DV Lottery Eligibility Requirements 2027
Complete guide to qualifying for the Diversity Visa Program. Check country eligibility, education requirements, and ensure you meet all criteria before applying.
Eligibility Overview
To qualify for the DV Lottery (Diversity Visa Program), you must meet two main requirements:
Country of Birth
You must be born in an eligible country, or qualify through your spouse or parents' country of birth.
Education or Work Experience
You must have either a high school education or 2 years of work experience in a qualifying occupation.
Country of Birth Eligibility
Basic Rules
Countries become ineligible if they have sent more than 50,000 immigrants to the United States in the past 5 years across all immigration categories. The list changes each year.
Alternative Qualifying Methods
- Spouse's Country: If your spouse was born in an eligible country, you can claim their country of birth
- Parents' Country: You can claim your parents' country of birth if:
- Neither parent was born in your country of birth
- Neither parent was a resident of your country of birth when you were born
Ineligible Countries for DV-2027
Countries NOT eligible (preliminary list):
Note: This list may change. Always verify with the official DV program announcement.
Eligible Countries by Region
Africa
Asia
Europe
North America
Oceania
South America
Education Requirements
High School Education
✅ Qualifying Education
- High school diploma or equivalent
- 12 years of elementary and secondary education
- Educational system completion equivalent to U.S. high school
International Education Equivalents
United Kingdom
- GCSE (General Certificate of Secondary Education)
- A-Levels
- Scottish Higher
Other Countries
- Baccalaureate (France)
- Abitur (Germany)
- Matriculation Certificate
- Senior Secondary School Certificate
Work Experience Alternative
If you don't have sufficient education, you can qualify through work experience:
Work Experience Requirements
- Duration: At least 2 years of work experience within the past 5 years
- Occupation Type: Must require at least 2 years of training or experience
- SVP Rating: Occupation must have SVP (Specific Vocational Preparation) rating of 7.0 or higher
- Recent Experience: Experience must be within 5 years preceding your DV application
Qualifying Occupations (Examples)
Healthcare
- Registered Nurse
- Medical Technologist
- Dental Hygienist
- Physical Therapist
Technology
- Software Developer
- Network Administrator
- Database Administrator
- Web Developer
Skilled Trades
- Electrician
- Plumber
- Auto Mechanic
- HVAC Technician
Business & Finance
- Accountant
- Marketing Manager
- Sales Manager
- Financial Analyst
Work Experience Documentation
If selected, you must provide:
- Letters from employers verifying work experience
- Job descriptions showing required training/experience
- Employment contracts or certificates
- Professional licenses or certifications
Special Eligibility Cases
Spouse Qualification
If you're married, you can use your spouse's country of birth to qualify, even if your own country is ineligible.
Parents' Country Qualification
You can claim your parents' country of birth if specific conditions are met:
- Neither parent was born in your country of birth
- Neither parent was legally residing in your country of birth when you were born
- You can claim either parent's country of birth
Children's Eligibility
Your unmarried children under 21 can be included in your application and will derive eligibility from your qualification.
What Does NOT Qualify
Eligibility Documentation Tips
Before Applying
- Verify your country's eligibility status for the current year
- Gather education certificates or work experience documentation
- If claiming spouse's country, ensure you'll be married before any visa interview
- If claiming parents' country, verify the specific circumstances of their residence
If Selected
- Obtain official birth certificates for yourself (and spouse/parents if claiming their countries)
- Get official education transcripts with certified translations if needed
- Collect work experience verification letters from all relevant employers
- Prepare marriage certificate if claiming spouse's country
Check Your Country's Eligibility
Verify if your country qualifies for the DV-2027 program