US DV Lottery Guide for Tanzanians 2026
The US Diversity Visa (DV) Lottery gives Tanzanians a chance to win permanent US residency (green card). Tanzania is eligible, and approximately 55,000 visas are available worldwide each year. The application is free.
What is the DV Lottery?
- US government programme offering ~55,000 permanent resident visas annually
- Open to countries with low US immigration rates - Tanzania is eligible
- Completely free to enter - never pay anyone to submit your application
- Winners are selected randomly by computer
- Successful applicants receive a US green card (permanent residency)
- You can work, live, and eventually apply for US citizenship
Eligibility Requirements
Country of Birth
You must be born in an eligible country. Tanzania is eligible. If you were born in a non-eligible country, you may qualify through your spouse's country of birth.
Education or Work Experience
You must have EITHER:
- High school education: Completed Form 4 (O-Level) or equivalent - 12 years of primary and secondary education, OR
- Qualifying work experience: 2 years of experience in an occupation requiring at least 2 years of training (check the O*NET database)
How to Apply
- Registration period: Usually October-November each year (about 30 days)
- Apply online at: dvprogram.state.gov (the ONLY official website)
- Fill in the form: Name, date of birth, country, education, passport number
- Upload photo: Recent 600x600 pixel photo, white background, no glasses
- Include spouse and children under 21 (even if they will not emigrate)
- Submit and save your confirmation number - you MUST keep this
- Check results: From May the following year at dvprogram.state.gov
Warning: NEVER pay anyone to submit your DV Lottery application. The entry is FREE. Many scams target Tanzanians - the only official website is dvprogram.state.gov.
Timeline
| Step | When |
|---|---|
| Registration opens | October (usually first week) |
| Registration closes | November (about 30 days after opening) |
| Results announced | May the following year |
| Submit DS-260 (if selected) | After selection notification |
| Interview at US Embassy | Scheduled based on case number |
| Visa issued | Within the fiscal year (by September 30) |
FAQ
The odds depend on the number of entries from your region. For Africa, roughly 1 in 25-40 entries are selected (better odds than many regions). Apply every year to maximise your chances.
Yes, the DV Lottery entry is completely free. If you are selected, you will pay processing fees (DS-260 form, medical exam, visa issuance fee of $330). Never pay anyone to submit your initial entry.
Quick Facts
- Cost: FREE to enter
- Visas: ~55,000/year
- Apply: October-November
- Results: May
- Website: dvprogram.state.gov
- Tanzania: Eligible