The Diversity Visa (DV) Lottery Program, also known as the Green Card Lottery, is an annual program administered by the U.S. Department of State under Section 203(c) of the Immigration and Nationality Act. It offers up to 55,000 diversity visas (DVs) each year to immigrants from countries with historically low immigration rates to the United States. For the DV Lottery 2026, the program continues its mission of promoting immigration diversity by allowing individuals from underrepresented nations to apply for permanent residency in the United States.
Application Dates for DV Lottery 2026
The entry submission period for the DV-2026 Lottery is open from 12:00 PM EDT (GMT-4) on October 4, 2024, to 12:00 PM EST (GMT-5) on November 7, 2024. During this period, applicants can submit their entries electronically through the official website, dvprogram.state.gov. It is important to note that there is no cost to register for the DV lottery. Any attempts to register after the deadline will not be accepted.
Eligibility Requirements for DV Lottery 2026
To qualify for the DV Lottery 2026, applicants must meet the following basic eligibility criteria:
- Country of Birth: Only individuals from countries with historically low rates of immigration to the United States are eligible. For DV-2026, nationals of countries like Bangladesh, Brazil, Canada, China (mainland and Hong Kong born), India, Mexico, Nigeria, and Pakistan are ineligible to apply, among others. However, individuals from regions such as Macau SAR and Taiwan remain eligible.If your country of birth is ineligible, you may still qualify by:
- Claiming your spouse’s country of birth (if your spouse is from an eligible country).
- Claiming your parents’ country of birth if neither of them was born or legally resided in your country at the time of your birth.
- Education/Work Experience: Applicants must meet one of the following educational or work experience criteria:
- Have a high school diploma or its equivalent (successful completion of a 12-year formal course of study).
- Have at least two years of work experience in the past five years in an occupation that requires two years of training or experience, as determined by the U.S. Department of Labor’s O*Net Online database.
Photo Requirements for DV Lottery 2026
When submitting an entry, applicants must provide digital photos of themselves and their family members that meet strict requirements. The photos must:
- Be in color, in focus, and taken within the last six months.
- Be taken against a plain white or off-white background.
- Show the applicant’s full face, directly facing the camera, with a neutral expression.
- Be 600 x 600 pixels and in JPEG format, not exceeding 240 KB in size.
Failure to meet these photo specifications or submitting manipulated photos will result in disqualification.
Entry Submission for DV Lottery 2026
Applicants must complete the Electronic Diversity Visa Entry Form at dvprogram.state.gov during the designated submission period. Each applicant is allowed only one entry per year. Submitting multiple entries will result in disqualification. Incomplete applications or entries submitted through any other means will also be rejected.
The required information for a DV Lottery entry includes:
- Full name (as per passport)
- Gender
- Birth date and country of birth
- Country of eligibility
- Recent photographs (following the specified guidelines)
- Mailing address and current residence
- Email address and phone number
- Education level and marital status
- Names and details of spouse and children (if applicable)
Selection Process for DV Lottery 2026
The selection process is random, and winners are chosen through a computer-based lottery system. All applicants must use their unique confirmation number to check their status via the Entrant Status Check at dvprogram.state.gov starting from May 4, 2025. The Department of State will not send notification emails or letters. It is crucial for entrants to check their status themselves.
Selected individuals will receive further instructions regarding the visa application process, including required fees. It is important to note that visa application fees are non-refundable, even if the applicant is found ineligible during the interview process.
Common Questions About DV Lottery 2026
- Is a passport required?: Unlike in previous years, a passport is not required during the application phase of the DV Lottery 2026. However, selected applicants will need it when filling out the DS-260 form after being chosen.
- Who should be included in the application?: Applicants must list their spouse and all unmarried children under 21 years of age, regardless of whether they intend to immigrate with them. Failure to list eligible family members can result in disqualification.
- Is there a minimum age to apply?: While there is no official minimum age, the educational and work experience requirements effectively disqualify most individuals under 18.
Conclusion
The DV Lottery 2026 offers an incredible opportunity for individuals from eligible countries to secure permanent residency in the United States. By following the guidelines and applying within the submission period, applicants can increase their chances of being selected. Be sure to check your application status from May 4, 2025, and follow all instructions carefully if selected. Remember, the U.S. government will not notify entrants by email, so it is important to stay proactive in the process.
