Each year, the United States issues a limited number of diversity immigrant visas through the DV lottery, opening life-changing opportunities for eligible applicants worldwide. Understanding which countries qualify for the 2019 lottery is essential for planning a lawful path toward permanent residency abroad.
Below is a structured overview of the most relevant details for the 2019 DV lottery, including eligibility, regional rules, and key timelines for applicants.
| Year | Lottery Name | Eligible Region | Qualifying Countries |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2019 | Diversity Visa (DV-2019) | Americas | Select nations with low immigration rates |
| 2019 | Diversity Visa (DV-2019) | Europe | Countries excluding those with high recent immigration |
| 2019 | Diversity Visa (DV-2019) | Africa | All African nations typically eligible |
| 2019 | Diversity Visa (DV-2019) | Asia | Select nations such as Bangladesh and Korea |
Eligibility Criteria by Country
Countries are evaluated for DV lottery eligibility based on historical immigration patterns to the United States over the past five years. Those with lower rates are prioritized to promote diversity.
Officials publish a list of qualifying countries annually, and each applicant must verify that their birth country or their spouse’s birth country appears on this designated list.
Regional Quotas and Restrictions
Every region has a capped share of the total visas issued each year to ensure fair distribution. No single country can receive more than 7 percent of the total DV visas.
This cap influences whether certain populous nations remain eligible or are temporarily excluded, creating a dynamic landscape for applicants across different continents.
Document Requirements by Region
Applicants from eligible countries must submit consistent documentation, including valid passports, recent photographs, and proof of eligibility under the program rules.
Region-specific instructions often highlight administrative processing, interview scheduling, and additional steps for applicants from areas with previous compliance concerns.
Country Selection Process
How the Department of State Determines Eligible Countries
The selection process reviews immigrant visa issuance statistics from the Department of Homeland Security, filtering out nations with high rates of family-sponsored and employment-based immigration.
This systematic review ensures that only countries meeting the low-admission threshold remain on the eligible list for the upcoming lottery registration period.
Applying and Complying with Rules
Key Steps for Applicants from Eligible Regions
Registration through the official State Department website, confirming eligibility criteria, and preparing supporting documents are fundamental steps for every applicant.
Final Notes on Eligible Regions
Staying informed about changing eligibility requirements helps applicants avoid registration errors and supports a smoother path toward potential permanent residency.
- Verify your country’s eligibility each year before starting your application.
- Use only the official State Department website to submit your entry.
- Prepare clear digital photographs and accurate personal information.
- Monitor official communication channels for updates on submission dates and interview procedures.
FAQ
Reader questions
Which countries in Africa are eligible for DV-2019?
All African countries are typically eligible for the DV-2019 lottery, given the region’s low overall immigration rates to the United States.
Can a person from the United Kingdom apply for DV-2019?
No, the United Kingdom is not eligible for DV-2019 because it has had sufficient immigration to the United States in recent years, disqualifying it from the lottery.
Is it possible for someone from Poland to apply for DV-2019?
Poland is generally not eligible for DV-2019 due to higher levels of legal immigration recorded over the past five years, placing it above the threshold for exclusion.
What should an applicant from Vietnam verify before registering for DV-2019?
Applicants from Vietnam should confirm that their country remains on the official list of qualifying nations for the fiscal year and follow specific submission guidelines outlined by the Department of State.