How to Apply for the US DV Lottery 2027 from Saudi Arabia: The Ultimate Green Card Guide

April 21, 2026Asylum in USA

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📋 Before You Begin: What This Guide Will Actually Deliver

The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. The beating heart of the Islamic world. A land of profound spiritual significance and breathtaking modernization. From the gleaming towers of Riyadh's King Abdullah Financial District to the ancient alleys of Jeddah's Al-Balad, from the industrial might of the Eastern Province to the serene mountains of Abha. Saudi Arabia is home to millions of expatriates from every corner of the globe—Egyptians, Yemenis, Sudanese, Syrians, Jordanians, Indians, Filipinos, and so many more—all building their lives and dreaming of even greater opportunities. And for hundreds of thousands, the U.S. Diversity Visa Lottery represents the most accessible, transparent, and life-changing pathway available.

But here's the uncomfortable truth: Many applicants in Saudi Arabia sabotage their own chances without ever realizing it.

They select the wrong country of birth (a critical error for expats born in their home countries). They rely on typing centers or "service offices" that fill out forms with careless mistakes and charge exorbitant fees. They upload a photo with a barely perceptible shadow. This guide exists to protect you from all of that.

I'm Hussein Abdullah, founder of "Arabs in America." Over the years, I've guided countless applicants from Saudi Arabia—Saudi citizens and expatriate residents alike—through the intricacies of the DV Lottery. In this guide, you will learn:

Timeline Clarity: The simple distinction between DV-2027 and DV-2028.
Eligibility for Saudi Applicants: The country-of-birth rule (crucial for expats), the Saudi General Secondary Certificate, and work experience alternatives.
The DS-5501 Form, Field by Field: A detailed walkthrough tailored for applicants in Saudi Arabia.
The Photo Section (The Silent Application Killer): How to avoid the #1 cause of disqualification. Includes a real, painful story from Riyadh.
The Married Couple Advantage: The only legal way to double your family's odds.
Scam Awareness in Saudi Arabia: Typing centers, fake "service offices," and fraudulent websites.
Post-Selection Processing in Saudi Arabia: The interview at the U.S. Embassy in Riyadh or Consulates in Jeddah/Dhahran, the medical exam, and required documents.
Real Stories from Saudi Arabia: Authentic accounts of applicants who won—and those who lost due to simple mistakes.
Expanded FAQ Section: Over 20 questions specific to applicants in Saudi Arabia.
Hussein's Unfiltered Take: My personal advice for you.

Pour yourself a cup of Saudi coffee, and let's begin.

Chapter One: What Is the Green Card Lottery? And Why It's a Golden Ticket for Those in Saudi Arabia

The Diversity Visa (DV) Program, known across Saudi Arabia as "The Green Card Lottery" or "Qur'at Amrika," is an annual program administered by the U.S. Department of State. It awards up to 55,000 Permanent Resident Visas (Green Cards) each year to natives of countries with historically low rates of immigration to the United States.

Here is the crucial fact for you: Saudi Arabia is permanently on the list of eligible countries. If you were born in Saudi Arabia, you can apply. And the vast majority of expatriate nationalities living in the Kingdom—Yemenis, Egyptians, Sudanese, Syrians, Jordanians, Indians, Filipinos, and many more—are also from eligible countries and can apply based on their country of birth.

According to official data from the U.S. Department of State, winners are selected entirely at random by a computer. There is no "wasta." No connections. The odds are equal for everyone who follows the rules.

📅 Timeline Clarification (Never Get Confused Again)

Program Year	Application Period	Results Announced
DV-2027	October - November 2025 (Closed)	May 2026
DV-2028	October - November 2026 (Your next shot)	May 2027

Hussein's Take: Don't obsess over the year number (2027 or 2028). The rules and steps never change. This guide is valid for any future cycle.

🔗 Related Reading: For a broad overview covering all Arab countries, see our comprehensive overview of the DV Lottery program.

Chapter Two: Eligibility Requirements for Applicants in Saudi Arabia

1. The Country-of-Birth Rule (Critical for Expats!)

Eligibility is based on where you were physically born, not your current citizenship or residence.

