DV Lottery Family Registration Requirements

Applying for the DV Lottery often raises important questions, especially when it comes to including family members.

In this article, we’ll address common concerns about the DV Lottery for families and clarify the DV Lottery family application requirements for those hoping to secure a Green Card through the lottery.

Table of contents

• Can the Whole Family get the Green Card if You Win the DV Lottery?
• Can All Family Members Apply for the DV Lottery Separately?
• Сan Children Apply for the DV Lottery?
• Who Needs to be Included in the DV Lottery Application?
• What Information is Required for Each Family Member?
• Can Both Spouses Apply Separately?
• Getting Married After Green Card Lottery Registration and Winning: Rules for Spouses
• What Happens if Your Child Gets Married Before Getting the Green Card?
• Green Card Lottery Divorce After Winning: What to do
• DV Lottery Photo Requirements for Adults and Children
• Online DV Lottery Photo Maker
• DV Lottery Photo App

Can the Whole Family get the Green Card if You Win the DV Lottery?

Yes, if you are selected as a DV Lottery winner, your immediate family members may also qualify for a green card. This includes your spouse and any unmarried children under 21 years old.

Can All Family Members Apply for the DV Lottery Separately?

Yes, eligible family members, particularly spouses, can submit individual applications for the DV Lottery. This can double the family’s chances of winning because, if one is selected, the entire immediate family becomes eligible for immigration. Submitting multiple applications within the rules can boost your chances without jeopardizing eligibility.

Сan Children Apply for the DV Lottery?

Children are only eligible to apply independently for the DV Lottery if they are at least 18 years old and meet the necessary educational or professional qualifications. However, younger children, under the age of 21, can be included in their parents’ applications.

Who Needs to be Included in the DV Lottery Application?

When filling out your DV Lottery application, you are required to list your spouse and all unmarried children under 21, even if they don’t plan to immigrate with you. This includes not only biological children but also adopted and stepchildren. Omitting any eligible family members could result in disqualification, even if you win the lottery.

What Information is Required for Each Family Member?

When you complete the Green Card Lottery family application, you'll need to provide certain information for each family member. Here’s what you need:

For the principal applicant:

• Full Name
• Date of Birth
• Place of Birth
• Gender
• Marital Status
• Current Address
• Email Address
• Education Level
• Passport Information (number and expiration date)
• Recent Photograph

For your spouse (if applicable):

• Full Name
• Date of Birth
• Place of Birth
• Gender
• Passport Information
• Recent Photograph

For your children (under 21 and unmarried):

• Full Names
• Dates of Birth
• Places of Birth
• Gender
• Passport Information for each child
• Recent Photographs for each child

For stepchildren and adopted children:

• Provide the same information as you would for your biological children.

Can Both Spouses Apply Separately?

Can both spouses apply for DV Lottery? — Yes, both you and your spouse can apply separately for the DV Lottery. This almost doubles your chances of winning since each spouse's application is considered independently. If either spouse's application is selected, it allows for the entire family, including the non-selected spouse and any children, to receive Green Cards.

Getting Married After Green Card Lottery Registration and Winning: Rules for Spouses

Here is what to do in case of DV Lottery marriage after winning:

If you win the DV Lottery and get married after your registration but before your visa is issued, you can still include your new spouse in the application and move together to the U.S. To do this, you must marry before submitting your DS-260 form and scheduling your visa interview.

What if you get married while waiting for the interview, after you've filed your DS-260 form? In that case, email the visa center to request unblocking your application. Then, update the form with your spouse's details and your new marital status. Make sure to attach a scan of your marriage certificate in the request. Prepare for detailed questioning at the interview, as the consul will need to confirm that your marriage is genuine.

If you get married after the interview, your spouse won't be granted a Green Card automatically. You’ll have to follow the standard family immigration process. The DV Lottery winner must move to the U.S., obtain resident status, and file an immigration visa petition for their spouse.

What Happens if Your Child Gets Married Before Getting the Green Card?

If your child gets married before getting their Green Card, this can greatly affect their chance to immigrate. Here’s what can happen:

• Losing eligibility. U.S. immigration law considers a "child" as an unmarried person under 21. If your child marries before their Green Card application is approved, they no longer fit this definition. They will be considered a "son" or "daughter," which changes their immigration category and affects their eligibility.
• Impact on visa category. If your child was in a category with no cap on the number of visas, getting married moves them to a new category with limited visas. This often means they drop to the Family Third Preference category, which has a much longer waiting time.
• Possible delays. Depending on the new category, your child might have to wait several years for a Green Card. For example, the wait time in the Family Third Preference category is much longer than for immediate relatives.

