How to enter the Green Card lottery for married couples: Complete guide

The Green Card lottery, officially known as the Diversity Visa (DV) program, offers individuals and married couples a unique opportunity to obtain permanent residency in the United States.

We understand the complexities involved and provide expert assistance to ensure your application has the best chance of success.

We offer an early application possibility. Register now through us, and we'll do a full review and submit your application once the lottery opens this year (usually by October).

About the US Green Card lottery (Diversity Visa program) for couples

Are you and your spouse dreaming of living in the U.S. permanently? The Green Card Lottery could make that dream a reality.

Every year, 50,000 participants from all over the world are randomly selected to interview for permanent residency through this program, designed to promote diversity in U.S. immigration.

When applying as a married couple, you gain several advantages:

• Both spouses can apply separately if eligible, doubling your chances of success
• Derivative status for the non-winning spouse (same rights as Green Card holder)
• Children under 21 included
• Flexibility in choosing the principal applicant

How to enter the Green Card Lottery as a married couple

Yes, you can enter the U.S. Diversity Visa (DV) Lottery, also known as the Green Card Lottery, as a married couple. Here's how it works.

1. Submit two applications:

• If you are married, both you and your spouse can submit separate applications
• Each of you must list the other as a spouse in your application
• If one of you isn't eligible, only the eligible applicant can apply and their spouse can be listed on their application

2. Double your chances:

If either you or your spouse is selected, the other automatically becomes eligible for a green card as a derivative applicant.

3. Eligibility:

Both you and your spouse must meet the eligibility requirements for the DV Lottery, including being from an eligible country and meeting the education or work experience criteria (read below for more info).

Important note: You must include all eligible family members (spouse and children under 21) in your application, even if they don’t intend to immigrate. Failure to do so can result in disqualification.

iVisa Pro Tip: "Both spouses can submit separate applications if eligible, doubling your chances of selection." - Femke Strietman, iVisa travel expert

Eligiblity criteria for the Green Card Lottery

To be eligible for the U.S. Diversity Visa (DV) Lottery, you must meet the following two main criteria:

1. Country of birth: The applicant must be a native of a country that is eligible for the DV Lottery.

Generally, countries with historically low rates of immigration to the U.S. are eligible. However, spouses from non-eligible countries can still be included in their partner's application if they are from an eligible country.

Countries with high numbers of immigrants to the U.S. in the previous five years are excluded. These typically include countries like China (mainland-born), India, Mexico, and others.

2. Education or work experience: You must meet one of the following requirements:

• Education: Have at least a high school diploma or its equivalent. This means successful completion of a 12-year course of elementary and secondary education in your country.

• Work experience: If you don’t meet the education requirement, you must have two years of work experience within the past five years in an occupation that requires at least two years of training or experience to perform.

The U.S. Department of Labor's O*Net Online database is used to determine eligible occupations.

What you need to apply for the Green Card Lottery as a married couple

We help you submit an accurate, mistake-free application to improve your chances of success in the Diversity Visa program.

Simply apply on our website or download the mobile app and enter your details. We'll do a complete review of your application and offer 24/7 support throughout the process.

What you’ll need:

"Based on customer feedback, we recommend gathering documentation early and maintaining consistent information across both applications if both spouses are applying separately," advises Femke.

Frequently asked questions about married couples' applications

Can both spouses apply separately if eligible?

Yes, both spouses can submit individual entries if they meet eligibility requirements. This effectively doubles your chances of selection.

If only one of us comes from an eligible country, can my spouse come with me to the United States (if selected)?

Yes, however, only people from eligible countries can apply. If selected, the non-eligible spouse gets derivative status, meaning they have the same rights as the Green Card holder.

What happens if we marry after winning?

If you marry after winning but before visa issuance, your spouse may be eligible for derivative status, meaning that they'll get the same rights as the Green Card holder. Documentation of a genuine relationship is crucial.

As long as you can provide solid proof of your marriage, a history of at least two years in the relationship prior to marriage, and evidence of your time together, this should not be an issue.

What if we've been married less than two years?

If your marriage or relationship is less than two years old, it does not automatically disqualify you, but officials may scrutinize it more closely to ensure it is genuine and not solely for immigration purposes.

Do I automatically get a Green Card when selected in the United States Diversity Visa program?

No, this is a common misconception. When you win, you are being selected to apply. This means that you still have to go through an application process and background check, including an interview.

How do I prove my marriage or relationship status?

Provide official documentation and evidence that demonstrates the validity of your marriage or relationship, such as a marriage certificate, photos, joined financial and household records, and more.

"For the DV interview, we were not allowed to bring along any electronic devices and pieces of equipment that can hold/contain information. So we weren't allowed to bring the video cassettes and DVD with our wedding film, but were allowed to carry the photographs along." - Fatima B., recent winner

Need more info about the Green Card Lottery application?

Our customer service team is ready to assist if you have any questions about the Green Card Lottery or the DV Lottery application. Contact us any time via our customer service agents via chat or WhatsApp.