Country eligibility is the first and most crucial requirement for the DV Lottery program. Understanding which countries qualify for DV-2027 can save you time and help you explore alternative qualification paths if your birth country is ineligible.
How Country Eligibility is Determined
The U.S. State Department determines country eligibility based on immigration statistics from the previous five years. Countries that have sent more than 50,000 immigrants to the United States are made ineligible for the following year’s DV Lottery.
This system ensures the “diversity” aspect of the Diversity Visa program by encouraging immigration from countries with historically lower rates of U.S. immigration.
Countries NOT Eligible for DV-2027
The following countries are INELIGIBLE for the DV-2027 program due to high immigration rates:
Asia
- Bangladesh - High immigration rate
- China (mainland-born) - High immigration rate
- India - High immigration rate
- Pakistan - High immigration rate
- Philippines - High immigration rate
- South Korea - High immigration rate
- Vietnam - High immigration rate
North America
- Canada - High immigration rate
- Dominican Republic - High immigration rate
- El Salvador - High immigration rate
- Guatemala - High immigration rate
- Haiti - High immigration rate
- Honduras - High immigration rate
- Jamaica - High immigration rate
- Mexico - High immigration rate
South America
- Brazil - High immigration rate
- Colombia - High immigration rate
- Venezuela - High immigration rate
Europe
- United Kingdom - High immigration rate
- Exception: Northern Ireland residents may claim Ireland
Africa
- Nigeria - High immigration rate
Special Cases and Exceptions
Northern Ireland Exception
While the United Kingdom is ineligible, persons born in Northern Ireland may choose to be charged to either:
- United Kingdom (ineligible), or
- Ireland (eligible)
This choice must be made at the time of application and cannot be changed later.
Hong Kong and Macau
- Hong Kong - Eligible (separate from mainland China)
- Macau - Eligible (separate from mainland China)
Countries That ARE Eligible
The vast majority of countries worldwide remain eligible for DV-2027. Here are some examples by continent:
Europe (Most Countries Eligible)
- Germany, France, Italy, Spain
- Poland, Romania, Bulgaria
- Netherlands, Belgium, Switzerland
- Norway, Sweden, Denmark
- Ireland, Portugal, Greece
- And most other European countries
Asia (Selected Examples)
- Japan, Indonesia, Thailand
- Malaysia, Singapore, Myanmar
- Nepal, Sri Lanka, Mongolia
- Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan
- Iran, Iraq, Afghanistan
- And many other Asian countries
Africa (Most Countries Eligible)
- South Africa, Kenya, Ghana
- Ethiopia, Egypt, Morocco
- Tanzania, Uganda, Rwanda
- Cameroon, Senegal, Mali
- And most other African countries
Oceania (All Eligible)
- Australia, New Zealand
- Fiji, Papua New Guinea
- Samoa, Tonga, Vanuatu
- And all other Pacific nations
Americas (Selected Examples)
- Argentina, Chile, Peru
- Uruguay, Paraguay, Bolivia
- Nicaragua, Costa Rica, Panama
- And other eligible countries
Alternative Qualification Methods
If you were born in an ineligible country, you may still qualify through:
1. Spouse’s Country of Birth
If you’re married to someone born in an eligible country:
- Your spouse must also be named on the entry
- Both of you must be issued visas and travel together
- This applies to same-sex marriages recognized by the U.S.
2. Parents’ Country of Birth
If neither of your parents was born in your ineligible birth country, you can claim eligibility through either parent’s birth country, provided:
- Neither parent was born in your birth country
- Neither parent was a resident of your birth country at your birth
- You can document your parents’ birth countries
Example Scenarios
Scenario 1: You were born in India (ineligible), but your spouse was born in Germany (eligible).
Result: You may qualify using your spouse’s country of birth.
Scenario 2: You were born in China (ineligible), but your mother was born in Japan (eligible) and your father in Korea (eligible).
Result: You may qualify using either parent’s country of birth.
Scenario 3: You were born in Mexico (ineligible) to Mexican parents who were both Mexican residents.
Result: No alternative qualification available.
Documentation Requirements
For alternative qualification claims, you may need:
For Spouse’s Country
- Marriage certificate
- Spouse’s birth certificate
- Proof spouse was born in eligible country
For Parents’ Country
- Your birth certificate showing parents’ names
- Parents’ birth certificates
- Evidence parents were not residents of your birth country at your birth
Regional Limitations
Even if your country is eligible, there are regional visa limitations:
- Africa: Maximum 28,200 visas
- Asia: Maximum 8,800 visas
- Europe: Maximum 16,800 visas
- North America: Maximum 700 visas
- Oceania: Maximum 700 visas
- South America: Maximum 700 visas
No single country can receive more than 7% of total visas (approximately 3,850 visas).
Changes from Previous Years
Newly Ineligible Countries (DV-2027)
Based on recent immigration data, the ineligible country list remains similar to DV-2027, with potential minor changes that will be announced officially.
Countries to Watch
These countries have increasing immigration rates and may become ineligible in future years:
- Monitor official announcements each year
- Immigration patterns can change quickly
Country Eligibility Checker Tool
Use our interactive country checker to instantly verify eligibility:
Check Your Country Eligibility
Simply enter your country of birth to get instant results plus information about alternative qualification methods.
Important Reminders
- Birth Country Matters Most - Citizenship doesn’t determine eligibility, birth country does
- Check Every Year - Eligibility can change annually
- Official Sources Only - Always verify with official State Department information
- Document Everything - Keep proof of alternative qualifications
- Plan Ahead - Gather required documents before the application period
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: I’m a U.S. citizen born in an ineligible country. Can my spouse from an eligible country apply? A: No, U.S. citizens cannot participate in the DV Lottery regardless of where they were born.
Q: I was adopted from an ineligible country by parents from an eligible country. Which country do I claim? A: You must use your birth country unless you qualify through adoptive parents under specific circumstances.
Q: Can I choose which parent’s country to claim if both are from eligible countries? A: Yes, if you qualify through parents, you can choose either parent’s eligible birth country.
Regional Analysis
Why These Countries Are Ineligible
The ineligible countries represent the largest sources of U.S. immigration:
- Mexico: Largest source of U.S. immigrants
- China/India: Large populations with high U.S. immigration rates
- Philippines: Historical high immigration to U.S.
- Central America: Recent surge in immigration
Eligible Countries with High Success Rates
Some eligible countries have historically high selection rates:
- Many African countries
- Eastern European countries
- Some Asian countries with lower immigration rates
Planning Your Application
If Your Country is Eligible
- Gather required documents early
- Prepare compliant photos
- Review all application requirements
- Submit during the registration period
If Your Country is Ineligible
- Check spouse’s eligibility
- Research parents’ birth countries
- Gather alternative qualification documents
- Consider future eligibility changes
Stay Updated
Country eligibility can change each year. Stay informed through:
- Official U.S. State Department announcements
- Our newsletter updates
- Annual program instructions
- Immigration law changes
Related Resources
- DV Lottery Photo Requirements
- Complete Application Guide
- Alternative Qualification Guide
- Country Eligibility Interactive Checker
Remember: Country eligibility is just the first step. Even if you’re eligible, you must meet all other requirements including education/work experience and submit a compliant application with proper photos.
The information in this guide is based on current DV-2027 requirements and historical patterns. Always refer to official U.S. State Department sources for the most current and authoritative information.