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The U.S. Diversity Immigrant Visa Program, commonly known as the Green Card Lottery, is a unique opportunity for individuals from countries with historically low immigration rates to the United States to pursue permanent residency. The DV-2026 program, which pertains to visas issued for Fiscal Year 2026, has garnered significant attention from hopeful applicants worldwide.
In this blog post, we’ll dive into the details of the DV-2026 program, its release, eligibility criteria, and a step-by-step guide on how to check your results on the official U.S. Department of State’s DV portal. We’ll also address common pitfalls and provide tips to avoid scams.

What is the DV-2026 Diversity Visa Program?
The Diversity Visa (DV) Program, established under the Immigration Act of 1990, aims to diversify the U.S. immigrant population by offering up to 55,000 immigrant visas annually to individuals from countries with low immigration rates to the U.S. over the past five years. Administered by the U.S. Department of State, the program uses a randomized computer drawing to select applicants, making it a fair and accessible pathway to U.S. permanent residency for eligible individuals.
For DV-2026, the program continues its mission to promote cultural and social diversity in the U.S. Selected applicants, or “selectees,” must meet strict eligibility requirements and complete a thorough vetting process to secure a visa. Importantly, being selected does not guarantee a visa, as the number of selectees typically exceeds the number of available visas, and applicants must pass consular screenings and meet deadlines.
Key Dates for DV-2026
The DV-2026 program follows a structured timeline:
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Application Period: The entry period for DV-2026 ran from October 2, 2024, at 12:00 p.m. Eastern Daylight Time (EDT) to November 7, 2024, at 12:00 p.m. Eastern Standard Time (EST). No late entries or paper submissions were accepted.
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Result Announcement: Results were released on May 3, 2025, at 12:00 p.m. Eastern Daylight Time (EDT). Applicants can check their status online until at least September 30, 2026.
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Visa Application Period: Selected applicants can apply for immigrant visas from October 1, 2025, to September 30, 2026. All processing must be completed by September 30, 2026, or applicants lose their opportunity.
Eligibility Requirements for DV-2026
To participate in the DV-2026 program, applicants must meet two primary requirements:
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Country of Origin:
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Applicants must be natives of a country with historically low immigration rates to the U.S., defined as sending fewer than 50,000 immigrants over the past five years.
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For DV-2026, natives of the following countries were not eligible to apply due to high immigration rates: Bangladesh, Brazil, Canada, China (mainland and Hong Kong), Colombia, Cuba, Dominican Republic, El Salvador, Haiti, Honduras, India, Jamaica, Mexico, Nigeria, Pakistan, Philippines, South Korea, Venezuela, and Vietnam. Natives of Macau SAR and Taiwan were eligible.
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Exceptions:
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If your spouse is a native of an eligible country, you can claim their country of birth, provided both of you are included in the selected entry, issued visas, and enter the U.S. together.
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If neither of your parents was born or legally resident in your native country at the time of your birth, you may claim the country of birth of one parent if it is eligible.
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Education or Work Experience:
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Applicants must have either:
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A high school education or its equivalent, defined as the successful completion of a 12-year course of formal elementary and secondary education, or
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Two years of work experience within the past five years in an occupation requiring at least two years of training or experience, as defined by U.S. labor standards.
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Failure to meet these requirements will result in disqualification, even if selected in the lottery.
How to Apply for DV-2026
The application process for DV-2026 was entirely electronic and free of charge. Applicants were required to submit their entries via the official website, dvprogram.state.gov, during the registration period. Key points to note:
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Electronic Entry Form (E-DV Entry Form or DS-5501): Applicants completed the form online, providing accurate personal information, including name, gender, birth date, birthplace, eligibility country, and recent photographs meeting specific technical specifications.
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Photo Requirements: Photos must be recent (taken within the last six months), compliant with State Department guidelines, and included for the applicant and all eligible dependents. Non-compliant photos lead to disqualification.
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Single Entry Rule: Submitting more than one entry per person results in disqualification of all entries for that individual.
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Confirmation Number: Upon successful submission, applicants received a unique confirmation number, which is critical for checking results. Applicants were advised to save and print the confirmation page.
The State Department strongly recommended that applicants complete the form themselves to avoid errors and retain control of their confirmation number. Using “visa consultants” or agents was discouraged due to the risk of fraud.
Checking DV-2026 Results on the U.S. DV Portal
Checking your DV-2026 results is a straightforward process, but it requires vigilance to avoid scams. The U.S. Department of State does not send notifications via email, mail, or phone. The only legitimate way to check your status is through the official Entrant Status Check portal. Here’s a step-by-step guide:
Step 1: Visit the Official DV Portal
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Go to the official U.S. Department of State’s Diversity Visa website: dvprogram.state.gov/ESC.
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Ensure the website URL ends in “.gov” to avoid fraudulent sites.
Step 2: Access the Entrant Status Check
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The Entrant Status Check became available on May 3, 2025, at 12:00 p.m. EDT and will remain open until at least September 30, 2026.
