Passport requirements
The requirement to present a passport in the Green Card Lottery has been eliminated
The regulation that required a valid passport to participate in the Green Card Lottery has been officially removed. This decision marks an important change in the registration process and represents excellent news for thousands of people around the world who, for economic or logistical reasons, could not access a valid passport at the time of participation.
This requirement, which was introduced in 2019 with the aim of reducing fraudulent entries, quickly became a barrier for many individuals who met the eligibility criteria but could not obtain a passport in the required time.
Thanks to this regulatory update, you can now register for the Green Card Lottery without needing to have a passport at the time of registration. This simplifies the process, expands access, and gives participants more time to manage their personal documents in case they win.
At Road to The American Dream, we keep you informed of all important changes and guide you step by step to ensure your application always meets the updated requirements of the United States government.
Check if you can apply for the Green Card
Green Card Lottery
Take the opportunity to live in the United States and apply for the Green Card Lottery.
What data do I need to enter?
To participate in the Green Card Lottery, it is necessary to complete an official form with accurate personal information. U.S. authorities draw more than 55,000 Green Cards each year, granting the right to reside and work permanently in the United States.
The requested data includes:
First and last name
Gender
Date and place of birth
Current address
Email address
Educational level
Marital status
Information about spouse and children (if applicable)
Recent photograph that meets technical requirements
Until 2022, it was also mandatory to provide the passport number and its expiration date. However, this requirement has been removed, making it easier for more people around the world to access.
Don't miss the opportunity to obtain the Green Card.
Requirement to present passport abolished
The passport requirement was introduced in 2019 during the Trump administration with the aim of reducing fraudulent registrations. In some countries, cases were detected where third parties registered individuals without their knowledge, in order to charge them high fees if they won.
As passports are not usually easily accessible for those acting in bad faith, it was established as an additional verification method to validate the identity of the applicant.
However, this measure severely limited the participation of many people, especially in regions where obtaining a passport can be difficult for economic, political, or administrative reasons. This restriction went against the original spirit of the Green Card Lottery, designed to promote diversity and provide opportunities to individuals who would otherwise have little chance of legally emigrating to the U.S.
That is why the removal of this requirement is excellent news: it reopens the doors to thousands of people around the world and restores the program’s inclusive and fair nature.
Incorrect applications will be disqualified!
The rules of the U.S. Department of State are strict: any application that contains errors or incomplete data will be automatically discarded, without notification to the participant. This includes errors in photo format, omitted information, or misspelled personal data.
Most applicants do not receive any notice if they have been disqualified, which means that many do not try again thinking they simply were not selected. That is why it is essential to submit a correct application from the start.
At Road to The American Dream, we review each form and each image in great detail before sending them to the U.S. authorities. Our team ensures that everything meets the technical and legal standards, so that your registration is valid and you have a real chance of winning.
Previous regulations on passports
The country where you were born is key to participating in the Green Card Lottery, as not all countries are eligible. Some are excluded because they have high immigration rates to the United States.
Any country that has received more than 50,000 Green Cards in the last five years through other immigration pathways, such as family reunification or work visas, is automatically excluded from the lottery. Because of this, the list of eligible and ineligible countries may vary from year to year, so it is very important to check it before each application.
Keep in mind that what matters for participation is not your nationality, but specifically your country of birth according to current borders.
Exceptions for participants born in excluded countries
Even if you were born in a country excluded from the Green Card Lottery, there are exceptions that allow you to participate under certain circumstances:
If your spouse was born in a country eligible for the lottery, you can participate by indicating their country as a reference.
You may also be eligible if your parents were only temporarily in your country of birth (for example, for work or studies) at the time of your birth. In this case, both parents must be from a country that can participate.
If you meet any of these special cases, you can use your parents’ or spouse’s country of birth as your “country of eligibility” on the application. If you have questions about your particular situation, feel free to consult us. At Road to The American Dream, our purpose is to help you achieve your goal of living and working in the United States. We are here to advise you!
When can I participate in the Green Card Lottery?
Yes, you can participate right now! In Road to The American Dream you can register for the next edition of the Green Card Lottery at any time of the year. Our system allows you to easily start your registration and add the photo later, directly from your customer account.
⚠️ If you participate on your own, you will not be able to modify data or upload photos later, which increases the risk of errors and exclusion.
To ensure your participation, remember that we must receive your photo by no later than October 19, 2025. Our team will ensure that it meets the requirements before officially sending it to the U.S. government, making sure everything is in order.
