The United States Diversity Visa Lottery, commonly known as the Green Card Lottery, is a U.S. government program that offers 55,000 immigrant visas each year to people from countries with historically low immigration rates to the United States.
Pakistani citizens are eligible for the Diversity Visa (DV) program because Pakistan qualifies as a low-immigration country. Winners obtain the legal right to live, work, and study permanently in the USA.
What Are the Key Details for the 2026 DV Lottery?
Below are the official details for the 2026 U.S. Diversity Visa Lottery:
- Entry Period: October 2, 2024 – November 5, 2024
- Eligibility: Pakistani citizens are eligible
- Application Fee: Free
- Official Website: dvprogram.state.gov
- Winners Announcement: May 2025
- Visa Application Window: October 1, 2025 – September 30, 2026
Important Note for Pakistani Applicants:
The U.S. government has proposed requiring applicants to upload a valid passport scan at the time of entry for DV-2026. This rule is not final yet but may affect applicants from Pakistan. Always refer to dvprogram.state.gov for updates.
What Are the Eligibility Requirements?
1. Country of Birth
To qualify, you must be born in an eligible country. Pakistan is eligible for DV-2026.
If your birth country is not eligible, you can still qualify if:
- Your spouse was born in an eligible country, or
- Neither of your parents were legal residents of your birth country
2. Education or Work Experience
You must satisfy at least one of these:
- A High school education or equivalent (Inter/HSSC accepted)
- Two years of work experience within the last five years in an occupation requiring at least two years of training
For Pakistani applicants, typical acceptable qualifications include:
- Matric + Intermediate (Science/Arts/Commerce)
- Recognized vocational diplomas with documented training
How to Apply for the Diversity Visa Lottery from Pakistan?
The DV lottery is applied online directly on the official U.S. government site. Below is the Pakistan-focused step-by-step process:
1. Check Eligibility
Confirm:
- Pakistan is eligible
- You meet education or work requirements
2. Gather Required Information
You will need:
- Full legal name (as per passport)
- Date of birth
- City and country of birth
- Passport details (number, issuance, expiry)
- Marital status
- Information for spouse and children
Important for Pakistani applicants:
- List all children, including biological, adopted, and step-children
- You must list your spouse even if they do not plan to immigrate
3. Prepare DV-Lottery Photos
You need recent, biometric-style photos for:
- Yourself
- Your spouse
- Your children
Photo requirements:
- 600×600 pixels
- White background
- Neutral expression
- No blur, shadows, glasses, or editing
4. Fill Out the Online Application
Submit the entry on:
dvprogram.state.gov
Important notes:
- Only one entry per person
- Use correct spellings as per passport
- Enter accurate family information
- Do not use agents who submit multiple entries
5. Save Your Confirmation Number
This is critical. Without it, you cannot check your result in May 2025.
Write it down, screenshot it, and email it to yourself.
What Is the Cost for Pakistani Applicants?
- DV Lottery Entry Fee: Free
- No Pakistani agent, consultant, or lawyer can charge a U.S. government fee for entry.
- If selected, the following costs apply later:
Typical expenses include:
- Visa fee (approx. USD 330 per person)
- Medical exam fee in Pakistan
- Police certificate
- Passport renewal (if needed)
Actual amounts vary based on exchange rates and service fees.
What Is the Timeline?
Key Dates for Pakistani DV Applicants
- October–November 2024: Submit your DV-2026 entry
- May 2025: Check results online
- October 2025 – September 2026: Submit immigrant visa application (DS-260)
- Up to Sept 30, 2026: Visa must be issued
The process typically takes 12–18 months from entry to receiving a visa.
How Does the Selection and Notification Process Work?
- Winners are chosen by a random computer draw
- No email or letter is sent to notify the winners
- You must use your confirmation number to check your status on:
Entrant Status Check Portal
What Happens Next After Selection?
If selected, you will:
- Receive a case number
- Fill out your DS-260 visa application form online
- Submit supporting documents
- Attend medical exam in Pakistan (Karachi/Islamabad/Lahore depending on panel physician)
- Attend an interview at the U.S. Embassy in Islamabad
You must satisfy all standard immigrant visa requirements, including:
- Security background checks
- Medical admissibility
- Financial qualifications
How to Avoid Scams?
Scammers often target DV applicants in Pakistan. Keep the following in mind:
- The application is 100% free
- No U.S. government official will email or call you
- Avoid consultants who guarantee selection
- Only check results on dvprogram.state.gov
If you need any help please contact Go Foreign and get free consultation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can a Pakistani apply without an agent?
Yes. Applying through the official website is simple and free.
Is a passport required?
A valid Pakistani passport may be required for DV-2026 depending on U.S. rule updates.
Can married applicants apply separately?
Yes. Husband and wife can both submit separate entries, doubling chances.
Does DV Lottery allow dependents?
Yes, spouse and unmarried children under 21 are included.
✅ Can I work in the USA after winning?
Yes. Green card holders can work legally for any employer.
