How to Apply for the FY 2026 Diversity Visa Lottery: A Complete Guide

The U.S. Department of State has officially announced the opening of online registrations for the Fiscal Year 2026 Diversity Visa (DV) Lottery. Starting Wednesday, October 2, 2024, at noon Eastern Daylight Time (4 PM GMT), eligible foreign nationals can submit their applications for a chance to secure one of 55,000 green cards through this lottery program.

Key Dates and Deadlines

• Registration Opens: October 2, 2024, at noon EDT (4 PM GMT)
• Registration Closes: November 5, 2024, at noon EST (4:00 PM Ghana Time)
• Results Announced: May 3, 2025
• Application for Green Cards Begins: October 1, 2025

The DV Lottery is a free program, and results will be available through the official website. Here’s what you need to know to participate.

Eligibility Requirements

To qualify for the DV Lottery, applicants must meet the following criteria:

1. Country of Birth: The DV lottery is open to individuals born in countries with low immigration rates to the United States. For FY 2026, nationals of the following countries are ineligible:
   • Bangladesh
   • Brazil
   • Canada
   • China (including Hong Kong SAR)
   • Colombia
   • Cuba
   • Dominican Republic
   • El Salvador
   • Haiti
   • Honduras
   • India
   • Jamaica
   • Mexico
   • Nigeria
   • Pakistan
   • The Philippines
   • South Korea
   • Venezuela
   • Vietnam

   However, individuals born in Macau SAR and Taiwan are still eligible. If your country of birth is ineligible, you may still qualify through a spouse or a parent born in an eligible country.

2. Education or Work Experience: Applicants must have either a high school diploma or two years of qualifying work experience within the last five years.

How to Register for the DV Lottery

1. Submit an Online Application: Registration is done exclusively through the official DV lottery website.
2. Upload a Digital Photo: Along with the online form, a digital passport-style photo must be submitted. Ensure the photo meets all the requirements, as improper submissions may lead to disqualification.
3. One Entry Per Applicant: Each applicant is allowed only one entry. Submitting multiple entries will lead to automatic disqualification.
4. Confirmation Number: After successfully submitting your entry, you’ll receive a confirmation number. Keep this number safe, as it will be used to check your lottery results in May 2025.

Selection and Notifications

Winners of the DV lottery will be selected through a random computer-generated draw.

• Results Availability: Starting May 3, 2025, applicants can check their status on the DV lottery website using their confirmation number. Results will remain accessible until at least September 30, 2026.
• Important: The U.S. Department of State does not notify winners via mail, e-mail, fax, or phone. Be wary of fraudulent communications claiming otherwise.

Beware of Scams

The U.S. Department of State has issued several warnings about DV lottery-related scams. To protect yourself:

• Use Only the Official Website: The official DV lottery registration is free, and the only way to enter is through the official website. Be cautious of any third-party services that claim to register applicants for a fee.
• No E-mail or Phone Notifications: If you receive notifications about winning that do not come from checking the official website, it is likely a scam. The State Department will not contact you via email, mail, or phone.

Final Thoughts

The Diversity Visa Lottery is a great opportunity for eligible individuals looking to immigrate to the United States. Make sure to follow all guidelines, submit your entry through the official platform, and keep your confirmation number safe.

For more details, visit the U.S. Department of State DV Lottery website.