The Diversity Visa (DV) Lottery, also known as the 'Green Card Lottery,' offers 55,000 immigrant visas annually to citizens of countries with low rates of immigration to the United States.
Winning the lottery is exciting — but you still must prove your eligibility with specific documents.
This article lists every document required to convert your lottery win into a permanent Green Card.
Step 1: Confirm Your Basic Eligibility First
Before gathering documents, ensure you meet the two core requirements (unless you already won).
- Country of birth: You must be a native of a qualifying country (list changes yearly). If you were born in a non-qualifying country, you may claim your spouse's or parent's country under certain rules.
- Education or work experience: You must have either a high school education (12 years of formal schooling) OR two years of work experience within the last five years in an occupation requiring at least two years of training.
Critical: Winning the lottery does NOT guarantee a Green Card. You still must prove admissibility and submit proper documentation.
2. Core Identity Documents
These are required for every DV applicant (principal applicant, spouse, and unmarried children under 21).
- Valid passport: Must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your intended entry to the U.S. All family members need their own passport.
- Birth certificate: Official long-form copy showing both parents' names. If unavailable, secondary evidence (church records, affidavits) may be accepted.
- Marriage certificate (if applicable): For spouse inclusion. If previously married, submit divorce decrees or death certificates.
- Adoption decree (if applicable): For adopted children included in the application.
3. Education or Work Experience Proof (Choose One Path)
Education Path (High School Diploma Equivalent):
- High school diploma (certified copy).
- Official transcripts showing completion of 12 years of formal education.
- If your diploma is not in English: certified translation.
- Not accepted: GED (General Educational Development), vocational certificates, or online diplomas unless they are equivalent to a U.S. high school diploma under your country's system.
Work Experience Path (Two Years of Qualifying Work):
- Employment letters from all employers for the relevant period (must include job title, detailed duties, start/end dates, and hours per week).
- Tax records or pay stubs as supporting evidence.
- The occupation must appear on the Department of Labor's O*Net Online database as requiring at least two years of training (Job Zone 4 or 5, or SVP 7.0+).
Example: Plumber, electrician, chef, medical technician — these often qualify. General office clerk or cashier typically do NOT qualify.
4. Police Certificates (For Every Country of Residence)
A police certificate is required from:
- Your country of nationality (if you lived there after age 16).
- Any country where you have lived for more than 12 months in the past 10 years (age 16+).
- Any country where you were ever arrested (regardless of time).
Police certificates must be issued within the last 12 months. They cannot be expired at the time of your visa interview.
5. Court and Prison Records (If Applicable)
If you have any criminal history, you must obtain certified copies of:
- Arrest records.
- Court dispositions (including plea, sentence, and final judgment).
- Prison records (if incarcerated).
Even expunged or sealed records must be disclosed. Failure to do so is fraud.
6. Military Records (If Applicable)
If you served in the military of any country, provide a certified copy of your discharge papers (Form DD-214 or equivalent).
7. Financial Documents (Proof You Will Not Be a Public Charge)
Unlike family-based petitions, DV winners do NOT need an Affidavit of Support (Form I-864) from a U.S. sponsor.
However, you must still prove you will not become a public charge.
- Bank statements (last 6 months).
- Property deeds or asset valuations.
- Job offer letter from a U.S. employer (if available).
- Educational credentials showing high earning potential.
While not mandatory, having $10,000+ in liquid assets significantly strengthens your case.
8. Photographs
You must submit two identical passport-style photos (2x2 inches, white background, taken within 6 months).
Digital photos for the DS-260 must meet strict specifications (600x600 pixels, 24-bit color).
9. Form DS-260 Confirmation Page
After completing the online DS-260 (Immigrant Visa Application), you will receive a confirmation page.
Print this and bring it to your interview.
10. Medical Examination (After Scheduling Interview)
Once your interview is scheduled, you must complete a medical exam with a panel physician approved by the U.S. embassy in your country.
The doctor will give you a sealed envelope — do NOT open it.
Special Cases: Derivatives (Spouse and Children)
If you include family members on your DV application, each derivative needs:
- Their own birth certificate and passport.
- Marriage certificate (for spouse).
- Child's birth certificate showing both parents' names (for children).
- Proof that any child under 21 is unmarried.
Critical: You must add your spouse and children BEFORE you are issued a visa. Failure to do so permanently excludes them from your DV case.
Common Mistakes That Disqualify DV Winners
- Submitting a high school diploma that is not equivalent to 12 years of schooling (some countries require 13-14 years — check the State Department's education guide).
- Police certificates that are expired (older than 12 months).
- Missing police certificates from countries where you lived for more than 6 months.
- Including a child who turned 21 after selection but before the visa interview ('aging out') — this is not allowed unless specific protections apply (CSPA).
- Marrying after winning the lottery but before the visa is issued — this may still be allowed if the marriage was bona fide, but timing can be questioned.
Pro tip: Check the 'State Department Diversity Visa Instructions' for your specific year. Rules change slightly each year. Do not rely on old guides.
In summary, winning the DV lottery is a golden opportunity. But without the correct documents, you will be denied at the interview.
Start gathering these documents immediately after winning — some police certificates can take months to obtain.