Important things to keep in mind:

• Stay unmarried. It’s crucial for children waiting for a Green Card to remain unmarried until they receive it. This includes the time from the visa interview until they enter the U.S. as permanent residents.
• Don't hide marriages. Trying to hide a marriage from immigration authorities can lead to serious problems, like denial of the visa application or even removal from the U.S. later.
• Seek legal advice. If your child gets married during the immigration process, it’s a good idea to talk to an immigration attorney. They can help understand the implications and see if there are any ways to keep the immigration process on track.

Green Card Lottery Divorce After Winning: What to do

If you've won the Diversity Visa (DV) Lottery and are thinking about getting a divorce, it’s important to know the steps to take and the potential effects on your application. Here’s what you should do:

1. Inform immigration authorities. If your marital status changes while you’re applying for your Green Card, you need to let the Kentucky Consular Center (KCC) or the U.S. embassy handling your case know. This keeps your application up-to-date.
2. Consult an immigration attorney. Divorce can complicate your immigration process. An immigration attorney can help you understand what your divorce means for your DV Lottery application and your future immigration status.
3. Keep all documents. Make sure to save all paperwork related to your marriage and divorce. These records are important in case your marital history comes under scrutiny during the immigration process.

DV Lottery Photo Requirements for Adults and Children

Your DV Lottery photo must meet U.S. passport photo standards.

DV Lottery photos are checked by special software, not humans. Even one small mistake can cause the software to reject your photo, disqualifying your application. Here's what you need to know about the requirements for the DV Lottery photo:

For adults:

• The photo must be square, 600×600 pixels.
• Use JPEG format, with a file size under 240 KB and an sRGB color palette.
• Your head should take up 50-69% of the photo's total height, and your eyes should be 56-69% from the bottom edge.
• The photo must be in full color.
• The background should be plain white or light-colored. Avoid busy or distracting backgrounds that can make it difficult to see your face.
• The photo should show your head and shoulders only, with your face directly facing the camera. Your head should be centered and fully visible, without any head coverings, unless for religious or medical reasons.
• Glasses are not allowed.
• Make sure your eyes are not covered by hair or headwear.
• Maintain a neutral expression with your mouth closed and eyes open. Smile naturally is not permitted. Your head should be straight and not tilted.
• The photo must be taken within the last six months to accurately reflect your current appearance. It should be clear and of high quality, with no blurriness or shadows.

For children:

• Children’s photos must follow the same basic requirements as adults. The photo should be 2×2 inches. The child's face should cover 50-70% of the photo.
• The photo should be recent, clear, with a plain white background, and the child should face the camera directly.
• For infants and very young children, it's acceptable if their eyes are not entirely open or if they have a slightly different head position. The key is to ensure the child’s face is visible and recognizable.
• Ensure that no other people are visible in the background or photo frame. The focus should solely be on the child.

Here is an example:

Getting a good children photo for DV Lottery:

• Place the child in a car seat or lay newborns on a plain-colored sheet for a simple background.
• If necessary, gently support their head from behind or the side, making sure your hands remain out of view.
• Align the camera at the child’s eye level for the correct angle.
• Since kids can be active or fidgety, take several pictures to increase your chances of capturing the perfect shot.

Online DV Lottery Photo Maker

Avoid the hassle and ensure your DV Lottery photo meets the exact requirements by using Visafoto.com, a professional photo editing service with a remarkable 99.7% approval rate.

Visafoto has been processing document pictures since 2013 and knows requirements for DV Lottery, passport, visa, driving license or any other document worldwide.

Take a picture and upload it to the platform. Visafoto ensures the correct size, removes unsuitable backgrounds, and formats the photo properly. Visafoto offers a 100% satisfaction guarantee. If you’re not happy with the outcome, we will either replace your photo for free or give you a refund. For any questions, feel free to reach out to our support team.

Take an image with a smartphone or camera against any background.

You will get two files from Visafoto: a digital photo for electronic applications and a template ready for printing.

DV Lottery Photo App

For an even more streamlined experience, check out the 7ID app from Visafoto.com. 7ID uses advanced algorithms to enhance your photo. This intuitive app is designed to simplify the process of creating ID, passport, and visa photos using your smartphone. It is compatible with both iPhone and Android devices, making it easy to use for everyone.

Simply upload your photo to the app, select your country and document type — choose “US Diversity Visa (DV) Lottery” — and let the app handle the rest. The 7ID app will automatically adjust your photo’s size, format, and background color, ensuring that your face and eyes are perfectly aligned. You’ll receive both a digital file and a print-ready template.

Additionally, the 7ID app offers a free DV Lottery Photo Checker to verify that your photo complies with all DV Lottery requirements.

But that’s not all — 7ID now securely stores your DV Program confirmation code. Just use the “DV Program Sidekick” feature, enter your verification number, and hit “Save.” This handy feature helps you keep track of your DV Lottery status, consolidating all your needs within one convenient app.