Author DVLottery.me 2025-09-01

Some winners decide not to move. This article explains what happens in different situations.

The Diversity Visa Lottery (DV Lottery), also called the Green Card lottery, gives winners a chance to become permanent residents of the United States. But winning the lottery does not mean you automatically get a Green Card. You must complete several steps and travel to the USA to activate your status.

Some winners decide not to move. This article explains what happens in different situations.

If you win the lottery, you can find out by entering your confirmation number (the one you received when completing the entry form) on the DV Program website: https://dvprogram.state.gov/ . The results are usually available about six months after the entry period closes. If your number is selected, you will need to complete the following steps to move to the USA.

(*) Submit the DS-260 form. This is the online immigrant visa application. You fill it out with your personal, family, education, and work details. You must submit it as soon as possible to secure an interview date. (*) Attend the visa interview. The interview takes place at a US embassy or consulate. Before, you must complete a medical examination with an approved doctor ( https://dvlottery.me/blog/1800-medical_for_green_card ). At the consulate, you must present your documents and answer questions about your background and plans in the USA. You can find more details about the Diversity Visa interview in this article: https://dvlottery.me/blog/4800-dv-lottery-interview-questions . (*) Get the immigrant visa in your passport. If you pass the interview, the visa will be placed in your passport. It is usually valid for 6 months from the date of your medical exam. You must use it to enter the USA before it expires. (*) Travel to the USA. You must arrive in the USA before your visa expiry date. Your immigrant visa will be stamped at the border, and this stamp will serve as proof of your permanent resident status until your physical Green Card arrives by mail.

But what if you are unable to complete part of this process? Let’s look at the most common scenarios and their consequences.

If you choose not to submit the DS-260 form after winning, your case will simply be closed by the Kentucky Consular Center without further action. In most situations, there are no legal penalties or immigration bans for not moving forward. This means you remain free to participate in future lotteries as long as you still meet the eligibility requirements.

If you submit the DS-260 form but then fail to attend your scheduled visa interview, your case will be marked as abandoned and will not proceed further. This situation does not create a record of fraud or misrepresentation, so it usually has no direct legal penalty.

However, when you apply for a US visa in the future, consular officers may ask why you did not complete the process after being selected, and they may take your answer into account when assessing your application.

If you receive an immigrant visa but never use it, the visa will expire after its validity period, which is usually six months from the date of your medical examination.

Since you did not enter the country, you will not be issued a Green Card. In the future, when applying for US visas, consular officers may ask why you chose not to use the immigration benefit you were granted, and they may consider your explanation when making a decision.

If you travel to the USA and activate your permanent resident status but then remain outside the country for more than 12 months without obtaining a re-entry permit, US immigration authorities may consider your Green Card abandoned and revoke your status.

Even shorter periods of absence can cause problems if border or immigration officers believe that you do not genuinely intend to make the USA your primary place of residence.

If you decide not to complete the immigration process, you will still be eligible to take part in future lotteries as long as you meet the entry requirements. You may also apply for other types of US visas later, such as tourist, student, or work visas. However, in some situations, consular officers might review your previous decision and question your long-term intentions when assessing your new application.

If you are not able to move to the USA right away, you may try to schedule your visa interview for a later date within the same fiscal year to give yourself more time. Attending the interview, even if you are unsure about your final decision, can help you keep the option open in case your plans change.

If your circumstances are complicated or you are uncertain about the best approach, it is wise to consult an immigration lawyer for personalized advice.

No. But officers may ask for an explanation in the future.

No. Your DV Lottery win is only valid for the year you are selected.

Yes. You can apply for tourist, work, or student visas, but you may need to explain your past decision.

You must win the DV Lottery again or qualify for another immigration program.