Your Situation	Are You Eligible?
Born in Saudi Arabia	✅ Yes. (Even if you hold a non-Saudi passport).
Born in an eligible country (e.g., Yemen, Egypt, Sudan, Syria, Jordan, India, Philippines)	✅ Yes. Select your birth country.
Born in an ineligible country (e.g., Canada, UK, Australia)	❌ No. (Unless your spouse was born in an eligible country).

Critical Warning for Expats: If you are a Yemeni, Egyptian, Sudanese, Indian, or Filipino resident in Saudi Arabia, do not select "Saudi Arabia" as your country of birth unless you were actually born in the Kingdom. You must select your actual birth country (e.g., Yemen, Egypt, Sudan, India). This is a common and fatal mistake.

2. The Education OR Work Experience Requirement

You must meet one of the following:

A. Education (The Most Common Path)

Saudi General Secondary Education Certificate (12 years): ✅ Qualifies.
High school diploma from your home country (e.g., Egyptian Thanaweya Amma, Indian CBSE, Yemeni Secondary Certificate): ✅ Qualifies if it represents 12 years of formal education.

B. Work Experience (The Alternative Path) If you do not have a high school diploma, you can qualify with two years of experience (in the last five years) in a skilled occupation (Job Zone 4 or 5 on O*Net OnLine).

3. Passport Requirement

You do NOT need a valid passport to submit the online entry. You can use your Saudi National ID or Iqama. However, if you win, you must have a valid passport for your interview.

Hussein's Take: The vast majority of applicants in Saudi Arabia qualify via the Education route. Just ensure your country of birth is correct. And to prepare for what comes after a win, read our detailed preparation guide for the embassy interview.

Chapter Three: The Photograph—Where Dreams Silently Die

More than half of all DV Lottery disqualifications are caused by a non-compliant photo. The automated system is ruthless.

📸 Real Story: How a Photo Cost Fahad His Dream

Fahad, a Yemeni engineer living in Riyadh, shared his story: "I went to a photographer in Al Sulimaniyah. I said, 'I need a photo for the American lottery.' He said, 'Don't worry, I know what I'm doing.' He took the shot and gave me the USB. I uploaded it and got my confirmation number. In May, I checked: 'Disqualified due to photograph.' I later found out the background wasn't pure white; it had a faint gray gradient. The computer saw it. I lost an entire year."

Do not let Fahad's story become yours. Here are the exact specifications:

Requirement	Exact Specification	Common Mistakes in Saudi Arabia
Dimensions & Size	600x600 pixels. Under 240 KB. JPEG only.	File size is 241 KB or larger.
Background	Pure white. Zero shadows.	Cream or gray background. Shadow of head or shoulders.
Recency	Taken within last 6 months.	Reusing an old photo from your file.
Glasses	Strictly FORBIDDEN.	Wearing any type of glasses.
Traditional Attire	Allowed (Thobe and Shemagh/Ghutra) if worn daily. A bareheaded photo for men is recommended to ensure facial features are fully visible.	Head covering obscuring part of the face.
Hijab (Women)	Allowed ONLY IF the full face is visible from chin to hairline.	Hijab covering part of the chin.
Retouching	Absolutely FORBIDDEN.	Any beauty filters or Photoshop (including Snapchat filters).

Hussein's Take: Go to a professional, reputable photography studio in your city (Riyadh, Jeddah, Dammam). Give them the specifications verbatim. This is insurance for your dream.

Chapter Four: The DS-5501 Form—A Step-by-Step Walkthrough for Saudi Applicants

Applying is 100% FREE. Do not pay a single riyal to any typing center or person claiming to "register you."

The Only Official Website: dvprogram.state.gov

🛡️ Real Story: The Service Office That Stole Abu Mohammed's Dream

Abu Mohammed, a Sudanese teacher in Jeddah, recounted: "I went to a service office in Al-Balad. The guy said, 'I'll register you for the lottery for 200 riyals.' I agreed. He filled out the data and gave me a small paper with a handwritten number. He said, 'If you win, come back to me.' When results came out, I went back. He said coldly, 'I have nothing under your name. That number isn't real.' My dream was stolen. Since that day, I tell everyone: apply yourself."

