The U.S. Department of State has opened the Diversity Immigrant Visa (DV) Lottery for Fiscal Year 2026.
Often called the Green Card Lottery, this program offers up to 55,000 immigrant visas each year to people from countries with historically low levels of immigration to the United States.
There is no fee to enter, and the application process is entirely online through the official government portal.
When and How to Apply
- Application window: October 2, 2024 (12 p.m. EDT)Â through November 7, 2024 (12 p.m. EST)
- Where to apply:Â dvprogram.state.gov
Paper submissions are not accepted. - Results available: May 3, 2025, through the same website under Entrant Status Check
The government will not send email or postal notices about selection, so it’s important to save your confirmation number and check your status online yourself.
Who Can Apply
To qualify, an applicant must meet two key requirements:
1. Country of Birth
Only individuals born in countries with low immigration rates to the United States are eligible.
Not eligible for DV-2026: Bangladesh, Brazil, Canada, China (including Hong Kong), Colombia, Cuba, Dominican Republic, El Salvador, Haiti, Honduras, India, Jamaica, Mexico, Nigeria, Pakistan, Philippines, South Korea, Venezuela, and Vietnam.
(People born in Macau SAR and Taiwan are eligible.)
If you were born in an ineligible country, you may still qualify by:
- Using your spouse’s country of birth (if eligible), or
- Using your parent’s country of birth if neither parent was born in or legally resident in your own country at the time of your birth.
2. Education or Work Experience
You must have either:
- A high school education or equivalent (12 years of formal study), or
- Two years of qualifying work experience within the past five years in a job requiring at least two years of training or experience.
The U.S. Department of Labor’s O*Net Online Database determines which occupations qualify.
Entry Rules and Photo Requirements
- Only one entry per person is allowed; duplicate submissions will disqualify you.
- Use accurate passport details and a valid email address you control.
- Upload recent photos (taken within six months) that meet U.S. visa photo standards—plain white or off-white background, full-face view, no glasses.
Watch Out for Scams
The Diversity Visa application is free.
The Department of State never sends emails announcing selection and never asks for payment through third-party websites or money-transfer services.
To check your status or read the official instructions, visit only dvprogram.state.gov or travel.state.gov
After You’re Selected
Being selected in the lottery does not guarantee a visa.
If chosen, you must:
- Complete Form DS-260Â (Online Immigrant Visa Application).
- Upload supporting documents proving eligibility.
- Attend an interview at a U.S. embassy or consulate.
All processing must be finished by September 30, 2026, the end of the fiscal year. Once the 55,000 visa limit is reached, the program closes for that year.
How NPZ Law Group Can Help
At Nachman, Phulwani, Zimovcak (NPZ) Law Group, P.C., our attorneys help clients worldwide understand and navigate U.S. immigration options—including Diversity Visa cases.
We can:
- Review your eligibility before you apply,
- Guide you through the online submission process, and
- Assist with documentation if you are selected.
For personalized advice, contact us at info@visaserve.com or 201-670-0006 (ext. 104).
You can also visit www.visaserve.com for regular updates on U.S. and Canadian immigration law.
FAQ
Is there a fee to apply?
No. Submitting your entry is free.
How will I know if I was selected?
You must check your status online beginning May 3, 2025. The government will not email or call you.
Can I apply more than once?
No. Multiple entries will result in disqualification.
If I’m selected, when must I finish the process?
All visas must be issued before September 30, 2026.