If you applied for the 2025 Diversity Visa Lottery, now’s the moment you’ve been waiting for—the results are in. This unique program gives thousands of people from eligible countries the chance to live and work permanently in the United States. While it doesn’t guarantee a green card, winning the lottery is a crucial first step toward permanent residency.
Lottery
The U.S. Diversity Visa (DV) Lottery, often referred to as the “Green Card Lottery,” is one of the few immigration pathways that doesn’t require a job offer, a family sponsor, or asylum status. It’s designed for individuals from countries with historically low immigration rates to the U.S.
Each year, around 55,000 diversity visas are made available. The winners are chosen at random and, if selected, get the opportunity to apply for a green card through an expedited process.
But remember, winning the lottery only gives you the opportunity to apply—it doesn’t guarantee you’ll get a green card. You’ll still need to go through a background check, an interview, and meet the eligibility requirements.
Check
To check your 2025 DV Lottery results, head to the official U.S. Department of State website. You’ll need a few key details from your original application:
- Confirmation number (from your registration)
- Last name (entered exactly as you did during sign-up)
- Year of birth (in 4-digit format)
- The authentication code displayed on the results page
The Entry Status Check portal is the only official way to find out if you’ve been selected. If you were a 2025 entrant, you had until December 30, 2025 to check your results. If you’re applying for 2026, hang on to your confirmation number—you’ll need it until December 30, 2026 to monitor your entry.
Green Card
Winning the lottery puts you in the running for a green card—also known as lawful permanent residency. With it, you can:
- Live and work permanently in the U.S.
- Travel freely in and out of the country
- Enroll in U.S. schools
- Sponsor family members for green cards
- Begin the path toward U.S. citizenship
There are other ways to get a green card, too. The most common routes include:
| Pathway Type | Description |
|---|---|
| Family-based | Through U.S. citizen or permanent resident family |
| Employment-based | Job offer or specialized skills |
| Refugee/Asylee status | For those fleeing persecution or danger |
| DV Lottery | Selected through the lottery for eligible nations |
Your green card is a stepping stone to naturalization. Once you’ve had it for at least five years (or three if married to a U.S. citizen), you can apply for U.S. citizenship—unlocking full voting rights, a U.S. passport, and other protections.
Benefits
As a permanent resident, you’re eligible for many benefits, including access to Social Security. That’s right—green card holders can earn credits through work just like citizens.
Social Security is the largest safety net in the U.S., serving over 70 million people. Here are a few programs you may eventually qualify for:
- Retirement benefits after working and paying into the system
- Disability Insurance (SSDI) if you become unable to work due to illness or injury
- Supplemental Security Income (SSI) for those with low or no income
To access these benefits, permanent residents must meet the same conditions as U.S. citizens, including having the required number of work credits and lawful residence status.
Citizenship
The ultimate goal for many green card holders is U.S. citizenship. It’s not required, but it comes with major advantages:
- You can vote in federal elections
- You can travel with a U.S. passport
- You’re protected from deportation
- You can sponsor more family members
- You gain full rights under U.S. law
To apply for citizenship, you generally need to hold a green card for five years, have a clean criminal record, pass an English and civics test, and show good moral character. Once you’re naturalized, you’re a citizen for life.
So, if you’ve won the DV Lottery in 2025—congrats. You’ve cleared a major hurdle. Just be sure to follow through with the full application process and prepare for your interview and documentation review. And if you didn’t win this year, don’t give up—the program runs annually, and you can always try again.
FAQs
Where to check DV 2025 results?
Visit the official U.S. Department of State website to check results.
What info is needed to check status?
Your confirmation number, last name, birth year, and a code.
Does winning the lottery mean I get a green card?
No, it only gives you the right to apply for one.
When is the last day to check DV 2025 results?
You have until December 30, 2025, to check.
Can green card holders get Social Security?
Yes, if they earn enough credits through work.