Do not let anyone stand between you and your confirmation number. You have 30 minutes.

Detailed Field Guide (Saudi Arabia Applicant Context)

Field Name	How to Fill It Out Correctly
Last/Family Name	Your surname. Write it exactly as in your passport's Latin script.
First Name	Your given name as in your passport.
Gender	Male or Female.
Birth Date	CRITICAL: U.S. format is Month / Day / Year. Example: May 15, 1990 = 05 / 15 / 1990.
City of Birth	Enter the city where you were born (e.g., Riyadh, Jeddah, Mecca, Dammam, or your home city).
Country of Birth	Select your actual country of birth (e.g., Saudi Arabia, Yemen, Egypt, Sudan, India).
Mailing Address	Enter your current residential address in Saudi Arabia (your National Address).
Phone Number	Optional. Use the international format: +966 5x xxx xxxx.
Email Address	Enter an email you actually use daily. This is your lifeline.
Education Level	University graduate: University Degree. High school graduate: High School Diploma.
Marital Status	Your status on the day you apply.
Spouse & Children	MANDATORY: List your spouse and all unmarried children under 21, with their photos. Omitting anyone = immediate disqualification.

After Clicking Submit

You will see a page with your Confirmation Number (a 16-character alphanumeric code).

⚠️ RED ALERT: This number is your only key. Print it. Screenshot it. Email it to yourself. Do not lose it.

🔗 For more details: Read our guide on checking your DV Lottery results.

Chapter Five: How to Legally Double Your Odds (For Married Couples Only)

If you are married, you can legally double your family's chance of winning.

♥️ The Dual-Entry Strategy

Husband: Submits an application, listing his wife and children.
Wife: Submits a separate, independent application, listing her husband and children.

The Result: Two independent entries. If either wins, the entire family wins.

📈 Real Story: Salman and Huda (Riyadh)

Salman and Huda, an Egyptian couple in Riyadh, shared: "We read about this strategy and tried it. Salman applied, and Huda applied. In May, Salman checked: 'Not Selected.' We were disappointed. An hour later, Huda checked: 'Congratulations! You have been randomly selected!' If only Salman had applied, our dream would have been lost."

Hussein's Take: If you are married, do not hesitate. Both of you must apply.

Chapter Six: Post-Selection Processing in Saudi Arabia

Where Will My Interview Be?

If you win and reside in Saudi Arabia, your interview location depends on your region:

Your Region in Saudi Arabia	Interview Location
Riyadh, Central, Eastern, and Northern Regions	U.S. Embassy in Riyadh (Diplomatic Quarter)
Jeddah, Western, and Southern Regions	U.S. Consulate General in Jeddah
Eastern Province (Dammam, Khobar, Dhahran)	U.S. Consulate General in Dhahran

What Are the Steps?

Complete Form DS-260: Fill out this online form immediately after winning.
Medical Examination: Must be done with a U.S. Embassy/Consulate-approved Panel Physician in the same city as your interview. (Lists are on the respective mission websites).
Gather Documents: Valid passport, birth certificate, high school diploma, Police Clearance Certificate (Good Conduct Certificate) from the Saudi Ministry of Interior (via Absher), marriage certificate (if applicable).
Interview: On your scheduled day, go to the assigned embassy/consulate. Pay the visa fee ($330 per person). Do not bring any electronic devices.

Important Note for Expats: Ensure your Iqama is valid. A valid Iqama is essential to obtain the police clearance certificate and complete the interview within the Kingdom.

Chapter Seven: Scam Awareness in Saudi Arabia

The Scam	How It Works	How to Protect Yourself
Typing Centers / Service Offices	They charge fees (200-500 SAR) to "register" you and may keep your confirmation number.	Apply yourself for free.
Fake Websites	Sites that look official but end in `.org` or `.com` and charge fees.	The only official site is `dvprogram.state.gov` (ending in `.gov`).
Fake Winning Emails	Emails congratulating you and demanding a "processing fee."	The U.S. government NEVER emails winners.

