What is category code DV1 on the Permanent Resident Card?

Answer 1

DV stands for diversity visa. The code "DV1" on the permanent resident card means that the individual was granted permanent residency through the diversity visa immigrant lottery program which is also known as the green card lottery. In order to diversify Immigration into the United States, the Immigration and Naturalization Service (INS) (which is now the Department of Homeland Security) established the diversity visa lottery program. Under the program, individuals from different countries submit their names to be entered into the lottery system. After the submissions, names are randomly selected as winners of the lottery drawings. These lucky winners are then issued a diversity visa (dv-1 visa) to emigrate into the United States. Upon entry into the United States, and upon fulfillment of the registration requirements, these lucky winners are granted permanent residency in the United States. They are then issued a permanent residency card which bears the code "DV1" which indicates that they obtained permanent residency through the diversity lottery program.