Thousands of international teens are asking this after a Reddit user sparked a viral discussion with a smart immigration and admissions question.
Digital Worldwide News
May 3, 2025
Andrew Juma
How the DV Lottery Affects College Admissions
A 16-year-old Reddit user from the UK recently asked a question that’s been on the minds of thousands of international students: If I win the Diversity Visa lottery, can I apply to U.S. colleges as a domestic student instead of an international one?
The question, posted on r/IntltoUSA, quickly sparked thoughtful replies from former applicants and immigration-savvy users.
r/IntltoUSA•u/National_Growth1366•Apr 24, 2025
Hey everyone, I’m 16 and currently living in the UK. I entered the DV-2026 (Diversity Visa) lottery and I’m hoping to start college in the U.S. around Fall 2026. If I get selected in May 2025 and go through the process quickly (submitting my DS-260, attending the interview, and entering the U.S. by the deadline) is there a chance I could get my green card in good time before application deadlines? And if that happens, would I be eligible to apply as a **domestic student** instead of international? I know that makes a big difference for financial aid and admissions. Appreciate any insight from people who’ve been through the process or have knowledge about the timing and requirements!
NoRope9338Apr 24, 2025
OP you dont need to have to worry about this as it is a LOTTERY 1 or less percent chance of being selcted for dv visa .After winning dv visa it isnt really guranteed of you getting green card as selectants sre outnumbered reaching 100k . You have to have less number And even if you luckily win the lottery green card issuance can take more than 3months atleast Best of Luck
NoRope9338Apr 24, 2025
Also you are 16 .. have you completed your high school ? If not you are uneleigible
Former-Map4416Apr 28, 2025
Hey! You're asking a really smart question. If you win the DV in May 2025, you'll still need to go through DS260, get an interview, and enter the US before September 30, 2026. But for college apps (which usually happen Fall 2025 to early 2026), schools will look at your status at the time you apply. If you don't have your Green Card by then, you'll still have to apply as an international student. Even if you get your Green Card before classes start in Fall 2026, it likely won't change your admissions status because applications/finaid decisions are based on your status when you apply, not when you enroll. In short: You’ll probably apply as international, but you might enroll as a green card holder if timing works out. Good luck!
DueLet4873Apr 24, 2025
i just came here to say lucky your elligible for dv lottery ( i am unellegible as i am born in india eventhough i am australian citizen and have been in australia for the majority of my life only spent 1 year in india.
In short, even if you enter the U.S. with a green card before the start of college, you'll probably still apply as an international student unless your residency status changes before you submit your application.
While the odds of winning the DV lottery are low — and the timeline tight — the conversation highlights just how complex and important immigration status is for students chasing their American dream.