The DV Lottery for Nepalis: How It Works, and the Scams to Avoid

Updated 17 August 2026 · Hamro App

Not legal advice. Immigration rules change and every case differs. This explains the general process only — always check the official source linked below, and speak to an accredited representative or attorney before acting.

Nepal is consistently among the countries with the highest DV lottery participation in the world. It is also, for exactly that reason, one of the most heavily targeted by fraud.

How it actually works

The US State Department runs the Diversity Visa program annually, making a limited number of immigrant visas available by random selection
Entry is free. There is no fee to submit an entry
Entry is only through the official government site during the announced registration period
Selection is random. Nothing improves your odds
Being selected is not a visa — it allows you to apply, and there are more selectees than visas

The scams, and they are relentless.

Anyone charging a fee to submit your entry — entry is free
Any email or call saying "you have won" — official results are NOT sent by email. You check them yourself with your confirmation number
Anyone asking for payment to "release" or "guarantee" your visa
Sites that look official but are not the government domain

Consultants may legitimately charge to help with photos or forms, but they cannot improve your chances, and nobody can guarantee anything.

Keep your confirmation number

The confirmation number you receive on entry is the only way to check your result. It cannot be recovered easily if lost. Photograph it, email it to yourself, and write it down.

Official source

Check dates, eligibility and results only at the official State Department site: travel.state.gov. Anything else, including this page, is secondary.

Frequently asked questions

Is there a fee to enter the DV lottery?

No. Entering the Diversity Visa lottery is free and is done only through the official US State Department website during the announced registration period. Anyone charging to submit an entry is not offering something you need.

How do I know if I won the DV lottery?

You check yourself on the official State Department site using the confirmation number you received when you entered. Official results are never sent by email — any email claiming you have won is a scam.

Can anyone improve my chances in the DV lottery?

No. Selection is random. Consultants can help with photo requirements or form completion, but nobody can improve your odds or guarantee a visa.

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