US Diversity Visa (DV) Lottery for Filipino Citizens 2026
The US Diversity Visa (DV) lottery, commonly known as the "Green Card Lottery," offers 55,000 permanent residency visas annually to people from countries with low immigration rates to the United States. Here is what Filipino citizens need to know.
Why Are Filipinos Excluded?
The DV lottery is designed for countries with low rates of immigration to the United States. Countries that have sent more than 50,000 immigrants to the US in the previous five years are excluded. The Philippines, being one of the top sources of US immigrants, consistently exceeds this threshold.
Countries currently excluded from the DV lottery include:
- Philippines
- China (mainland)
- India
- Mexico
- Canada
- United Kingdom (except Northern Ireland)
- South Korea
- Brazil
- Colombia
- Dominican Republic
- El Salvador
- Haiti
- Honduras
- Jamaica
- Nigeria
- Pakistan
- Vietnam
Exceptions -- When a Filipino CAN Apply
There is one important exception that allows some Filipino citizens to participate:
Spouse Exception (Cross-Chargeability)
If you are a Filipino citizen married to someone born in a DV-eligible country, you may be able to claim your spouse's country of birth for DV lottery purposes. This is called "cross-chargeability."
Example: A Filipino married to a Kenyan citizen can apply for the DV lottery using Kenya as the country of chargeability.
Requirements: Both you and your eligible spouse must be listed on the DV lottery application, and your spouse must accompany you to the US if selected.
Born in Another Country Exception
If you are a Filipino citizen who was born in a DV-eligible country (not the Philippines), you can use your actual country of birth. For example, a Filipino citizen born in Japan can apply using Japan as their country of chargeability.
Alternative Pathways to the US for Filipinos
While the DV lottery is not available, Filipino citizens have several other immigration pathways to the United States:
Family-Based Immigration
US citizens and permanent residents can petition for Filipino family members. This is the most common pathway for Filipinos but has long wait times (often 10-20+ years for some categories).
Employment-Based Immigration
US employers can sponsor Filipino workers for green cards. Categories include EB-1 (priority workers), EB-2 (advanced degrees), EB-3 (skilled workers), and EB-5 (investors).
Student Visa (F-1)
Study at a US university on an F-1 visa. After graduation, Optional Practical Training (OPT) allows 1-3 years of work experience.
H-1B Work Visa
Specialty occupation visa for professionals with bachelor's degrees or higher. Subject to annual lottery (65,000 cap + 20,000 for advanced degrees).
Fiance/Marriage Visa (K-1)
If engaged to or married to a US citizen, the K-1 (fiance) or CR-1/IR-1 (spouse) visa is available. Processing takes 12-18 months.
Tourist/Visitor Visa (B-1/B-2)
For short visits. Does not lead to permanent residency but allows you to visit the US for tourism, business meetings, or medical treatment.
About the DV Lottery (General Information)
For those who are eligible (through exceptions above):
- Registration period: Usually October-November each year at dvprogram.state.gov
- Fee to apply: FREE (beware of scam websites charging fees)
- Requirements: High school education or 2 years of qualifying work experience
- Results: Available May of the following year at dvprogram.state.gov
- Selection rate: Approximately 55,000 winners from millions of entries
- If selected: Attend interview at US Embassy Manila, pay $330 visa fee
Key Facts for Filipinos
- Philippines is excluded
- Exception: eligible spouse
- Exception: born abroad
- Application: FREE
- Apply: Oct-Nov yearly