DV 2027 Update

Top 10 DV Lottery Mistakes That Can Disqualify You

By Updated:No Comments4 Mins Read

🛑 Top 10 DV Lottery Mistakes That Can Disqualify You

📅 Updated: October 2025 | ⏱️ 5 min read

Applying for the DV Lottery (Diversity Visa Lottery) is a once-a-year opportunity to get a U.S. Green Card for free. However, thousands of applications are rejected every year due to avoidable mistakes. Even a single error can lead to automatic disqualification — sometimes without the applicant even realizing it.

To help you avoid costly errors, here are the Top 10 DV Lottery Mistakes that can disqualify you instantly 👇

1. ❌ Submitting Multiple Entries

Many people mistakenly submit more than one entry for the same person, thinking it increases their chances. In reality, the U.S. Department of State automatically disqualifies any applicant with duplicate entries.
👉 Tip: Only submit one valid entry per person per year.

2. 📸 Using Incorrect or Old Photographs

Photos are a major reason for rejections. Using old, edited, or non-standard photos can get your application rejected.
✅ Photo Rules You Must Follow:

  • Taken within the last 6 months

  • White background, clear lighting

  • No filters, hats, or glasses (unless for religious reasons)

  • Correct size: 600×600 pixels

👉 Use the official U.S. DV Lottery Photo Tool to check compliance.

3. 📝 Wrong Personal Information

A single typo in your name, date of birth, or passport number can cost you your chance. Make sure all details match exactly as they appear on your official documents.

4. 🆔 Submitting with an Expired or Invalid Passport

You must use a valid passport while filling the DV Lottery form. Expired passports or fake numbers will lead to immediate disqualification. If your passport is about to expire, renew it before applying.

5. 👫 Incorrect Marital or Family Status

Failing to list your spouse or children correctly is one of the most common and serious mistakes. You must include:

  • All biological children

  • All legally adopted children

  • Stepchildren (even if not living with you)

👉 Omitting a family member = automatic disqualification, even after winning.

6. 🌐 Filling the Form Through Unauthorized Agents

Many applicants rely on agents who fill out forms carelessly or fraudulently. If the agent makes a mistake, you are still responsible.
👉 Always use the official website: https://dvprogram.state.gov and fill it out yourself if possible.

7. 🕒 Submitting After the Deadline

The DV Lottery has a strict time window. Late submissions are not accepted under any circumstances. Don’t wait until the last day — heavy traffic often crashes the site.

8. 🌍 Choosing the Wrong Country of Eligibility

Your country of birth, not citizenship, determines eligibility. If you select the wrong country, your entry can be rejected. In some special cases (like spousal cross-chargeability), you can claim eligibility through a spouse’s country — but only if it’s allowed.

9. 📨 Not Keeping the Confirmation Number

Many winners lose their chance simply because they misplace the confirmation number. There’s no other way to check results.
👉 Save it as a screenshot, print it, and email it to yourself for backup.

10. 📬 Ignoring the Official Instructions

Every year, the State Department publishes official DV instructions. Failing to read and follow them leads to errors most people could easily avoid.
👉 Always read the instructions at:
https://travel.state.gov

🟢 Final Tips to Avoid Disqualification

  • ✅ Use only the official DV Lottery website (no fees required)

  • 📄 Double-check every detail before submitting

  • 📸 Follow photo rules strictly

  • 📝 Save your confirmation number securely

Participating in the DV Lottery is simple, but it requires care and accuracy. By avoiding these top 10 mistakes, you significantly increase your chances of being selected and moving forward in the visa process.

Further Reading:

Post Views: 947
Share.

Related Posts

Comments are closed.