DV Lottery (Diversity Visa): Overview for Nigerians ₦451,569
The DV Lottery (Diversity Visa) is one of the main routes Nigerians use to relocate to United States. This overview covers the verified 2026 fees, processing time, and the documents you need to apply. All figures are pulled from our verified relocation database — no estimates.
DV Lottery (Diversity Visa) fees — verified breakdown
| Fee | Amount |
|---|---|
| Visa application fee | ₦451,569 (~$331 USD) |
| Proof of funds (your own savings)Not required | ₦0 (~$0 USD) |
| Health surcharge | ₦0 (~$0 USD) |
| Language test (IELTS/TEF) | ₦0 (~$0 USD) |
| Credential evaluation | ₦0 (~$0 USD) |
| Total government fees | ₦451,569 (~$331 USD) |
Verified against official immigration authority schedule. Exchange rates as of 3 June 2026. Proof of funds is your own money — you do not pay it to the government.
Processing timeline
Total processing time: 12–18 months (registration October–November, results May, visa issuance October–September of the following fiscal year)
- 1
Confirm eligibility
Check that you meet the DV Lottery (Diversity Visa) requirements before paying any fees.
- 2
Prepare documents
Passport, qualification certificates.
- 3
Pay fees
Pay ₦451,569 in government fees.
- 4
Submit application
Submit online or through the relevant embassy.
- 5
Wait for decision
Processing time: 12–18 months (registration October–November, results May, visa issuance October–September of the following fiscal year).
Expert tip
DV Lottery (Diversity Visa)
Critical update: Nigeria has been ineligible for the DV lottery in recent years because more than 50,000 Nigerians immigrated to the US in the preceding five years, exceeding the program's threshold. Check the annual DV instructions each September to see if Nigeria regains eligibility — it changes year to year based on immigration volumes. If Nigeria becomes eligible again, the odds are roughly 0.25% (about 130,000 selected from 20+ million entries for DV-2026). Starting with DV-2027, there is a new $1 registration fee. If selected, the DV application fee is $330, the USCIS immigrant fee is $235, and you need a medical exam (~$200–$500). The DV gives you a permanent green card immediately — no employer sponsor needed. The cheapest path to the US if you qualify, but treat it as a bonus, not a plan.
Frequently Asked Questions
- How much does the DV Lottery (Diversity Visa) cost for Nigerians moving to United States?
- Total government fees for the DV Lottery (Diversity Visa) are ₦451,569 (about $331). This includes the visa application fee, health surcharge, language test, and credential evaluation where applicable.
- How long does DV Lottery (Diversity Visa) processing take from Nigeria?
- Processing time for the DV Lottery (Diversity Visa) for Nigerian applicants is 12–18 months (registration October–November, results May, visa issuance October–September of the following fiscal year).
- What is the most important tip for DV Lottery (Diversity Visa) applicants from Nigeria?
- Critical update: Nigeria has been ineligible for the DV lottery in recent years because more than 50,000 Nigerians immigrated to the US in the preceding five years, exceeding the program's threshold. Check the annual DV instructions each September to see if Nigeria regains eligibility — it changes year to year based on immigration volumes. If Nigeria becomes eligible again, the odds are roughly 0.25% (about 130,000 selected from 20+ million entries for DV-2026). Starting with DV-2027, there is a new $1 registration fee. If selected, the DV application fee is $330, the USCIS immigrant fee is $235, and you need a medical exam (~$200–$500). The DV gives you a permanent green card immediately — no employer sponsor needed. The cheapest path to the US if you qualify, but treat it as a bonus, not a plan.
Related guides
Sibling variants of this visa route and other ways into United States.
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Start Free CalculatorData methodology: Visa fees sourced from official immigration authority schedules. Naira conversions use live exchange rates from open.er-api.com (last updated 3 June 2026). All fees are subject to change with policy updates — verify with the official immigration website before applying. Last verified: 2026-06-02