How to Apply for the US Visa Lottery Yourself: Step by Step, No Agent

Short answer: you can enter the US visa lottery yourself on your phone in about 20 minutes at dvprogram.state.gov. You need a valid passport, a photo that meets the rules, your education details and $1. You do not need an agent, and the US government advises against giving one your details.

Last checked: 22 October 2026. Registration for DV-2027 is expected to open by 1 November 2026. See DV-2027 dates.

Do you qualify?

• Country: you were born in an eligible country, or your spouse was (you can claim your spouse's country if you enter and travel together).
• Education or work: at least a high school education, meaning 12 years of formal schooling (in Ghana, completing SHS; keep your WASSCE certificate), or two years of work in the last five years in a job that needs at least two years of training.

There is no minimum age, but the education rule rules out most people under 18.

What you need before you start

• A valid, unexpired passport and a scan of its photo page.
• A recent photo of you, and of your spouse and each child, that meets the photo rules.
• Your full name exactly as on your passport, date and town of birth.
• Your highest level of education.
• Your marital status and the names, dates of birth and photos of your spouse and all unmarried children under 21.
• An email address only you control.
• A way to pay $1 online.

Step by step

1. Type dvprogram.state.gov into your browser yourself. Do not follow links from WhatsApp, Facebook or ads.
2. Choose the entry form and fill in each field exactly as on your passport.
3. Upload your passport scan and photos.
4. List your spouse and every unmarried child under 21, even those who will not move with you. Leaving anyone out can disqualify you.
5. Pay the $1 fee and submit.
6. Write down, print or screenshot your confirmation number. You need it to check your result.

Mistakes that disqualify entries

• Entering more than once. The system detects duplicates and disqualifies all of your entries. Your spouse may enter separately and list you.
• Leaving out a spouse or child.
• Reusing last year's photo, wearing glasses, or using an edited photo.
• Giving your confirmation number to an agent. Some agents keep it and demand money later.

If someone helps you

The State Department says that if anyone helps you enter, you should be there, give the answers yourself and keep the confirmation number. Never let a cafe, agent or "consultant" use their own email address for your entry. Check any agent's number on TrustCheck first, and read DV lottery scams in Ghana.