USA Green Card Lottery: Complete Guide for Nigerians

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The Diversity Visa (DV) Lottery, commonly known as the Green Card Lottery, offers Nigerians a free chance to obtain permanent residency in the United States. Every year, 55,000 immigrant visas are available through this program, and Nigeria consistently ranks among the top countries for applications.

This guide covers everything you need to know about the DV-2026 lottery — eligibility requirements, how to apply correctly, common mistakes that lead to disqualification, and what happens after selection.

Disclaimer: This guide is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal or immigration advice. DV Lottery rules change annually. Always verify current requirements on the official U.S. Department of State website (dvprogram.state.gov). Be aware of scams — the only official website is dvprogram.state.gov, and there is NO fee to enter the lottery.

What Is the DV Lottery?
DV-2026 Key Dates and Deadlines
Eligibility Requirements
How to Apply (Step-by-Step)
Photo Requirements
Common Mistakes That Cause Disqualification
After Submission: What to Expect
If You Are Selected
Interview Process
Costs and Fees
DV Lottery Scams to Avoid
Frequently Asked Questions

1. What Is the DV Lottery?

The Diversity Immigrant Visa Program is a United States government lottery that randomly selects applicants from countries with historically low immigration rates to the U.S.

Every year, 55,000 visas are available through this program, and the cost to enter is completely FREE. The selection is done through a random computer draw, and eligibility is based on your country of birth and education or work experience. The program is administered by the U.S. Department of State, and the only official website is dvprogram.state.gov.

The program is called “Diversity” Visa because it aims to diversify the immigrant population by selecting people from countries that don’t send many immigrants to the U.S. through other channels like family or employment sponsorship.

Is Nigeria Eligible? Yes! Nigeria is fully eligible for the DV Lottery program. Nigerian citizens born in Nigeria can apply. Countries that are NOT eligible include the United Kingdom (except Northern Ireland), India, China (mainland), Mexico, Philippines, South Korea, Vietnam, and others with historically high immigration to the U.S.

Nigeria is consistently among the top 5 countries for selectees. In recent years, approximately 6,000-7,000 Nigerians have been selected annually from millions of entries, giving a selection rate of roughly 0.05-0.07%.

2. DV-2026 Key Dates and Deadlines

The DV-2026 registration period typically opens in early October 2024 and closes in early November 2024. The registration window is only about 30-35 days, so you must be prepared and apply within this short period.

Results become available in early May 2025, and you must check your results by September 30, 2025, or you will lose your selection even if you were chosen. Visa interviews are conducted from October 2025 through September 2026, and all visas must be used by September 30, 2026.

Critical Deadlines to Remember:

Missing the registration period means you cannot apply until the next year. If you don’t check your results by September 30, you lose your selection even if you were chosen. If you’re selected but don’t complete the interview process in time, you may lose your visa. And if you don’t enter the U.S. by September 30, 2026, your visa becomes invalid.

Always check dvprogram.state.gov for the exact dates each year, as they can vary slightly.

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3. Eligibility Requirements

You must meet TWO requirements to be eligible for the DV Lottery: country of birth AND education or work experience.

Country of Birth Requirement

If you were born in Nigeria, you are eligible to apply. If you were born in an ineligible country but your spouse was born in Nigeria, you can claim eligibility through your spouse. If you were born in an ineligible country but your parents were not residents of that country at the time of your birth, you may be able to claim your parents’ country of residence. Even if you’re now a citizen of another country, eligibility is based on birth country, not current citizenship — so Nigerians who have naturalized elsewhere can still apply based on their Nigerian birth.

Education Requirement

The minimum education requirement is a high school diploma or equivalent. For Nigerians, this means WAEC/SSCE Certificate, NECO Certificate, or GCE O’Level with a minimum of 5 credits. Your education must be completed, not in progress. If you only have primary school education or are currently still in secondary school, you do not qualify through education.

Work Experience Alternative

If you don’t have a high school diploma, you can qualify through work experience. You need 2 years of work experience within the last 5 years in an occupation that requires at least 2 years of training. The job must be classified as SVP 7.0 or higher on the O*NET database.

Jobs that typically qualify include Software Developer, Registered Nurse, Accountant, Electrical Engineer, certified Teacher, Doctor/Physician, and Lawyer. Jobs that typically do NOT qualify include retail salesperson, cashier, driver, security guard, waiter/waitress, and general laborer.