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Click on the “Check Status” button or similar prompt to proceed.
Step 3: Enter Required Information
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You’ll need the following details:
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Confirmation Number: The unique number provided when you submitted your DV-2026 entry.
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Last Name: As entered in your application.
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Year of Birth: Your birth year.
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Authentication Code: A randomly generated code provided on the portal for security.
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If you’ve lost your confirmation number, use the “Forgot Confirmation Number” link on the Entrant Status Check page. You’ll need to provide personal information (e.g., name, date of birth, and email used during registration) to retrieve it.
Step 4: View Your Status
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After entering the required information, the portal will display whether your entry was selected.
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If Selected: You’ll see a message indicating selection and receive instructions on next steps, such as submitting Form DS-260 (Online Immigrant Visa Application) and preparing for a visa interview.
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If Not Selected: You’ll be informed that your entry was not chosen. No further action is possible for DV-2026, but you can apply again in future years (e.g., DV-2027, expected to open in October 2025).
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Step 5: Follow Instructions for Selected Applicants
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If selected, act promptly, as visas are processed on a first-come, first-served basis, and only 55,000 visas are available.
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Prepare required documents, including proof of education or work experience, and attend a visa interview at a U.S. embassy or consulate.
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Pay the visa application fee (required at the interview stage, not during lottery entry).
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Complete all processing by September 30, 2026, or forfeit the opportunity.
Important Tips to Avoid Scams
The DV program is a prime target for scammers due to its popularity and the high stakes involved.
Here are critical tips to protect yourself:
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Use Only Official Websites: The only legitimate site for DV-2026 is dvprogram.state.gov. Avoid sites charging fees for entry or result checks.
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Beware of Fraudulent Communications: The State Department does not send emails, letters, or calls about selection. Any such message is likely a scam.
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No Fees for Entry or Result Checks: The DV application and result-checking process are free. Fees are only required if selected and proceeding with the visa application.
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Protect Your Confirmation Number: Do not share your confirmation number with third parties, as it could be misused.
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Be Wary of “Agents”: While you may seek assistance, be cautious of services claiming to guarantee selection or demanding payment upfront. Complete the application yourself when possible.
The U.S. Federal Trade Commission and State Department provide resources on spotting DV lottery fraud. If you suspect a scam, report it to the appropriate authorities.
What Happens After Selection?
Being selected in the DV-2026 lottery is only the first step.
Here’s what to expect:
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Submit Form DS-260: Complete the Online Immigrant Visa Application, providing detailed personal and background information.
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Prepare for the Visa Interview: Gather required documents, such as passports, birth certificates, educational credentials, and proof of work experience. A consular officer will assess your eligibility.
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Pay Visa Fees: Fees are required at the interview stage, typically around $330 per person, though exact amounts vary by country.
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Undergo Security and Background Checks: All selectees are subject to rigorous vetting. Failure to pass these checks results in disqualification.
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Receive Your Visa: If approved, you’ll receive an immigrant visa, allowing you to enter the U.S. as a permanent resident. You must enter the U.S. by the visa’s expiration date, typically within six months of issuance.
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Adjustment of Status (if in the U.S.): A small number of selectees already in the U.S. in legal status may apply for adjustment of status through U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).
Missing deadlines or failing to meet requirements is a common reason selectees lose their chance. In 2023, for example, over 119,000 applicants were notified of selection, but many did not complete the process or were found ineligible.
Regional and Country Insights
The DV program allocates visas across six geographic regions, with no single country receiving more than 7% of the available visas in a year. For DV-2025, African countries (except Nigeria) were highly represented, with top countries including Algeria, Egypt, Sudan, and Kenya. While DV-2026 data on selectees is not yet fully available, similar trends are expected, with strong participation from eligible African, Asian, and European countries.
Why the DV Program Matters
The DV program is a cornerstone of U.S. immigration policy, offering a pathway to the American Dream for those without family or employment-based sponsorship. It’s particularly significant for individuals from underrepresented countries, fostering diversity and opportunity. For example, in DV-2025, nearly 20 million qualified entries were submitted, reflecting the program’s global reach.
However, the program has faced challenges. Former President Donald Trump attempted to end it during his first term, citing concerns over security and merit-based immigration, but a federal judge ordered its reinstatement. The program’s continuation underscores its value in promoting a diverse U.S. population.
The DV-2026 Diversity Visa Program is a life-changing opportunity for eligible applicants, but navigating it requires diligence and caution. By understanding the program’s requirements, checking results only through the official portal, and avoiding scams, you can maximize your chances of success. If you applied for DV-2026, mark your calendar to check your status starting May 3, 2025, and keep your confirmation number safe. If selected, act quickly to complete the visa process by September 30, 2026.
For those who weren’t selected, don’t lose hope—the DV program opens annually, with DV-2027 expected to accept entries in October 2025. Stay informed, use official resources, and take the first step toward your American journey.
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