successfully received during the registration period has an equal chance of selection within its region. A rank number is two letters for the region (AS is Asia) followed by eight digits.^[1]

2. 2

   Check your result

   The only way to learn whether you were selected is the Entrant Status Check on the State Department's Electronic Diversity Visa (E-DV) website. The State Department does not send selection notices by email.^[1]

3. 3

   Form DS-260

   Selected entrants are told to complete Form DS-260, the online immigrant visa application, and submit it electronically. Your DS-260 is checked against your original entry, and inconsistencies are flagged for the consular officer.^[1]

4. 4

   Your rank number becomes current

   Each month, visa numbers go to applicants whose rank number is below that month's cut-off for their region and whose case processing is complete. The diversity chart in the State Department's Visa Bulletin shows the cut-offs.^[1,2]

5. 5

   Interview

   An interview is scheduled once your DS-260 is complete, the embassy or consulate has an appointment open, processing is finished, a visa number has been allocated and your case is next in the selection order; an email then tells you to log in to the Entrant Status Check for your appointment letter. At the interview you pay the Diversity Visa fee, and the officer decides whether you qualify. Every ground of ineligibility in the immigration law applies except the labor certification requirement; there are no special waivers for diversity applicants, but the regular waivers in the law still apply.^[1]

6. 6

   September 30 deadline

   ◈High confidence A diversity visa can be issued, or adjustment of status approved, only through September 30 of the fiscal year you were selected for. The State Department selects as many entries as it estimates are needed to use all of that year's diversity visas, and because the number of visas is limited, they can run out before that date. Being selected only makes you eligible to apply for a visa.^[1,2,3]