To check if your job qualifies, go to O*NET Online (onetonline.org), search for your occupation, and check if the SVP Range is 7.0 or higher and the Job Zone is 4 or 5.

However, if you have WAEC or equivalent, you don’t need to rely on work experience — the education alone qualifies you.

4. How to Apply (Step-by-Step)

Before You Start

Make sure you have a recent digital photo that meets all specifications exactly, a valid Nigerian passport (recommended but not strictly required for entry), your personal information including full name, birthdate, and birthplace, your education details including school name and completion date, and a valid email address that you check regularly.

Step 1: Go to the Official Website

Go ONLY to dvprogram.state.gov and click on “DV-2026 Entry” when the registration period opens. WARNING: This is the ONLY official website. All other websites claiming to offer DV Lottery registration are scams.

Step 2: Complete the Form (DS-5501)

For personal information, enter your name EXACTLY as it appears on your passport (Last Name, First Name, Middle Name). Enter your birthdate, gender, city where you were born, country of birth (Nigeria), country of eligibility (usually Nigeria, same as birth country), and your Nigerian passport number.

For the photo upload, the image must be 600×600 pixels minimum, in JPEG format, maximum 240KB file size, with a white or off-white background, and taken within the last 6 months.

For your mailing address, enter your current address in Nigeria, your city, country (Nigeria), a valid email you check regularly, and your Nigerian phone number.

For education, select your highest education level. If you only have WAEC, select “High School, no degree.” If you have a university degree, select “University Degree.”

For marital status, select Unmarried if you’re single and never married, Married if you’re currently married (you MUST include spouse information), Divorced if legally divorced, Widowed if your spouse is deceased, or Legally Separated if you have a court-ordered separation.

IMPORTANT: If You’re Married

You MUST include your spouse’s information including their name, birthdate, birthplace, and photo (same requirements as yours). Even if your spouse won’t travel to the U.S., you must include them. Failure to include your spouse results in automatic disqualification.

IMPORTANT: Children

You must include ALL unmarried children under 21, including biological children, legally adopted children, and stepchildren. Even if the children won’t travel with you, you must list them. Failure to list all qualifying children results in disqualification.

Step 3: Submit and Save Your Confirmation

Review all your information carefully for errors, then submit your application. When you receive your confirmation page, SAVE IT IMMEDIATELY. Screenshot it on your phone, write down the confirmation number on paper, email it to yourself, and store it in multiple locations.

Your confirmation number will look something like: 2026AF000XXXXX

This confirmation number is CRITICAL. Without it, you CANNOT check if you were selected. There is no way to recover a lost confirmation number.

5. Photo Requirements

The photo is the #1 cause of disqualification in the DV Lottery. Follow the requirements exactly.

Technical Specifications

Your photo must be between 600×600 pixels and 1200×1200 pixels, in JPEG (.jpg) format, maximum 240KB file size, 24-bit color depth, and 300 pixels per inch resolution.

Content Requirements

The photo must be taken within the last 6 months. The background must be white or off-white only. Your face must be centered and facing the camera directly with a neutral expression and mouth closed. Your eyes must be open and clearly visible. Head coverings are not allowed except for religious reasons. Glasses are NOT allowed, even clear prescription glasses. No digital editing or alterations are permitted.

Your head should take up 50-69% of the photo height, with your eyes positioned between 56-69% from the bottom of the photo. Your full face must be visible with both ears showing.

Common Photo Mistakes That Cause Rejection

Wearing glasses results in automatic rejection. Using an old photo (more than 6 months) leads to disqualification. A colored background causes rejection. If your face is too small or too large in the frame, it will be rejected. Blurry photos, shadows on your face, tilted head position, not looking directly at the camera, wearing a uniform, or submitting a photo of a photo will all result in rejection.

How to Take a Proper Photo

Option 1 is to visit a professional photo studio. Tell the photographer you need a “US visa lottery photo” with a plain white background, 600×600 pixels digital format, JPEG file, and no glasses even if you normally wear them.

Option 2 is to use your smartphone carefully. Stand against a white wall in natural daylight with no shadows. Hold the camera at arm’s length and take multiple shots. Choose the best one where you have a neutral expression and are looking directly at the camera, then crop it to exactly 600×600 pixels.

Before submitting, use the official U.S. State Department photo validation tool at travel.state.gov to confirm your photo meets all specifications.

