Only one official website
Entries can be submitted only electronically at dvprogram.state.gov during the announced registration period; no paper or late entries are accepted. Official U.S. government websites and email addresses end in “.gov”. Visa messages from any other address should be treated as suspect.
Official sources: Submit an entry ↗ · Fraud warning (Department of State) ↗
“You won” emails and letters are fake
The Department of State never notifies selectees by email or letter. Reminder emails that it may send never say whether you were selected; they only point you to Entrant Status Check. Fake websites often use the U.S. flag, the Capitol, the White House or the Statue of Liberty to look official, but their addresses do not end in “.gov”.
Official sources: DV-2026 instructions and FAQs (latest published) ↗ · Fraud warning (Department of State) ↗
Requests for money
- The U.S. government never asks you to send payment in advance by check, money order or wire transfer, or by services such as Western Union.
- Selectees pay the visa fees in person at the U.S. embassy or consulate at the time of the interview (applicants adjusting status in the United States pay USCIS).
- A $1 registration fee now exists in the regulation. It is paid only inside the official entry form, through the U.S. Treasury’s Pay.gov, by the principal entrant at the time of registration. Any other “entry fee”, “processing fee” or “winner’s fee” is a warning sign.
Official sources: Fraud warning (Department of State) ↗ · DV-2026 instructions and FAQs (latest published) ↗ · $1 registration fee rule, 90 FR 44524 (16 September 2025) ↗
Agents, consultants and your confirmation number
The Department of State does not work with consultants, and no one can improve your chance of selection. Some facilitators have entered people, kept the confirmation page and then demanded money for the confirmation number. In DV-2025 the Department found 2.5 million fraudulent entries, including a ring that charged selectees up to $15,000 for their confirmation numbers. Use your own email address, submit your own entry and keep your own confirmation number.
Official sources: Fraud warning (Department of State) ↗ · Passport rule, 91 FR 11891 (11 March 2026) ↗
Where to report fraud
- ReportFraud.ftc.gov (U.S. Federal Trade Commission).
- econsumer.gov, a joint effort of consumer protection agencies hosted by the FTC.
- The FBI Internet Crime Complaint Center (ic3.gov).
Official sources: Fraud warning (Department of State) ↗ · How to avoid immigration scams (FTC) ↗
Where LotteryUSA fits
LotteryUSA is an independent preparation service, not a government site. We never submit entries, never ask for your confirmation number, passport number or passwords, and never contact you about results. Our free tools run on your device, and our optional $5 report only explains how to prepare your own entry.
Frequently asked questions
Is the DV lottery free to enter?
Entry was free in past cycles. A rule effective 16 September 2025 created a $1 electronic registration fee, paid by the principal entrant on the official entry form through Pay.gov. No registration has opened since then, and some older official pages still say entry is free.
I received an email saying I won the green card lottery. Is it real?
No. The Department of State never sends selection emails or letters. Check your status only at dvprogram.state.gov with your confirmation number.
Can an agent improve my chances?
No. Selection is a random computer drawing. The Department of State does not work with consultants, and nobody can increase your chance of winning.
Where do I report a DV lottery scam?
Report it at ReportFraud.ftc.gov, econsumer.gov or the FBI’s ic3.gov.