🌍 How to Pay the $1 DV Lottery Fee from Eligible Countries
📰 Introduction: The New $1 DV Lottery Fee
Starting with DV-2027, the U.S. Department of State (DOS) now requires a $1 electronic registration fee for every entry to the Diversity Visa Lottery.
This rule applies to all eligible countries — applicants must pay this fee when submitting their entry on the official website:
👉 https://dvprogram.state.gov
The small fee helps:
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Cover the administrative and cybersecurity costs of processing millions of entries.
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Discourage fake or duplicate submissions.
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Ensure fairness and secure participation worldwide.
💡 Who Must Pay the Fee?
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Every principal applicant must pay $1 USD when submitting an entry.
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The same payment covers your spouse and children (if listed).
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The fee is non-refundable, even if not selected.
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If selected, you will later pay the $330 visa application fee at your U.S. Embassy interview.
💳 How to Pay from Eligible Countries
Payment is online only and must be made through a credit card, debit card, prepaid USD card, or virtual USD wallet that supports international transactions.
Below is a country-by-country breakdown of accepted payment methods and tips 👇
🇳🇵 Nepal – Use a Bank-Issued Dollar Card
Nepali applicants can pay easily with a Dollar Card approved by Nepal Rastra Bank (NRB).
Available from:
Nabil Bank, Global IME, NIC Asia, NMB, Sanima, Kumari, Prabhu, Machhapuchchhre, and Laxmi Sunrise Bank.
Steps:
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Apply for a Dollar Card with your Citizenship, PAN, and bank account.
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Load around $2 USD (≈ NPR 200) for safety.
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On dvprogram.state.gov, fill out your form.
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Choose Pay with Credit/Debit Card and enter your card details.
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Save your confirmation number after payment.
🟢 Tip: Keep $2+ balance and enable international e-commerce in your bank app.
🇧🇩 Bangladesh – Dual Currency or Prepaid USD Cards
Bangladeshi applicants can use dual currency cards approved by Bangladesh Bank.
Accepted Cards:
DBBL Nexus International, City Bank Amex Dual Currency, BRAC Bank Visa Dual Currency, Eastern Bank International Card.
How to Pay:
Load at least $2 USD equivalent in the international portion → pay directly on the official DV portal.
🟡 Tip: Make sure your USD balance is activated by the bank before payment.
🇱🇰 Sri Lanka – International Credit/Debit Cards
Applicants can use:
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Visa/Mastercard international credit cards.
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Prepaid travel cards supporting USD payments.
Banks: Commercial Bank, Sampath Bank, Hatton National Bank (HNB), DFCC, NDB.
🔹 Tip: Contact your bank to confirm “online international transaction” activation.
🌍 Africa – Virtual USD Cards or Regular Visa/Mastercard
Applicants from Kenya, Ghana, Nigeria, Ethiopia, Uganda, Tanzania, South Africa, and other African nations can use:
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Visa/Mastercard debit or credit cards (USD-enabled), or
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Virtual dollar cards such as Chipper Cash, Eversend, Barter by Flutterwave, Grey.
Steps:
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Fund your card with $2 USD minimum.
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Complete payment directly on dvprogram.state.gov.
🔹 Tip: Avoid agents — many scams target DV applicants in Africa.
🇵🇭 Philippines & Southeast Asia – Regular Credit/Debit or e-Wallets
Applicants from Philippines, Indonesia, Thailand, Vietnam, Malaysia, Cambodia can pay with:
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Visa/Mastercard debit or credit cards, or
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Linked USD wallets like GCash AMEX, Wise, GrabPay.
Payment is processed instantly through the U.S. Treasury system.
🇮🇳 India (For Eligible Applicants by Birth)
Indian citizens are usually ineligible, but residents born in eligible countries may apply.
Use:
International debit or credit cards from HDFC, Axis, ICICI, or SBI Global with USD access.
🔹 Tip: Enable “international online transaction” before applying.
🪙 Step-by-Step Universal DV Payment Process
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Visit https://dvprogram.state.gov.
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Fill in your DV entry form (personal details + photo).
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Continue to payment page.
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Select Credit/Debit Card option.
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Enter your card info (number, expiry, CVV).
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Pay $1 USD securely.
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Receive and save your confirmation number.
⚠️ Safety and Verification Tips
✅ Always use the official site only — never pay via third-party websites.
✅ Keep at least $2 USD in your account to avoid failed transactions.
✅ Apply early — last-minute traffic often crashes the site.
✅ Save your confirmation number and payment proof.
🚫 Avoid duplicate entries — multiple submissions lead to disqualification.
🧾 Payment Summary Table
| Region/Country | Payment Method | Important Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 🇳🇵 Nepal | Bank-issued Dollar Card | NRB-approved, load $2 |
| 🇧🇩 Bangladesh | Dual Currency Card | Activate USD balance |
| 🇱🇰 Sri Lanka | International Visa/Mastercard | Check e-commerce activation |
| 🌍 Africa | Virtual USD / Debit Cards | Use Chipper, Grey, Eversend |
| 🇵🇭 SE Asia | Visa/Mastercard / eWallets | GCash, Wise, GrabPay |
| 🇮🇳 India (by birth eligibility) | International Credit/Debit Card | Enable USD payments |
✅ Final Words
The $1 DV Lottery registration fee is a small but crucial step in securing your entry into the U.S. Green Card Lottery.
Whether you’re applying from Nepal, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Africa, or Southeast Asia, you can pay easily using your country’s available USD-enabled card or virtual wallet.
💡 Always remember: only the official U.S. website accepts payments — don’t trust agents or unofficial portals.
Paying safely and correctly ensures your entry is valid, secure, and officially recognized.
Good luck to all applicants from eligible countries worldwide! 🇺🇸🌏
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