6. Common Mistakes That Cause Disqualification

Application Errors

Submitting multiple entries is the most common mistake. You can only submit ONE entry per person per year. If you submit more than once, ALL your entries will be disqualified, even if submitted from different locations or by different agents.

Name spelling errors must be avoided — your name must match your passport exactly. Wrong birthdates, omitting your spouse (even if separated but not legally divorced), omitting children (all unmarried children under 21 must be listed), using an old photo (must be within 6 months), and overstating your education level all cause disqualification.

Multiple Entry Rules

One entry per person is allowed. A husband and wife can both enter separately, but each must list the other as spouse. If the same person enters twice, they will be disqualified. If an agent submits multiple entries for the same person, that person will be disqualified.

Information Accuracy

Your name must match your passport exactly. Your birthdate must match your birth certificate and passport. Your birthplace must match what’s shown on your documents. Your education must be verifiable credentials. Your employment history must be truthful.

Any false information discovered at the interview stage results in permanent visa denial and a possible ban from future U.S. visa applications.

7. After Submission: What to Expect

Immediately After Submission

You will receive a confirmation page — save and screenshot it immediately. You will be given a confirmation number — write it down in multiple places. Your entry then goes into the random pool to wait for the draw.

Waiting Period (November – May)

The waiting period is approximately 6 months. During this time, you will receive NO communication from the State Department. Any contact claiming to be from the DOS during this period is likely a SCAM. You cannot edit your entry after submission — it cannot be changed.

Checking Results

Results become available in early May (check dvprogram.state.gov for the exact date). You can ONLY check results at dvprogram.state.gov. You will need your confirmation number, last name, and birth year to check. The State Department does NOT notify you by email or letter — you must check the website yourself.

When you check your status, you will see one of three results: “Has Been Selected” means you won and should follow the instructions carefully. “Has Not Been Selected” means you weren’t selected this year but can try again next year. “Entry not found” means you should check your confirmation number or your entry may have had errors.

8. If You Are Selected

Being selected does NOT guarantee a visa. It only means you can proceed with the application process. Approximately 100,000-120,000 people are selected for only 55,000 available visas, so not everyone who is selected will receive a visa.

Immediate Steps After Selection

On the same day you discover your selection, read all instructions on your status page carefully and note your case number (format: 2026AF000XXXXX). Within 30 days, you should complete the DS-260 immigrant visa application online. Start gathering your documents immediately. Then wait for interview scheduling, which is based on your case number.

Understanding Your Case Number

Your case number tells you when you’re likely to be called for an interview. The first four digits (2026) indicate the fiscal year. The letters (AF) indicate your region — AF means Africa. The remaining numbers indicate your position in the queue.

Low case numbers (under 15,000) typically get interviewed early, from October to December. Medium numbers (15,000-40,000) are usually interviewed in the middle period, from January to May. High numbers (above 40,000) are interviewed late, from May to September, and may not be called at all if visas run out.

DS-260 Form (Online Immigrant Visa Application)

The DS-260 requires your personal information (name, birthdate, birthplace, nationality), family information (parents, spouse, children), previous travel history (all U.S. visits), current address and phone number, education history (schools attended, degrees earned), work experience (employment history for the past 10 years), and security questions (criminal history, affiliations).

Be completely honest on this form — lies result in permanent visa bans. Include all information even if unfavorable. Make sure your answers are consistent with previous applications. Take your time to fill it out accurately. Save your DS-260 confirmation page.

Document Collection

You will need your passport (valid for 6+ months beyond your travel date), birth certificate (original or certified copy), WAEC/NECO certificate (original), university degree and transcripts if applicable, police certificate from Nigeria and any other country where you’ve lived 12+ months since age 16, medical examination results from an approved panel physician, two recent passport-style photos, marriage certificate if married, all documents for your spouse, all documents for your children including birth certificates and photos, divorce decree if previously married, and court documents for any legal name changes.

For the police certificate, apply at the Nigeria Police Force Criminal Investigation Department at your state headquarters or in Abuja. Processing typically takes 2-4 weeks, and the certificate is valid for 12 months.

For the medical examination, you must visit an approved panel physician only — locations are available in Lagos and Abuja. The cost is approximately $200-$400. The exam includes a physical examination, required vaccinations, and various tests. The results are valid for 6 months.

9. Interview Process

Before the Interview

You will receive your interview letter via email and on the website. Confirm your appointment date, time, and location. Gather all your documents and organize them in a folder. Pay the visa fee before the interview. Review your DS-260 so you remember what you submitted. Practice answering common interview questions.

