USA Green Card Lottery for UK Citizens

How to apply for the Green Card Lottery for UK citizens (DV-2026)

iVisa

3 min read

Updated on Aug 11, 2025

Summary

Visa class: Traditional visa (requires paper-based documentation and in-person interview)
Difficulty rating: Moderate (random selection, with a thorough documentation process if selected)
Approval rate: Dependent on selection in the lottery (approximately 1 in 200 chance)
Visa details: Single-entry immigrant visa leads to permanent U.S. residency (Green Card)
Validity: Up to 6 months to enter the U.S. after receiving the visa
Maximum stay: Permanent residency (indefinite stay with a Green Card)
Average processing time: Application results are announced in May; full processing can take several months after selection
Visas processed: 55,000 diversity visas available annually, with applications submitted from eligible countries worldwide

Do you dream of living in the USA? The Green Card Lottery, also known as the Diversity Visa (DV) Lottery, is a great opportunity for UK citizens to apply for U.S. permanent residency. Following their recent inclusion in the program, UK citizens are now eligible to participate in the DV-2026 lottery.

While the application window for DV-2025 has closed, you can still apply for DV-2026, which offers 55,000 U.S. permanent resident visas to applicants from eligible countries, including the UK. Here’s everything you need to know about the process.

How to apply for the Green Card Lottery for UK citizens

Although the DV-2025 application period has ended, UK citizens can apply for DV-2026 starting from October 2, 2024, to November 5, 2024. Results will be announced in May 2025. Follow these steps to apply:

1.Submit your application: Visit the U.S. State Department’s Diversity Visa (DV) Lottery website during the registration period to complete your application. Ensure all details are accurate, as errors or duplicate entries can disqualify you.

2.Wait for results: Results for DV-2026 will be announced in May 2025. You can check your status online using your confirmation number.

3.If selected: You’ll need to complete a medical exam and provide documents proving your eligibility, such as your passport and birth certificate.

4.Visa interview: Attend your visa interview at the U.S. Embassy or Consulate, bringing all the required documents. The consular officer will verify your eligibility and intent to immigrate.

5.Receive your visa: Once approved, you’ll receive a visa in your passport and a sealed immigrant packet. Present this packet to U.S. immigration authorities when you arrive.

"Applying for the DV Lottery was nerve-racking, but it was absolutely worth it when I got selected. It’s a long process, but being patient and preparing in advance helped." — Paul, a DV Lottery winner.

If you're just visiting the U.S.

If you’re not looking to emigrate but simply want to visit the U.S. for a short trip, you can apply for a U.S. ESTA(Electronic System for Travel Authorization). This allows UK citizens to visit the U.S. for up to 90 days without a visa.

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US Embassy in the United Kingdom

The U.S. Embassy and Consulates in the United Kingdom are key resources for UK applicants during the visa process. They provide information on visa types, U.S. entry requirements, and more.

US Embassy in London:
Address: 33 Nine Elms Lane, London, SW11 7US
Phone: +44 (0)20 7499 9000
US Consulate in Belfast:
Address: Danesfort House, 223 Stranmillis Road, Belfast BT9 5GR
Phone: +44 (0)28 9038 6100
US Consulate in Edinburgh:
Address: 3 Regent Terrace, Edinburgh EH7 5BW
Phone: +44 (0)131 556 8315
US Consulate in Hamilton (Bermuda):
Address: 16 Middle Road, Devonshire, DV 03, Bermuda
Phone: +441 295-1342

Need more information?

Although we cannot assist UK citizens with Green Card Lottery applications, we can help with other U.S. travel documents like the ESTA. Contact us via WhatsApp or iVisa online chat for assistance with your U.S. travel plans.