Dv Lottery and Green Card without a baccalaureate: Here's how to participate in the US visa lottery

After announcing the launch of the DV Lottery 2026 in my article "Here we go! DV Lottery 2026 (Registration 2024): Times, Start and End Dates, and Official Website» and shared some information that we don't often tell you in «DV Lottery USA: What They Don't Often Tell You Before You Enter", I am back today with a subject that particularly interests you: How to participate in the DV Lottery without a baccalaureate.

You may be thinking that without the baccalaureate, it's mission impossible? Think again! There are alternatives to try your luck. In this article, I will explain how you can be eligible thanks to your professional experience or educational equivalences.

The myth of the baccalaureate: a false barrier?

There is a widespread belief that you absolutely need to have a high school diploma to participate in the DV Lottery. Well, let me tell you that this is false! Yes, you read that correctly. A high school diploma is not a prerequisite for trying your luck.

In reality, the eligibility criteria are a bit more flexible than that. The U.S. government requires that applicants have either :

• Have at least a high school diploma or its equivalent, which corresponds to the successful completion of a 12-year program of primary and secondary education.
• Professional experience criterion : Have at least two years of professional experience in the last five years in an occupation that requires at least two years of training or experience to be practiced.

You see? There is hope for those who do not have the baccalaureate!

Educational Equivalences

If you don't have a high school diploma, you can check if your education level matches the U.S. equivalent of a high school diploma. Here's how:

• Total duration of schooling : First, we're going to play the math game.
• Come on, take out your calculator (or your brain if you're keen) and count all your years of school. Primary, middle school, high school, everything is included! If you get to 12 years of successful studies, you might already be in the running.
• Alternative degrees : Some countries issue diplomas or certificates at the end of secondary education that are internationally recognized. For example:
  • Technician's certificate (BT)
  • Certificate of Professional Aptitude (CAP)
  • Professional studies certificate (BEP)
• Diploma evaluation : If you're not sure, there are professionals who can help you. Specialized agencies can look at your diplomas and tell you if they're worth as much as an American diploma. It's like having a translator for your studies!

Professional experience

So how does this work experience thing work? Here's where it gets interesting. The U.S. State Department uses a database called O*NET Online to determine if your work experience is sufficient.

This database categorizes occupations by their level of complexity. To be eligible for the DV Lottery, your occupation must be classified in Work Readiness Zone (WVZ) 7.0 or higher. This may sound a little technical, but don’t worry, I’ll give you some real-world examples.

How to check if your profession is eligible for the Dv Lottery

Step 1 : Go to the site O*NET OnLine.

Step 2 : In the search bar, enter the name of your profession in English.

Step 3 : Consult the profession sheet to check:

• Visit Job Zone (Work Area): Must be 4 or 5.
• Visit Please Range : Must be 7.0 or higher.

Jobs that can qualify you

Here are some examples of jobs that could qualify you for the DV Lottery, even without a high school diploma:

• Chef : If you've spent the last two years cooking up delicious meals in a restaurant, you might be eligible.
• Electrician : Construction trades are often well rated in the O*NET database.
• Car mechanic : Fixing cars for two years could be your ticket to America.
• Hairdresser : Yes, even if it may surprise you, it is a job that requires real skills.
• Farmer : Experience in managing a farm may be valued.
• Plumber : Another construction profession that can open doors.
• Welder : A technical profession which requires specific skills.
• Computer technician : In our digital age, these skills are valuable.

These are just a few examples, there are many more. The main thing is that your job requires some expertise and is not considered unskilled work.

How to prove your experience?

So, you might be thinking, “That’s great, but how do I prove I have this experience?” That’s a great question! Here are some things that can help:

• Employment contracts : Keep all your contracts carefully, they are solid proof of your experience.
• Pay slips : They show not only that you worked, but also for how long.
• Letters of recommendationn: Ask your former employers to write you a letter detailing your responsibilities and the length of your employment.
• Training certificates : If you have had any professional training, keep a record of it.
• Portfolio : For some creative professions, a portfolio of your work can be very useful.
• Detailed CV : Prepare a resume that highlights your skills and experience clearly and precisely.

Remember, you need to be able to prove two years of experience within the last five years. So, if you have recently changed careers, make sure your previous experience is well documented.

Pitfalls to avoid

Now that you know you can participate without a baccalaureate, watch out for the pitfalls! Here are some common mistakes to avoid:

• Lying about your qualifications: This is the worst thing you can do. Not only is it illegal, it can get you permanently banned from the program.
• Neglecting to prepare documents: Even if you are eligible, if you cannot prove it, it is of no use.
• Paying someone to “increase your odds”: The DV Lottery is free and the drawing is random. No one can increase your odds.
• Forgetting to check the results regularly: Winners are not notified automatically, it is up to you to check.
• Ignoring deadlines: If you win, you have a limited amount of time to complete your application. Don’t delay!