Complete guide to the Green Card Lottery for Japanese citizens

The entry period for the DV-2026 Diversity Visa Program was between October 2, 2024 and November 5, 2024. Entries are not being accepted at this time. You can still visit the US, but you'll need to apply for a US ESTA first. Find out if you’re eligible.

The Diversity Visa Program, commonly known as the Green Card Lottery, offers a rare chance for Japanese citizens to become permanent residents of the United States. This guide breaks down eligibility, timelines, and smart next steps to keep your American dream alive, whether you’re looking to live stateside or just want to visit.

Are Japanese citizens eligible for the Green Card Lottery?

Yes, Japanese citizens are eligible to apply for the Diversity Visa (DV) Lottery. According to the official DV-2026 instructions from the U.S. State Department, Japan qualifies due to its low immigration rates to the United States in the last five years. This means Japanese citizens can participate in the annual draw.

To qualify, you must:

• Have at least a high school education or its equivalent
• OR two years of qualifying work experience in an eligible occupation
• Have a valid passport
• Meet all other entry requirements, such as background checks and photo specifications

"The Diversity Visa Program offers Japanese nationals a fair opportunity to pursue U.S. permanent residency without employer or family sponsorship."

/usa/p/dv-lottery-entry-form

Application steps and required documents

The DV Lottery application period is generally open from early October to early November each year. For DV-2026, the registration window ran from October 2 to November 5, 2024. All applications had to be submitted electronically through the official U.S. Department of State website.

You’ll need:

• A valid passport
• A recent digital photo that meets strict U.S. visa photo guidelines
• Your educational credentials or employment history

Pro tip: “Photos that don’t meet U.S. specifications are one of the most common reasons for disqualification. Use the U.S. State Department’s photo tools to check yours before submitting.”

What happens if you're selected?

DV Lottery selections are made at random. If you’re chosen, you’ll be eligible to apply for one of the 55,000 Diversity Visas granted globally. You’ll need to:

• Check your result through the Entrant Status Check starting in May 2025
• Submit the DS-260 form
• Schedule and attend an interview at the U.S. Embassy in Tokyo

We do not currently assist with Green Card Lottery applications. You must apply directly through the official U.S. government website.

Want to travel to the U.S. in the meantime?

If you're not ready to immigrate but still want to explore the U.S., Japanese citizens can apply for a U.S. ESTA under the Visa Waiver Program. This travel authorization is valid for tourism, business, and short-term visits up to 90 days.

✅ Online application in minutes

✅ Valid for 2 years

✅ No embassy visit required

Why travel with iVisa?

We’ve helped over a million travelers breeze through visa applications and document prep. While we don’t support Green Card Lottery applications, we make it easy to get your travel documents like the ESTA, with:

• Friendly expert support
• Fast processing options
• Real-time updates on your status

Our customer service team is ready to assist if you have any questions about traveling to the United States and the ESTA application. Contact us anytime via WhatsApp or iVisa chat.