USA DV Lottery 2026 > The United States Diversity Immigrant Visa (DV) Program, commonly known as the Green Card Lottery, annually allocates up to 55,000 immigrant visas to individuals from countries with historically low rates of immigration to the U.S. The primary objective is to promote diversity within the U.S. immigrant population.

USA DV Lottery 2026

DV-2026 Program:

• Registration Period: The entry window for the DV-2026 program was from October 2, 2024, to November 7, 2024. As of now, entries are closed.
• Entrant Status Check: Applicants can check their selection status starting at noon Eastern Daylight Time (EDT) on May 3, 2025. To do so, visit the Entrant Status Check page and input your confirmation number, last name, and year of birth. It’s crucial to retain your confirmation number until at least September 30, 2026, as it’s the sole means to verify your status.

Eligibility Criteria:

1. Country of Origin: Applicants must be natives of countries with low immigration rates to the U.S. For DV-2026, certain countries, including Cuba, Mexico, Colombia, Honduras, Venezuela, and Haiti, were ineligible due to high recent immigration numbers.
2. Education or Work Experience: Applicants should have either:
   • A high school education or its equivalent.
   • At least two years of work experience within the past five years in an occupation requiring at least two years of training or experience.

Application Process:

• Submission: Applications are submitted electronically through the official DV Program website during the designated registration period. The process is free, and it’s advisable to avoid unauthorized entities charging fees for application assistance.
• Selection: Selections are made randomly by computer. Being selected doesn’t guarantee a visa but allows you to proceed with the visa application process.

Post-Selection Steps:

If selected, promptly complete the online DS-260 application form and prepare for an interview at the designated U.S. Embassy or Consulate. Ensure all required documents are in order and adhere to the provided guidelines to maximize your chances of a successful visa issuance.

Important Considerations:

• Scam Awareness: The U.S. Department of State doesn’t notify entrants about their selection via email or mail. Be cautious of fraudulent communications requesting fees or personal information.
• Future Opportunities: If you missed the DV-2026 registration, monitor the official DV Program website for announcements regarding future lotteries.

For comprehensive details, refer to the U.S. Department of State’s Diversity Visa Program page.