DV Lottery 2026: How to enter the Green Card Lottery as a German citizen

Looking to move to the United States? The DV Lottery is your chance to win permanent residency, and the registration period for this year is now open until November 5, 2024.

As a German citizen, you’re eligible to apply for this exciting opportunity. Keep reading to find out how you can enter the lottery.

What is the Green Card Lottery?

The Green Card Lottery, also known as the Diversity Visa Lottery, is a program run by the US State Department that selects 50,000 winners randomly to enter the US as permanent residents.

It's a simple process, and you don’t need much to apply—just a few details and a photo. With a rejection rate of 0%, using iVisa gives you the best possible chance of having a complete and error-free application.

Learn more about the Green Card Lottery form

Can German citizens apply for the Green Card Lottery?

Yes. Germany is among the eligible countries because it hasn’t sent a high number of immigrants to the US in recent years. As a German citizen, you can apply for the DV Lottery easily.

You can check the USAGov website for a list of all eligible countries.

Can I apply for the Green Card Lottery at any time?

If you’re handling the application yourself, you can only enter the lottery during the registration period from October to November each year. However, if you use iVisa, you can apply anytime. We’ll take care of submitting your form as soon as the registration period opens, ensuring that your application is submitted on time.

DV Lottery Form difficulty rating: easy

The DV Lottery Form has a difficulty rating of just 15/100, making it one of the simplest applications you can complete. With 14 questions to answer and only a digital passport photo required, entering the DV Lottery is quick and easy.

What information is required to fill out the Green Card Lottery form?

When applying for the DV Lottery, you’ll need to provide the following details:

1.Name – List your last/family name, first name, and middle name exactly as they appear on your passport. If you only have one name, enter it in the last/family name field.

2.Gender – Select male or female.

3.Birth date – Provide your date of birth (day, month, year).

4.City and country of birth – Include the current country name for your place of birth.

5.Country of eligibility – Typically the same as your birth country. If not eligible, review other options on the USAGov website.

6.Photograph(s) – Submit a recent passport-style photo of yourself (plus your spouse and children, if applicable). Photos must meet US visa photo requirements.

7.Mailing address – Provide your complete mailing address, including country and postal code.

8.Country of residence – Indicate where you currently live.

9.Email address – A valid email address that you’ll continue using through May of the following year.

10.Highest education level – Choose from options like a high school diploma, university degree, or vocational school.

11.Marital status – Indicate if you are single, married, divorced, widowed, or legally separated.

12.Children information – List the names, birth dates, and places of birth for all unmarried children under 21. Include individual photos that meet the same standards as your own.

iVisa pro tip: Be sure to include your spouse in the application, even if you're currently separated. Leaving them out or listing someone who isn’t your spouse can disqualify you and make your spouse and children ineligible, too. The only time you don’t need to list them is if you're legally separated.

How to enter the Green Card Lottery from Germany with us

The US State Department has strict rules about submitting your application on time—late submissions or multiple entries will automatically disqualify you. Here’s how you can avoid any mistakes by applying with us:

• Step 1: Enter your personal and travel details on our website or via the iVisa app.

• Step 2: Verify your information to ensure everything is accurate. Pay the service fee using a credit card, debit card, PayPal, or Venmo.

• Step 3: Upload your passport photo after completing the rest of the form. We’ll review your application and provide you with a confirmation number.

Once you have your confirmation number, you can use it to check your status on the Electronic Diversity Visa Program website starting in May 2025.

What will I receive from iVisa?

After completing the application, we’ll send your confirmation number via email, allowing you to track your status in the DV Lottery. While we handle the initial steps of your application, remember that if selected, you’ll need to proceed with the diversity visa process and attend an interview at the US embassy in your country.

If you’re approved for the visa, you’ll have 6 months to enter the United States and start your new life.

Why you should use iVisa

At iVisa, we’ve helped thousands of German customers apply for the Green Card Lottery with confidence. With an approval rate of 100%, we make sure your application is submitted without any issues.

"I was really happy with how easy everything felt with iVisa. Anytime I had a question, they were quick to respond and super helpful. It just made the whole thing a lot less stressful." — Lena S, Germany

How can I contact you for more information?

If you have any questions about completing the Green Card Lottery form or need help during the process, feel free to contact us via WhatsApp or iVisa chat.