DV Lottery for Zimbabweans
Complete guide to the US Diversity Visa Green Card Lottery - registration, process, and tips for 2026-2027
The Diversity Visa (DV) Lottery is one of the most accessible pathways for Zimbabweans to obtain a US Green Card (permanent residency). Each year, approximately 55,000 diversity visas are allocated to nationals of countries with low immigration rates to the US. Zimbabwe is eligible, and thousands of Zimbabweans apply annually. The program is administered by the US Department of State and is completely free to enter.
SCAM WARNING: The DV Lottery application is FREE. The ONLY official website is dvprogram.state.gov. Any website charging a fee to enter the lottery is a scam. The US government does NOT notify winners by email or phone - you must check your status online.
DV-2027 Key Facts
| Registration period | Usually early October to early November (check dvprogram.state.gov) |
| Website | dvprogram.state.gov (the ONLY official site) |
| Fee | FREE to register. $330 DV visa processing fee if selected (from DV-2027) |
| Results available | From May (check Entrant Status Check) |
| Visas available | 55,000 annually worldwide |
| Zimbabwe eligible? | YES |
| Entries per person | ONE only. Duplicate entries = disqualification |
| Spouse can also enter | Yes, both husband and wife can enter separately (doubles your chances) |
Eligibility Requirements
You must meet ONE of these:
- Education: At least a high school education (Zimbabwe O-Levels with 5 passes including English and Mathematics)
- OR Work experience: 2 years of work experience within the last 5 years in an occupation requiring at least 2 years of training (as defined by the US Department of Labor's O*NET database)
What you need to apply:
- Digital photograph: 600x600 pixels, recent (within 6 months), white background, no glasses, face clearly visible
- Full name, date of birth, gender
- Country of birth (Zimbabwe)
- Country of eligibility (usually same as birth)
- Passport number
- Mailing and email address
- Highest level of education
- Marital status and spouse information
- Information on all children under 21 (even if not immigrating)
If You Are Selected
- Check status: Go to dvprogram.state.gov Entrant Status Check (from May). Use your confirmation number
- Submit DS-260: Complete the online immigrant visa application at ceac.state.gov
- Gather documents:
- Valid Zimbabwean passport
- Birth certificate (original)
- Marriage certificate (if applicable)
- O-Level and A-Level certificates
- University degree/transcripts (if applicable)
- Police clearance from ZRP (and any country you lived in for 12+ months after age 16)
- Medical examination (at designated physician in Harare)
- Financial sponsor: I-134 Affidavit of Support from a US-based sponsor
- 2 passport photos (US specifications: 2x2 inches, white background)
- Pay fees: $330 DV visa application fee (from DV-2027), $220 USCIS immigrant fee (paid after visa approval, before entering US)
- Attend interview: At the US Embassy in Harare. Dress formally. Answer all questions honestly
- Receive visa: If approved, your visa will be placed in your passport. You must enter the US before the visa expiry date (usually within 6 months)
- Enter USA: You receive your Green Card by mail after arriving in the US
Tips to Maximise Your Chances
- Both spouses should enter: If married, both husband and wife should submit separate entries. This doubles your chances. If either wins, both get Green Cards
- Photo quality matters: Many applications are rejected for poor photo quality. Follow the exact specifications. Use the US State Department's photo validation tool
- Submit early: Don't wait until the last day. Server issues at deadline can prevent submission
- ONE entry only: Never submit more than one entry per person. Duplicate entries lead to automatic disqualification
- Save your confirmation number: You need it to check results. Store it safely (take a screenshot, write it down, email it to yourself)
- Be honest: All information must be accurate. Discrepancies found during the interview will lead to visa denial
- Check results yourself: Only use dvprogram.state.gov. Ignore emails or calls claiming you won
Frequently Asked Questions
Approximately 12-15 million people apply annually for 55,000 visas, giving odds of roughly 1 in 200-300. However, the Africa region receives a significant share, and not all selectees complete the process. Being selected does not guarantee a visa - you still need to pass the interview and meet all requirements. Many people apply for years before being selected; persistence is key.
Yes, you can apply for the DV Lottery even if you currently hold a US tourist visa, student visa, or work visa. Applying for the lottery does not affect your current visa status. If you are already in the US on a valid visa and are selected, you may be able to adjust status within the US.
Yes, you need an Affidavit of Support (Form I-134) from a US-based financial sponsor who can demonstrate they earn at least 125% of the US federal poverty line. This can be a relative, friend, or anyone willing to sponsor you. Alternatively, you can demonstrate your own financial resources (savings, employment letter, assets). The sponsor does not need to be a US citizen - a Green Card holder or US resident can sponsor you.
Starting with DV-2027, the US State Department introduced a $330 visa processing fee for DV selectees. The registration itself remains free. This fee is paid after selection, when you submit your immigrant visa application. If your visa is denied, the fee is not refunded. This replaced the previous system where DV had a lower processing fee.
Related Guides
Avoid Scams
- NEVER pay to enter the lottery
- ONLY use dvprogram.state.gov
- Government does NOT email winners
- Ignore calls claiming you won
- Never share confirmation number