DV Lottery and Medical Exam Requirement

The Diversity Visa (DV) lottery program, also known as the green card lottery, makes up to 55,000 immigrant visas available annually to nationals of countries with historically low rates of immigration to the United States. DV lottery winners must complete an immigrant visa application and attend a consular interview at a U.S. embassy or consulate.

As part of the consular processing, DV lottery winners must complete a medical examination. The medical exam is a required component of the immigrant visa application.

Panel Physician vs. Civil Surgeon for DV Winners

DV lottery winners going through consular processing must see a USCIS-designated panel physician for their medical exam. Panel physicians are located overseas and are designated by the U.S. embassy or consulate in the applicant's country. They are different from civil surgeons, who are located in the United States.

The panel physician exam covers the same medical requirements as the civil surgeon exam: physical examination, TB testing, required laboratory tests, and vaccination review. However, the process and forms used may differ slightly.

What the Exam Covers

The medical exam for DV lottery winners covers a complete physical examination, tuberculosis testing, required laboratory tests, and a vaccination review. The panel physician will administer any missing required vaccines.

The results of the panel physician exam are sent directly to the U.S. embassy or consulate and are reviewed at the consular interview.

Timing With NVC Processing and Interview

DV lottery winners should schedule their medical exam after receiving their National Visa Center (NVC) case number and appointment notification. The U.S. embassy or consulate will provide instructions on when and how to schedule the medical exam with an approved panel physician.

Do not schedule the medical exam too far in advance of your consular interview, as the exam results have a limited validity period.

Family Members of DV Winners

The spouse and unmarried children under 21 of a DV lottery winner are eligible for derivative immigrant visas. Each family member must complete their own medical exam with a panel physician. Family members cannot share a single exam.

All family members should schedule their exams at the same time to ensure everyone is ready for the consular interview.

What to Bring to the Exam

Bring your passport, DV lottery selection notice, NVC appointment information, vaccination records, and any relevant medical records. The panel physician's office will provide specific instructions on what to bring when you schedule your appointment.