India Excluded from US Diversity Visa Lottery Until 2028 Due to High Immigration

The United States has officially excluded India from its Diversity Visa lottery for the upcoming cycle. This exclusion will remain in effect until at least 2028. The decision impacts thousands of hopeful applicants seeking a green card through this program.

The Diversity Immigrant Visa Program is designed to diversify the U.S. immigrant population. It only accepts applicants from countries with low immigration rates to the United States over the past five years.

High Immigration Numbers Disqualify India

According to Reuters, the program sets a strict eligibility threshold. Countries that have sent more than 50,000 immigrants to the U.S. in the previous five years are disqualified. India’s immigration numbers have consistently and significantly surpassed this limit.

Recent data confirms this trend. In 2022 alone, over 127,000 Indians immigrated to the United States. This high volume ensures India’s automatic exclusion from the lottery selection process for the foreseeable future.

Broader Impact on Global Applicants

This policy has a direct impact on immigration pathways for many. The Diversity Visa lottery often represents the only available option for individuals without family or employment sponsorships. Its exclusion of high-volume countries like India reshapes the applicant pool.

Other major countries are also affected by these rules. China, Canada, and South Korea are among the nations also ineligible for the 2026 lottery cycle. The list of qualifying countries is updated annually by the U.S. State Department based on the latest immigration statistics.

The continued exclusion of India from the Diversity Visa lottery underscores the nation’s significant and sustained contribution to U.S. immigration. Eligible applicants from other regions will now have a statistically better chance in the random selection process for a U.S. green card.

Thought you’d like to know

Why is India not eligible for the DV lottery?

India is ineligible because it has sent more than 50,000 immigrants to the U.S. in recent years. The Diversity Visa program is strictly for nationals of countries with low immigration rates. This rule is mandated by U.S. law.

How long will India be barred from the program?

Current projections indicate India will remain excluded until at least 2028. This is based on the most recent five-year immigration data. The bar will only lift if immigration numbers fall below the 50,000 threshold.

Which countries are eligible for the Diversity Visa?

For the 2026 cycle, nationals from Nepal, Sri Lanka, and most African nations can apply. The list of eligible countries changes each year. Eligibility is determined by official U.S. immigration statistics.

What are the requirements to apply for the lottery?

Applicants must have a high school education or its equivalent. Alternatively, they need two years of work experience in a qualifying occupation. Simply being from an eligible country is not enough to win.

Are there other ways for Indians to get a U.S. green card?

Yes, Indians can pursue green cards through employment or family sponsorship. These pathways have their own extensive backlogs and requirements. The Diversity Visa was never an option for Indian nationals in recent years.