US DV Lottery for Pakistani Citizens 2026 — Complete Guide

To be eligible for the DV Lottery, Pakistani applicants must meet both requirements:

1. Born in Pakistan (or an eligible country)

   Your country of birth determines eligibility, not your current nationality. If born in Pakistan and now a citizen of another country, you apply as a Pakistani.

2. Education or work experience — meet ONE of:
   • Education: At least a high school diploma (matric/intermediate) or equivalent (12 years of formal education)
   • Work experience: 2 years of qualifying work experience in the last 5 years in an occupation requiring at least 2 years of training (as defined by the O*NET database)

How to Apply — Step by Step

1. Wait for registration period: The DV lottery opens annually, typically in early October and closes in early November. The exact dates are announced by the US Department of State.
2. Visit the official website: Go to dvprogram.state.gov (this is the ONLY official website — do not use any other site)
3. Complete the electronic entry form (DS-5501): Enter your personal information, education, and employment details
4. Upload your photo: Recent digital photo meeting strict specifications (600x600 pixels, white background, head centred)
5. Include family members: List your spouse and all unmarried children under 21 (each needs a qualifying photo)
6. Submit and save confirmation: After submission, you will receive a confirmation number. Save this number — you need it to check results
7. Check results: Results are published the following May at dvprogram.state.gov using your confirmation number

If You Are Selected

If selected in the DV Lottery, you will need to:

1. Complete form DS-260 (Immigrant Visa Application) online
2. Gather civil documents: birth certificate, police clearance, education certificates, marriage certificate
3. Complete a medical examination at a designated clinic in Pakistan (IOM panel physicians in Islamabad)
4. Attend an interview at the US Embassy in Islamabad
5. Pay the DV visa processing fee ($330 per person)
6. If approved, travel to the US before your visa expires (typically within 6 months)

• The DV Lottery is FREE to enter. No one should charge you to submit an application.
• Only one official website: dvprogram.state.gov — any other website claiming to be official is a scam.
• No agents or brokers needed: You can apply directly yourself.
• The US government will never ask for money via email or phone.
• Selection does not guarantee a visa. You must still pass the interview and background checks.