The Diversity Visa Program offers up to 55,000 immigrant visas each year to applicants from countries with low rates of U.S. immigration. Entries are submitted online during a short registration window each fall. For DV-2026 the dates ran from October 2 to November 7, so DV-2027 is expected to follow a similar early October to early November window in 2025. The State Department will post the exact dates on its official site. Mark your calendar now and watch for that announcement in September.
Who can apply at a glance
• Country eligibility: Only natives of eligible countries may apply.
• Education or work experience: At least a high school education or its equivalent, or two years of qualifying work experience in an occupation that requires at least two years of training.
• One entry per person: Multiple entries by the same person will lead to disqualification.
• Include family: List your spouse and all unmarried children under 21 on the entry even if they do not plan to immigrate.
Full eligibility details appear in the official instructions that publish each year.
How to apply in five steady steps
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Gather documents in advance. You do not submit documents with the entry. You will need correct legal names and birthdates for you, your spouse, and all eligible children.
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Prepare a compliant photo for each person. See the photo checklist below.
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Submit one electronic entry during the open period. Use the official entry site only. Keep the confirmation number that appears after you submit.
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Check results online using Entrant Status Check in May 2026. There are no emails or phone calls from the government telling you that you “won.”
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If selected, complete DS-260 online and follow the steps to schedule your interview. Consider getting legal advice early if you have prior immigration issues, arrests, or complex family details.
Photo rules that prevent rejections
The State Department rejects many entries over photos. Use a new photo taken within the last six months for every person on the entry. The image should be 600 x 600 pixels, square, color, on a plain white or off-white background, with a neutral expression, eyes open, and the head centered and sized correctly. Do not wear glasses, hats, or uniforms unless they are daily religious garments that do not obscure the face. Save the image as a JPEG that meets the file size and color requirements listed in the year’s instructions. When in doubt, take new photos rather than reusing old images.
New Jersey timing tips
New Jersey applicants often balance school schedules, seasonal work, and fall holidays. Build time in October to take compliant photos, collect family information, and submit your entry without rushing. If you live far from a photo studio, plan a weekend visit to get consistent lighting and a simple background.
Avoiding DV-2027 scams in New Jersey
Scams target applicants across the state with emails, social posts, and flyers. Keep these rules in mind:
• There is no fee to submit a DV entry.
• The U.S. government will not email, text, call, WhatsApp, or DM you to tell you that you were selected. You must check your status yourself with your confirmation number.
• Only the official website is used for entry and for checking results. Do not share your confirmation number with strangers.
• Never pay anyone who promises a guaranteed selection, a “priority spot,” or special access.
• If you think you were targeted, you can report it to federal or state consumer protection offices.
These warnings come straight from the U.S. government’s fraud alerts.
If you are selected in May 2026
Selection does not give you a green card. It gives you the chance to apply for an immigrant visa or to adjust status, subject to quotas by region and country. You will complete Form DS-260 for yourself and for each immigrating family member. You must remain eligible through your interview and visa issuance. If your marital status or family composition changes after entry, you must update your case correctly.
Plan B in case DV-2027 is not an option
If you are not selected, or if your home country is not eligible, you may still have paths to permanent residence. Family, employment, humanitarian protection, and special programs are common avenues. For example, if you are married to a U.S. citizen and live in New Jersey, you can explore marriage-based residency. Our page on applying for a green card explains the basic routes and paperwork.
If you entered the United States without inspection years ago, you may be curious about Section 245 i and whether a past petition could help you. Our overview breaks down how 245 i works and who it covers.
If you fear returning to your country or have a history of harm, read more about asylum eligibility and how it is decided.
If you have an order of removal or are in proceedings while hoping for the lottery, learn how appeals work in New Jersey and why timelines matter.
Common mistakes that cause DV entries to fail
• Using an old photo or one with a busy background.
• Forgetting to list a spouse or an eligible child on the original entry.
• Submitting two entries for the same person.
• Entering through a third-party website that is not the official portal.
• Losing your confirmation number and being unable to check your status.
• Rushing close to the deadline, then getting locked out by a slow internet connection.
The solution is to prepare early, use compliant photos, and submit one accurate entry on the official site.
Practical checklist for New Jersey applicants
• Confirm you are from an eligible country and meet the education or work experience rule.
• Take fresh photos for you and each family member. Store them in a clearly labeled folder.
• Decide on a day in early October to submit your entry when you have a reliable internet connection.
• Screenshot and save your confirmation number in at least two places.
• Create a reminder to check results in May 2026.
• If selected, schedule a consultation with a qualified immigration lawyer before you submit DS-260 if you have any prior immigration issues or arrests.
How The Scheer Immigration Law Group can help
From our Morristown office, we serve applicants across Morris, Essex, Sussex, Bergen, Warren, Passaic, and Union Counties, and nearby areas. Our team is known for clear explanations, bilingual staff, and a practical roadmap that reduces mistakes and stress while you prepare for DV-2027 or consider other residency options. If you need help evaluating marriage-based, employment, asylum, or appeals strategies alongside the lottery, start with our New Jersey green card resource.
When to talk with a lawyer about DV-2027
Consider legal advice if you have prior overstays, multiple entries, a criminal record, complex family changes after entry, or if you are already in immigration court. A short meeting can prevent costly missteps and help you decide whether to pursue a different path to permanent residence while you wait.
Have questions about DV-2027 or a backup plan in case you are not selected? Call The Scheer Immigration Law Group at (973) 532-5330 or request a consultation through our Morristown page.