At the U.S. Embassy Lagos

The embassy is located at Walter Carrington Crescent, Victoria Island, Lagos. Arrive 30 minutes before your appointment. Bring all your documents and your appointment letter. Electronics and large bags are prohibited, so bring minimal items.

What to Expect at the Interview

First, you’ll go through a security check and screening. Then an officer will review your documents. Your fingerprints will be collected for biometrics. The actual interview is face-to-face with a consular officer. The decision is usually given the same day.

Common Interview Questions

The officer will ask about your identity — your full name, date of birth, etc. They’ll ask about your education — where you attended school, what you studied. They’ll ask about your work — your current job and how long you’ve been there. They’ll ask about your travel purpose — why you want to move to the U.S. They’ll ask about your plans — where you’ll live, if you have family there. They’ll ask about finances — how you’ll support yourself initially. If you have family members on your application, they’ll ask about them too.

Interview Tips

Answer honestly and never lie or exaggerate. Be concise and don’t give long rambling answers. Bring all your documents and don’t forget any paperwork. Stay calm and don’t appear nervous or evasive. If you don’t understand a question, ask for clarification rather than guessing. Dress professionally.

Interview Outcomes

If approved, your passport will be taken and your visa issued within days. Administrative processing means additional review is needed, which can take weeks to months. A 221(g) refusal means you’re missing documents but can resolve the issue. A 214(b) refusal means you’re not qualified or ineligible. A permanent refusal means you’re ineligible due to fraud, criminal history, or other serious issues.

10. Costs and Fees

Official Fees

The DV Lottery entry is completely FREE — there is NO fee to enter the lottery. If anyone asks you to pay to enter, it’s a scam.

Fee Type	Amount	When Paid
DV Lottery Entry	FREE	N/A
DV Visa Application Fee	$330 per person	Before interview
USCIS Immigrant Fee	$235 per person	After approval, before travel
Medical Examination	$200-$400	At panel physician
Nigerian Passport	₦35,000-₦70,000	Before application

Total Estimated Costs

For a single applicant, expect to pay approximately $950-$1,100 total, including the $330 visa fee, $235 USCIS immigrant fee, $300 average for the medical exam, $20-$50 for police clearance, $50-$100 for document preparation, $10-$20 for photos, plus variable costs for travel to the embassy.

For a married couple, the approximate total is $1,900-$2,200. For a family of four, expect $3,800-$4,400.

What You Should NOT Pay For

You should never pay a lottery entry fee (entry is FREE), agent or consultant fees (not required), “processing” fees before the interview (scam), or “guarantee” fees (scam — no one can guarantee selection).

11. DV Lottery Scams to Avoid

Common Scams

Fake lottery websites look like the official site but steal your information. Entry fee scams charge money to submit your “application.” “You’ve been selected” emails send fake selection notifications. Agent guarantees promise guaranteed selection, which is impossible. Fee for results scams charge money to check your status. Visa processing fee scams demand payment for “processing.”

Red Flags

Any website other than dvprogram.state.gov is a scam. Any request for payment to enter the lottery is a scam (entry is FREE). Any email saying you’ve been selected is a scam (results are only available on the website). Any phone call about the lottery is a scam. Any guarantee of selection is a scam (it’s a random lottery). Any request for bank account information is a scam. Any letter in the mail saying you’ve been selected is a scam (results are only online).

How to Protect Yourself

Use only the official website: dvprogram.state.gov. Never pay to enter — entry is always FREE. Check results yourself only at dvprogram.state.gov. Ignore any unsolicited contact — the DOS doesn’t email or call lottery entrants. Keep your confirmation number private and don’t share it widely. If you receive communication claiming to be from the embassy and you’re uncertain, contact the embassy directly to verify.

Official Communication Rules

The State Department will NEVER email you saying you were selected. They will NEVER send a letter saying you were selected. They will NEVER call you about your selection. The ONLY legitimate source for results is the website at dvprogram.state.gov. The only time you’ll receive legitimate emails is after you’ve submitted your DS-260, for interview scheduling purposes.

12. Frequently Asked Questions

Is the DV Lottery really free?

Yes. There is absolutely NO fee to enter the lottery. Any website or person asking for payment to enter is a scam.

How many times can I enter per year?

Once. Only ONE entry per person per year. Multiple entries result in disqualification of all entries.

