How long does the Diversity Visa Lottery take?

End to end, the Diversity Visa Lottery typically takes 12 to 24 months. Preparing a complete application (5 stages) usually takes around 12 months; the rest is government processing, which varies with caseload and country of application.

What slows down DV Lottery applications?

The most common delays are incomplete evidence triggering requests for more information, missing or expired documents (police certificates and medicals have validity windows), and backlogs at specific processing offices. Filing a decision-ready application is the single biggest controllable factor.

Can I speed up the DV Lottery?

You cannot skip the queue in most cases, but you can avoid adding to it: submit complete evidence the first time, respond to requests immediately, and keep documents valid. Some categories offer premium or priority processing — check the official government page for current options.

🇺🇸 United States · DV Lottery

Diversity Visa Lottery: Processing time

Typical end-to-end timeline: 12–24 months. Here is where that time actually goes, stage by stage.

Typical processing time

12–24 months

from first preparation to final decision

Government processing times move with caseload. Check the official processing-time page for the current published estimate — our platform tracks these automatically.

The 5 stages of a DV Lottery application

1
Check Eligibility and Submit E-DV Entry
≈ 30 days
During the annual entry period (typically October–November), submit your DV entry through the official State Department E-DV website at dvlottery.state.gov. Entry is free. Only one entry per person is allowed.
2
Check Selection Status
≈ 180 days
Between May 1 and September 30 of the following year, check your selection status using your confirmation number at dvlottery.state.gov. If selected, your case number will be displayed.
3
Complete DS-260 Application
≈ 30 days
If selected, complete the online DS-260 Immigrant Visa Application through the Consular Electronic Application Center (CEAC). Submit all required documents to NVC.
4
Medical Exam and Visa Interview
≈ 90 days
Schedule and complete a medical examination at an approved panel physician. Attend the immigrant visa interview at the designated US Embassy or consulate.
5
Receive DV Visa and Enter the US
≈ 30 days
Upon approval, receive your immigrant visa (DV category). Enter the US before the visa expiry (and before September 30). Your green card will be mailed after entry.

Are you eligible for the DV Lottery?

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The 5 stages of a DV Lottery application

Check Eligibility and Submit E-DV Entry

≈ 30 days

During the annual entry period (typically October–November), submit your DV entry through the official State Department E-DV website at dvlottery.state.gov. Entry is free. Only one entry per person is allowed.

Check Selection Status

≈ 180 days

Between May 1 and September 30 of the following year, check your selection status using your confirmation number at dvlottery.state.gov. If selected, your case number will be displayed.

Complete DS-260 Application

≈ 30 days

If selected, complete the online DS-260 Immigrant Visa Application through the Consular Electronic Application Center (CEAC). Submit all required documents to NVC.

Medical Exam and Visa Interview

≈ 90 days

Schedule and complete a medical examination at an approved panel physician. Attend the immigrant visa interview at the designated US Embassy or consulate.

Receive DV Visa and Enter the US

≈ 30 days

Upon approval, receive your immigrant visa (DV category). Enter the US before the visa expiry (and before September 30). Your green card will be mailed after entry.