Produced in cooperation with the U.S. Department of State.
Each year, the U.S. Department of State runs the Diversity Visa Lottery Program. That program lets people from some countries apply to be a "Lawful Permanent Resident." That is what many people call "getting a Green Card."
You can enter the lottery if you are from an eligible country and you meet the educational or work requirements. If your entry is picked, you get the chance to apply to be a Lawful Permanent Resident.
But dishonest people might try to trick you. Learn the facts about the Diversity Visa Lottery Program. It can help you avoid these scams.
This is what you need to know:
You can enter once each year. If you enter the Diversity Visa Lottery more than once in a year, your entries will not count. Your spouse can enter separately if he or she qualifies.
If your entry is picked, you can include your spouse on your application, and children if they are single and under 21.
You enter the Diversity Visa Lottery at dvlottery.state.gov. Then the State Department gives you a confirmation number. Keep that number safe. You will need it to check your status.
Diversity Visa Lottery winners are picked at random by a computer. There is no way to increase your chance of being picked.
You can find out your status only at dvlottery.state.gov. The State Department will never send you a letter or email to say you won. If you see that kind of message, it is a scam.
If your entry is picked, you will have to pay a fee. You pay it only when you go to the U.S. embassy or consulate for your appointment. The U.S. government will never ask you to send money in advance by check, money order, or wire transfer.
Scammers try to trick people who enter the Diversity Visa Lottery. Scammers might:
If you remember how the Diversity Visa Lottery works, it will be hard for scammers to get your money.
If you suspect a scam, please report it to the Federal Trade Commission:
You can give as much information as you want. Investigators are happy for any information you give.
The FTC works to prevent fraudulent, deceptive and unfair business practices in the marketplace and to provide information to help consumers spot, stop and avoid them. To file a complaint or get free information on consumer issues, visit ftc.gov or call toll-free, 1-877-FTC-HELP (1-877-382-4357); TTY: 1-866-653-4261. Watch a video, How to File a Complaint, at ftc.gov/video to learn more. The FTC enters consumer complaints into the Consumer Sentinel Network, a secure online database and investigative tool used by hundreds of civil and criminal law enforcement agencies in the U.S. and abroad.