The Diversity Visa (DV) program awards up to 55,000 immigrant visas per year and allows those from countries with low immigration rates to the United States, to enter for a chance to apply for a U.S immigrant visa. Since its launch in 1990, the program has continued the ongoing policy priority to promote and maintain diversity in the United States. As of September 6, 2023, the Department of State has issued all available diversity visas (DVs) for the 2023 Diversity Visa Program. We acknowledge that the early conclusion of the 2023 program may be disappointing to selectees who were unable to receive a visa.
The 2025 Diversity Visa program entry period will open in early October of this year, and we encourage all who are eligible to apply. As previously stated in the DV-2023 program instructions, the DV program is limited to the issuance of approximately 55,000 visas each fiscal year.
Selection does not guarantee that an applicant will receive a visa interview or a visa. Selection merely means the person may be eligible to participate in the DV program and may potentially apply for a visa, but it is not a guarantee. Due to the probability that some of the first 55,000 persons selected will not qualify for visas or ultimately choose not to participate in the program, more individuals are selected to participate in the program each year than the number of visas which are available. This is done to ensure we are able to issue the maximum number of visas available under the DV program in any given year. The Department of State remains committed to facilitating travel for DV recipients and recognizes the important contributions these individuals bring to our communities.
