Travel & Citizenship

Diversity Visa Lottery Winners Already in the US: How Adjustment Works

2 min read

In this guide
  1. Quick answer
  2. What must a winner inside the US prove?
  3. How do you know a visa number is available?
  4. Common mistakes
  5. FAQ
    1. Is this the same as general adjustment?
    2. Beware of scams
  6. Key takeaways
  7. Related guides
  8. Sources

The Diversity Immigrant Visa Program, often called the green card lottery, makes up to 50,000 immigrant visas available each year. Most winners live abroad, but a small number are already in the US. This guide explains how the programme works and what winners inside the US must do, based on USCIS information.

Quick answer

  • Up to 50,000 immigrant visas are available annually through random selection among entries from countries with low rates of immigration to the US.
  • The Department of State (DOS) administers the programme.
  • Most winners live abroad and use consular processing.
  • Winners legally residing in the US apply for adjustment of status with USCIS.

What must a winner inside the US prove?

Requirement Detail
Selected Chosen in the DOS lottery
Visa available An immigrant visa immediately available when filing Form I-485
Admissible Eligible to be admitted to the US

How do you know a visa number is available?

Check the latest Visa Bulletin. Section B shows current visa availability in the Diversity category. Section C shows rank cut-offs for the following month, which gives advance notice. Once a bulletin is published, anyone with a lower rank number than the cut-off in Section C can file, which allows filing up to six or seven weeks before a visa number can actually be allocated. USCIS cannot adjudicate the application until a visa can be allocated.

Common mistakes

  • Waiting for the wrong month in the Visa Bulletin.
  • Assuming a lottery win guarantees a green card.
  • Falling out of legal status while waiting.

FAQ

Is this the same as general adjustment?

The steps are similar. See adjustment of status.

Beware of scams

Lottery scams are common. Read how to avoid visa scams.

Key takeaways

  • Rank number and bulletin timing decide everything.
  • Maintain lawful status.
  • Use only official government sites.

Last updated: October 2026. General information, not legal advice. Confirm with USCIS and the Department of State.

Sources

  • USCIS: Green Card Through the Diversity Immigrant Visa Program

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