How to Apply for the DV Lottery (Green Card Drawing): A Practical Guide for Korean Americans

The Diversity Visa (DV) Lottery is an annual program run by the U.S. Department of State that gives applicants a chance to win a green card through a random drawing. It's completely free to enter and you don't need a lawyer — but one small mistake can permanently disqualify you. Korea's eligibility has varied over the years due to high immigration numbers, so always check the official announcement for the current fiscal year before applying.

When, Who, and How to Apply

The entry window is typically early October through early November (about 30 days). The only legitimate website is dvprogram.state.gov — avoid any third-party sites charging fees, as many are scams. To be eligible, you must meet one of the following:

• Country of chargeability: Korea must be listed as an eligible country for that year's lottery (this changes annually).
• Education or work requirement: A high school diploma or equivalent, OR at least two years of qualifying work experience within the past five years in an occupation requiring at least two years of training (SVP 7 or 8 per O*NET).

The most common reason for disqualification? Photo errors. Your photo must be at least 600×600 pixels, taken within the last six months, against a plain white background, with no glasses. You'll also need to submit photos for your spouse and any unmarried children under 21. Once you submit, save your Confirmation Number — without it, you cannot check your results. There is no other way to retrieve it.

What Happens If You Win

Results are posted starting in early May of the following year on the same website — there is no notification email, so you must check yourself. Winners are assigned a Case Number, which you'll compare against the monthly Visa Bulletin to see when you can move forward. Winning does not guarantee a green card: only about 55,000 visas are issued per year, and if your number is high, you may run out of time before the fiscal year ends on September 30th.

From there, you'll choose between Adjustment of Status (Form I-485, if you're already in the U.S.) or Consular Processing (Form DS-260, through a U.S. embassy abroad). Both paths require a medical exam from a USCIS-designated physician, a background check, and several supporting documents. The right path depends heavily on your current visa status, family situation, and other factors.

Because outcomes vary significantly based on individual circumstances, we strongly recommend consulting a qualified immigration attorney before and after applying to avoid costly mistakes.