Can my spouse and I both enter?

Yes. Both spouses can submit separate entries, but each must list the other as spouse. If either wins, both can immigrate together.

Do I need a passport to enter?

A passport is recommended but not strictly required to submit an entry. However, you will definitely need a valid passport for the interview and visa issuance.

What are my chances of winning?

Approximately 0.05-0.1% for Nigerian applicants, varying by year. Roughly 7,000-8,000 Nigerians are typically selected from millions of entries each year.

If I’m selected, am I guaranteed a Green Card?

No. Selection means you can apply for a visa. You must still qualify at the interview, and not all selectees receive visas since more people are selected than there are available visas.

Can I apply if I only have WAEC?

Yes. WAEC/SSCE with minimum 5 credits is considered equivalent to a U.S. high school diploma and meets the education requirement.

What if I’m selected but my case number is high?

High case numbers (above 40,000 for Africa) may not be called for interview before the September 30 deadline. Monitor the visa bulletin monthly to track which numbers are being processed.

How long is the Green Card valid?

The Green Card itself is valid for 10 years and is renewable. Your permanent resident status is permanent unless you abandon residency by living outside the U.S. for extended periods.

Must I move to the U.S. immediately?

You must enter the U.S. before your visa expires (stamped in passport, typically valid 6 months). After your first entry, you can travel, but you must maintain U.S. residency to keep your Green Card.

Can I include my fiancé(e)?

No. Only legally married spouses can be included. Engagement does not count — you must be legally married before submitting your entry to include your spouse.

What if I have a child after submitting?

If you’re selected, update your DS-260 to include the new child. New children can be added before the interview.

Step-by-Step Action Plan

Before Registration Opens (September)

Take proper passport-style photos and verify they meet all requirements. Get a valid Nigerian passport if you don’t have one. Prepare all your personal information. Verify your education credentials. Set a calendar reminder for registration dates.

During Registration Period (October-November)

Go ONLY to dvprogram.state.gov. Complete the form carefully with accurate information. Upload your qualifying photo. Submit only ONCE. Save your confirmation number in multiple places. Screenshot the confirmation page.

After Submission (November-April)

Wait patiently — there will be no news during this period. Ignore any “selection” emails or calls as they are scams. Keep your confirmation number safe. Optionally, start preparing documents in advance.

When Results Available (May)

Check your results at dvprogram.state.gov. If selected, immediately note your case number. If selected, begin the DS-260 within 30 days. If selected, start gathering documents. If not selected, apply again next year.

If Selected (May-September)

Complete the DS-260 online. Gather all required documents. Get your police clearance certificate. Schedule your medical examination. Pay the DV visa fee. Attend your interview when scheduled. If approved, pay the USCIS immigrant fee. Enter the U.S. before your visa expires.

Resources

Official Government Resources

The official DV Lottery website is dvprogram.state.gov. The U.S. Embassy Nigeria website is ng.usembassy.gov. The Visa Bulletin is at travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/legal/visa-law0/visa-bulletin.html. Photo requirements are at travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/us-visas/visa-information-resources/photos.html. DS-260 information is at travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/us-visas/immigrate/the-immigrant-visa-process/ds-260-resources.html.

Panel Physicians (Medical Exam)

Approved physicians are available in Lagos and Abuja. Find the current list at usembassy.gov by searching “panel physicians Nigeria.”

Document Resources

For your Nigerian passport, apply through the Nigeria Immigration Service. For police clearance, apply at the Nigeria Police Force CID. For birth certificates, contact the National Population Commission. For WAEC/NECO verification, visit the WAEC office.

Check current contact information for the U.S. Embassy Lagos and Abuja at ng.usembassy.gov.

Disclaimer

This guide provides general information about the Diversity Visa Lottery program. It does not constitute legal or immigration advice.

DV Lottery rules, requirements, and procedures change annually. Always verify current information on the official U.S. Department of State website (dvprogram.state.gov).

The ONLY official website for the DV Lottery is dvprogram.state.gov. There is NO fee to enter the lottery. Any other website or person charging fees is a scam.

Consider consulting a licensed immigration attorney for advice specific to your situation.

The author is not affiliated with the U.S. Department of State or any government agency. This information is provided for educational purposes only.

Last updated: 2025

The DV Lottery is a legitimate free opportunity. Protect yourself from scams, apply correctly, and give yourself the best chance.

Good luck!