DV Lottery (Green Card Lottery) for Kenyans 2026
The Diversity Visa (DV) Lottery is a US government programme that awards 55,000 permanent resident visas (green cards) annually through a random lottery. Kenya is eligible, and Africa receives the largest share of DV visas. This is one of the most accessible pathways for Kenyans to permanently immigrate to the United States.
55,000
Green Cards/YearFREE
Registration*~1-2%
Kenya Selection RateAfrica
Largest Region Share*Starting DV-2027, a $1 processing fee applies at registration
DV Lottery Timeline
| When | What Happens |
|---|---|
| October - November | Registration opens on dvprogram.state.gov (approximately 5 weeks) |
| May (following year) | Results announced - check on dvprogram.state.gov with your confirmation number |
| May - September | If selected: Submit DS-260 immigrant visa application online |
| Varies | Visa interview at US Embassy Nairobi (you will receive a notification letter) |
| September 30 | Fiscal year deadline - all visas must be issued by this date |
Warning: The ONLY legitimate website for DV Lottery registration is dvprogram.state.gov. There is no agent, consultant, or website that can increase your chances. Do NOT pay anyone to register you - it is designed for you to do it yourself.
Eligibility Requirements
Country Eligibility
Kenya is eligible for the DV Lottery. Countries with high immigration rates to the US (e.g., India, China, Philippines, Mexico, Nigeria) are ineligible. Kenya consistently qualifies.
Education/Work Requirement (ONE of the following)
- Option 1: Completed Kenyan secondary education (KCSE certificate) - equivalent to US high school diploma
- Option 2: 2 years of qualifying work experience in the past 5 years in an occupation that requires at least 2 years of training (check O*NET database)
You Are NOT Eligible If
- You were born in a country that is not eligible (some exceptions if your spouse or parent was born in an eligible country)
- You do not have at least a high school education or qualifying work experience
- You have a criminal record that makes you inadmissible to the US
How to Register (Step by Step)
- Go to dvprogram.state.gov during the registration period (October-November)
- Click "Begin Entry" and complete the online form
- Provide:
- Full name (exactly as on passport)
- Date and country of birth (Kenya)
- Country of chargeability (usually Kenya)
- Recent digital photograph (see requirements below)
- Mailing address and email
- Education level and work experience
- Spouse and children information (include all, even if not travelling with you)
- Submit and save your confirmation number - this is CRITICAL for checking results
- You can only submit ONE entry per person. Duplicate entries will disqualify you
- Married couples: BOTH spouses can enter separately, doubling your household chances
Photo Requirements
Your photo is one of the most common reasons for disqualification. Requirements:
- Size: 600x600 pixels (exactly square)
- File size: Maximum 240KB
- Format: JPEG (.jpg)
- Recency: Taken within the last 6 months
- Background: Plain white or off-white
- Head position: Face camera directly, eyes open
- Expression: Neutral, mouth closed
- Head covering: Not allowed (except religious)
- Glasses: NOT allowed (removed since 2016)
- Head size: 50-69% of total image height
Take your photo at a professional photo studio that understands US visa photo requirements, or use the State Department's free photo tool to crop your image.
If You Are Selected
Being selected does NOT guarantee a visa - it means you can proceed with the application process.
Steps After Selection
- Submit DS-260 (immigrant visa application) online for yourself and all family members
- Gather documents: Passport, birth certificate, police clearance (DCI), medical exam (IOM Nairobi), KCSE certificate, marriage certificate, photos
- Pay the DV visa fee: USD 330 per person (paid before interview)
- Attend visa interview at the US Embassy Nairobi with all documents
- If approved: Receive your immigrant visa and enter the US before it expires (usually 6 months)
- Enter the US: You become a permanent resident (green card holder) upon entry
- Green card: Physical card mailed to your US address within weeks of arrival
Costs After Selection
| Item | Cost (USD) |
|---|---|
| DV visa fee | $330 per person |
| Medical exam (IOM Nairobi) | $250 - $350 |
| Police clearance (DCI) | $10 (KSh 1,050) |
| USCIS Immigrant Fee | $220 (paid after arrival) |
| Flight (Nairobi to US) | $800 - $1,500 |
| Total per person | $1,600 - $2,500 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Approximately 15-20 million people enter the DV Lottery globally each year for 55,000 visas. Africa receives the largest regional share. Kenya's selection rate is approximately 1-2% of applicants. To maximise your household chances, both you and your spouse should enter separately (each listing the other). Enter every year - it is a lottery, and persistence increases lifetime odds.
Yes. KCSE is equivalent to a US high school diploma, which meets the minimum education requirement. You do NOT need a university degree. Alternatively, you can qualify with 2 years of work experience in a qualifying occupation (check the O*NET database at onetonline.org for job classifications).
Registration is free (starting DV-2027, a $1 processing fee applies). You only pay costs if you are selected and proceed with the visa application (DS-260 processing, medical exam, visa fee of $330). Never pay agents or websites for registration. The only official site is dvprogram.state.gov. Anyone charging you for registration is a scammer.
Start saving immediately after registration. The costs (approximately $1,600-$2,500 per person) are not due until after selection, giving you about 5-6 months to prepare. Some Kenyans in the diaspora help family members. There are no fee waivers for DV visa costs. The visa interview MUST happen before September 30 of the fiscal year, so plan finances accordingly.