The U.S. Department of State has officially opened the online registration for the 2025 Diversity Visa (DV) lottery starting Wednesday, Oct. 4, 2023, at 12:00 PM EDT. Notably, the DV program, often known as the “Green Card Lottery,” allows nationals from certain countries with low immigration rates to the United States to potentially secure permanent residence rights.
This lottery program is crucial for a maximum of 55,000 “diversity immigrants”, who will obtain the opportunity to make the United States their home permanently. Applications for the DV-2025 lottery must be submitted electronically by 12:00 PM EST on Tuesday, Nov. 7, 2023. Each year, millions of people apply, however, only a select few are chosen as part of the government’s rigorous lottery process. This opportunity presents a unique pathway to U.S. residency that bypasses the family or employment sponsorship typically needed for immigration.
Interestingly, this round of the DV lottery brings a new development: the inclusion of Israel in the Visa Waiver Program. This allows Israeli nationals to travel to the U.S. as tourists or on business for up to 90 days without a visa. The move not only eases the travel between the two countries but also deepens their relationship by fostering greater economic and cultural exchanges.
Like every other year, applicants are urged to be vigilant to avoid scams promising guaranteed winning results or asking for payment in return for a winning spot. The State Department has issued reminders that it only communicates regarding the lottery via its official designated channels
To continue reading about the DV lottery, the application process, and the inclusion of Israel into the Visa Waiver Program, follow the full coverage from Kramer Levin Naftalis & Frankel LLP.