U.S. Green Card Lottery Results Released: Understanding the DV-2026 U.S. Diversity Visa Program

Last updated on 3 weeks ago

• 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.
• 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.
• 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.

1. Country of Origin:
   • 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.
   • 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.
   • Exceptions:
     • 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.
     • 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.
2. Education or Work Experience:
   • Applicants must have either:
     • A high school education or its equivalent, defined as the successful completion of a 12-year course of formal elementary and secondary education, or
     • 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.

• 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.
• 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.
• Single Entry Rule: Submitting more than one entry per person results in disqualification of all entries for that individual.
• 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.

• Go to the official U.S. Department of State’s Diversity Visa website: dvprogram.state.gov/ESC.
• Ensure the website URL ends in “.gov” to avoid fraudulent sites.

• 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.
• Click on the “Check Status” button or similar prompt to proceed.

• You’ll need the following details:
  • Confirmation Number: The unique number provided when you submitted your DV-2026 entry.
  • Last Name: As entered in your application.
  • Year of Birth: Your birth year.
  • Authentication Code: A randomly generated code provided on the portal for security.
• 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.

• After entering the required information, the portal will display whether your entry was selected.
  • 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.
  • 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).

• If selected, act promptly, as visas are processed on a first-come, first-served basis, and only 55,000 visas are available.
• Prepare required documents, including proof of education or work experience, and attend a visa interview at a U.S. embassy or consulate.
• Pay the visa application fee (required at the interview stage, not during lottery entry).
• Complete all processing by September 30, 2026, or forfeit the opportunity.

• Use Only Official Websites: The only legitimate site for DV-2026 is dvprogram.state.gov. Avoid sites charging fees for entry or result checks.
• Beware of Fraudulent Communications: The State Department does not send emails, letters, or calls about selection. Any such message is likely a scam.
• 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.
• Protect Your Confirmation Number: Do not share your confirmation number with third parties, as it could be misused.
• 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.

1. Submit Form DS-260: Complete the Online Immigrant Visa Application, providing detailed personal and background information.
2. 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.
3. Pay Visa Fees: Fees are required at the interview stage, typically around $330 per person, though exact amounts vary by country.
4. Undergo Security and Background Checks: All selectees are subject to rigorous vetting. Failure to pass these checks results in disqualification.
5. 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.
6. 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).