Diversity Immigrant (DV) Category
Every year Immigration and Nationality Act (INA) permits 55,000 immigrant visas annually through the Diversity Visa program. This number of visas from countries with low admissions over the past five years. 5,000 visas are reserved annually for the NACARA program, reducing the DV-2025 limit to roughly 54,850. These DV visas are distributed across six regions, with a cap of seven percent per country each year. Check more details about Diversity Visa lottery from our comprehensive guide.
December 2025 Immigrant Numbers in the DV Category
Region All DV Chargeability Areas Except Those Listed Separately AFRICA 17,500 Except:
1. Algeria: 17,250
2. Egypt: 16,000 ASIA 10,000 Except:
1. Nepal: 6,000 EUROPE 7,750 NORTH AMERICA (BAHAMAS) 20 OCEANIA 1,100 SOUTH AMERICA,
and the CARIBBEAN 1,850
The Diversity (DV) Immigrant Category Rank Cut-offs (JANUARY 2026)
Region All DV Chargeability Areas Except
Those Listed Separately AFRICA 35,000 Except:
1. Algeria: 20,000
2. Egypt: 16,000 ASIA 15,000 Except:
1. Nepal: 6,000 EUROPE 8,500 NORTH AMERICA (BAHAMAS) 20 OCEANIA 1,100 SOUTH AMERICA,
and the CARIBBEAN 1,850
Why the Visa Bulletin Matters
Understanding the Visa Bulletin is essential if you’re applying for a green card. It helps you:
- Know when you can file your green card application
- Estimate how long you’ll need to wait
- Avoid premature filings that USCIS may reject
- Plan for travel, work authorization, and family transitions
When and How to Check the Visa Bulletin
Because the Visa Bulletin changes every month, it’s important to check it regularly to see if an immigrant visa is available in your category. The U.S. government limits the number of green cards each year, and wait times can be long due to high demand and country caps.
By reviewing the bulletin each month, you’ll know when your priority date becomes current, so you can file on time, avoid delays, and stay on track in your green card process.
Staying informed through the Visa Bulletin is one of the simplest ways to take control of your immigration journey.
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