FY
2026 Diversity Visa Lottery Registration Now Open Until November 5th
Great news! The U.S. Department of State has opened the online registration for the Diversity Visa (DV) Lottery Program for Fiscal Year 2026 (DV-2026).
If you're
looking for an opportunity to obtain permanent residency in the United States,
this is the perfect chance. You can submit your registration online now, and
the deadline for submitting entries is Tuesday, November 5, 2024, at 12:00 p.m.
Eastern Standard Time (EST).
Here’s
everything you need to know about the FY 2026 DV Lottery, including how to apply,
eligibility criteria, and important deadlines. Don’t miss your chance to be one
of the lucky 55,000 people selected!
Why Apply for the Diversity Visa Lottery?
The
Diversity Visa Lottery offers foreign nationals from countries with
historically low rates of immigration to the United States an opportunity to
apply for a U.S. green card. For FY 2026, the lottery will select up to 55,000
applicants through a randomized computer-based selection process. Being
selected in the lottery allows you to file for your immigrant visa starting
October 1, 2025.
This visa is a direct pathway to U.S. permanent residency (commonly known as a green card), meaning you can live and work in the United States. All applicants selected must complete their immigrant visa applications within fiscal year 2026 (October 1, 2025, to September 30, 2026).
Once all the available visas
have been issued, the program closes for the year. Therefore, it’s crucial for
those selected to act quickly and begin the visa application process as soon as
possible.
Eligibility Criteria for the DV Lottery
To
be eligible for the Diversity Visa Lottery, you need to meet two primary
requirements:
Requirement #1: Country of Birth
You
must be a native of a country with historically low rates of immigration to the
United States. A comprehensive list of eligible countries is available on the
official State Department website.
But
what if your country is not on the list? There are two other ways you could
qualify:
- Spousal
Exception:
If your spouse was born in an eligible country, you can claim their
country of birth. However, both you and your spouse must apply for and be
granted diversity visas together and enter the U.S. simultaneously.
- Parental
Exception:
If you were born in a country that doesn’t qualify, but neither of your
parents were born or legally resident in that country at the time of your
birth, you can claim one of your parent’s countries of birth, provided it
is eligible.
Requirement #2: Education or Work Experience
In
addition to meeting the country requirement, you must also meet the DV
program's education or work experience criteria:
- Education: You must have completed at least a high school
education or its equivalent (completion of a 12-year course of formal
elementary and secondary education).
- Work Experience: Alternatively, you must have two years of work
experience in the past five years in an occupation that requires at least
two years of training or experience. The Department of State uses the U.S.
Department of Labor’s O*Net Online database to verify qualifying work
experience.
You
should only submit an entry if you meet both of these requirements. Submitting
multiple entries will result in disqualification.
How to Enter the FY 2026 DV Lottery
Submitting
your entry for the DV-2026 program is easy and entirely free. Follow these
steps to participate:
- Visit the Official DV Lottery
Website: Go to www.dvprogram.state.gov
and fill out the Electronic Diversity Visa Entry Form (E-DV Entry Form or
DS-5501).
- Submit Before the Deadline: The registration period is open from now until
Tuesday, November 5, 2024, at 12:00 p.m. EST. Be sure to complete and
submit your form within this time frame, as late entries will not be
accepted.
- Keep Your Confirmation Number: After submitting your entry, you will receive a
confirmation screen containing your name and a unique confirmation number.
Print this page or save it for your records. You will need this
confirmation number to check your entry status next year.
- One Entry Per Person: Submitting more than one entry for the DV program
will result in disqualification. Ensure that the information you provide
is accurate and complete.
How to Check If You Are Selected
Once
the registration period closes, the winners of the Diversity Visa Lottery will
be selected randomly. You will be able to check if your entry has been selected
by using the Entrant Status Check feature on the official DV Lottery
website.
Starting
May 3, 2025, until September 30, 2026, you can visit dvprogram.state.gov
and use your confirmation number to check if you were selected. If you are
selected, you will be directed to a confirmation page with further instructions
on how to apply for your immigrant visa.
The
Entrant Status Check is the only way the U.S. Department of State will
notify applicants of their selection. You will not receive an email, phone
call, or letter notifying you of your selection. Be wary of fraud or scams
pretending to notify you of your selection. Only check your status through the
official website.
Beware of Fraud and Misleading Information
It
is important to remember that the Diversity Visa Lottery application process is
completely free. The only official website for submitting your entry is https://dvprogram.state.gov.
Do
not pay anyone to submit your entry for you. Some fraudulent websites or
individuals might charge fees or promise guaranteed selection. Be
cautious—using an unauthorized third party can lead to disqualification.
If
you need assistance, it’s best to seek advice from a licensed immigration
attorney. They can provide guidance and ensure your application is submitted
correctly.
Final Thoughts
The
FY 2026 Diversity Visa Lottery offers an incredible opportunity for people
around the world to apply for a U.S. green card. If you meet the eligibility
criteria and are interested in immigrating to the U.S., don’t miss your chance
to apply before November 5, 2024.
The
process is straightforward, free, and could be life-changing. If selected, you
will have the chance to live and work permanently in the United States,
contributing to one of the most diverse and dynamic societies in the world.
Best
of luck with your application!
Key Takeaways:
- Deadline: The registration period ends on November 5, 2024, at
12:00 p.m. EST.
- Eligibility: Check if your country qualifies, and make sure you
meet the education or work experience requirements.
- Fraud Awareness: Only apply through the official DV program website;
registration is free.
Remember,
this is a random lottery, but it’s a fantastic opportunity to gain U.S.
permanent residency. Apply now if you're eligible!