US Dream DV Lottery Set to Return: Here's How to Apply

A US federal court has ordered the State Department to begin registration for the Diversity Immigrant Visa (DV) Lottery 2027 by November 1, following a prolonged period of uncertainty. Under the order, the department must publish a detailed registration schedule by October 29. Forbes reported the development.

US District Judge Jinsook Ohta issued the order on Monday, October 19, in a lawsuit filed over the failure to open registration within the expected timeframe. The US State Department and Secretary of State Marco Rubio were named as defendants in the case.

Under the court order, the department must publish the lottery notice by October 29 and open the registration portal on November 1. Registration must remain open for at least 30 days. The order also sets December 3 as the deadline for notifying selected applicants.

How to Apply and Eligibility Requirements

The Diversity Visa Lottery is a US immigration programme that offers eligible applicants an opportunity to obtain permanent residency. Those selected can apply for an immigrant visa, subject to meeting the required conditions. However, selection in the lottery does not guarantee a visa or green card. Applicants must complete the relevant procedures, including document verification, eligibility assessment and security screening.

Under the general rules, applicants must have at least a high school education or its equivalent. Alternatively, qualifying work experience in an eligible occupation may meet the requirement. Applicants generally do not need a job offer from a US employer to enter the programme.

Can Bangladeshis Apply?

It remains unclear whether people born in Bangladesh will be eligible for the DV Lottery 2027. Applicants must wait for official guidance from the US State Department to confirm the country's eligibility. Although the court has set a deadline for registration to begin, Bangladesh's eligibility must be confirmed separately.

The US State Department has advised applicants to follow official government announcements. It has also warned people to be cautious of individuals or organisations demanding money while guaranteeing lottery selection. Applicants should rely on instructions published on the department's official website for final information on registration dates, eligible countries and application procedures.

In December 2025, the US State Department temporarily suspended the Diversity Visa Lottery, also known as the Green Card Lottery, worldwide as part of efforts to strengthen national security screening.