Chapter Eight: Checking Your Results

Milestone	Expected Date (for DV-2028)
Registration Opens	October 2026
Registration Closes	November 2026
Results Announced	May 2027
Interviews Begin	October 2027

How to Check

Go to dvprogram.state.gov.
Click Check Status.
Enter: Confirmation Number, Last/Family Name, Year of Birth.

🔗 If You Win: Immediately read our complete guide to the US Embassy interview.

Chapter Nine: Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) from Saudi Arabia

Q1: I was born in Saudi Arabia to expat parents. Can I apply? A: Yes. Since you were born in Saudi Arabia (an eligible country), you can apply and select "Saudi Arabia" as your country of birth.

Q2: I am a Yemeni citizen living in Saudi Arabia. What should I select as my country of birth? A: Select Yemen. Your actual country of birth.

Q3: Do I need a passport to apply online? A: No. You can use your Saudi Iqama or National ID. But if you win, you must have a valid passport.

Q4: Where do I do the medical exam in Saudi Arabia? A: With a U.S. Embassy/Consulate-approved Panel Physician in the same city as your interview (Riyadh, Jeddah, or Dhahran).

Q5: How much does the medical exam cost in Saudi Arabia? A: It varies, but typically ranges from 800 to 1,500 Saudi Riyals per adult.

Q6: I am a student and haven't graduated yet. Can I apply? A: Yes, as long as you have your high school diploma. Select "High School Diploma."

Q7: My spouse does not live with me in Saudi Arabia. Must I list them? A: Yes, absolutely. You must list your spouse even if they reside in another country.

Q8: What documents are required for the interview? A: Valid passport, birth certificate, high school diploma, Saudi Police Clearance Certificate (Good Conduct Certificate), marriage certificate (if applicable), photographs, and the sealed medical exam report.

Q9: Does the embassy accept payment in Saudi Riyals? A: Payment is in USD cash or the equivalent in SAR. USD is the safest option.

Q10: How long is the immigrant visa valid once issued? A: 6 months from the date of your medical exam.

Q11: My Iqama is expiring soon. What should I do? A: Renew it immediately. Valid residency is essential for processing your interview in Saudi Arabia.

Q12: Can I apply using my smartphone? A: Yes, but a computer is recommended to ensure the photo uploads correctly.

Q13: I am Saudi but born in the USA. Can I apply? A: Eligibility is based on your country of birth. The USA is ineligible. You cannot apply unless your spouse was born in an eligible country (like Saudi Arabia).

Q14: Is there a specific quota for Saudi Arabia each year? A: No. Winners are drawn globally.

Q15: How do I get the Police Clearance Certificate (Good Conduct) in Saudi Arabia? A: Via the Absher online platform or by visiting the Criminal Evidence Department at the Ministry of Interior.

Conclusion: From Saudi Arabia to America—Your Path Forward

The U.S. Green Card Lottery is a genuine, free opportunity to transform your life. Whether you are a Saudi citizen or an expatriate resident, you are eligible as long as your country of birth is on the list.

In this guide, I have given you everything you need to apply from Saudi Arabia correctly and safely. Always remember: The application is free. The only official website is dvprogram.state.gov. The photo is the key to success or failure.

A final word from Hussein Abdullah: I have seen many people in Saudi Arabia achieve their dream through the DV Lottery. Do not neglect this opportunity. Prepare your photo carefully. Fill out your data accurately. And trust in God. Best of luck.

🔗 Explore More DV Lottery Guides:

Share your experience! Have you applied for the DV Lottery from Saudi Arabia before? Do you have a question? Leave your comment below.

Author: حسين عبد الله

Hussein Abdullah is a web developer and specialized content writer with more than eight years of experience enriching Arabic digital content. He combines an analytical programming mindset with a deep passion for writing to deliver accurate, reference-quality guides. On Arabian in USA (عرب في أمريكا), he focuses on simplifying complex steps for new immigrants and sharing reliable information on housing, work, and financial setup—so every newcomer has a trustworthy path toward stable life in the United States.