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How to apply for 2026 DV Program?

Thousands of people from all over the world hope to relocate to the United States each year in pursuit of better prospects. Entering the Diversity Visa (DV) Lottery is one of the simplest ways to obtain a U.S. Green Card. The DV Lottery program offers citizens of qualifying nations the opportunity to win free permanent residency in the US. However, how do you apply specifically? This straightforward, step-by-step tutorial will assist you in completing the procedure.

What is Diversity Visa?

The U.S. government organizes the Diversity Visa Lottery every year. By choosing people from nations with historically low immigration rates to the United States, it seeks to diversify the immigrant population. You and your family may be eligible to obtain a Green Card, which permits you to reside and work in the United States, if you win the lottery.

Eligibility Criteria

You need to have specific training and professional experience. A high school degree or two years of experience in a field requiring at least two years of training or experience are essential to be able to apply for the visa program.

People from the following countries are not allowed to participate in the 2026 DV lottery:

Bangladesh, Brazil, Canada ,China (including Hong Kong SAR) , Colombia, Cuba, Dominican Republic, El Salvador, Haiti, Honduras, India, Jamaica, Mexico, Nigeria, Pakistan, Philippines, Republic of Korea (South Korea), Venezuela, Vietnam

Note: Natives from Macau SAR and Taiwan are eligible. You can still enter if your spouse is a native of a country with low rates of immigration. You can also claim the country of birth of your parents if they were born in a low immigration country.

When to Submit an Application for 2026 DV Program

For DV-2026, entries must be submitted between October 2, 2024, at 12:00 PM EDT (GMT -4) and November 5, 2024, at 12:00 PM EST (GMT -5). Only during this time frame will the entry form be accessible for submission. Because the timeframe is limited and there are no exceptions if you miss the deadline, you must apply as soon as possible. The US Postal Service will not be accepting entries.

Requirements before begin process

Before starting the application, gather the following:

Digital photo of yourself, your spouse, and any children. Ensure the photos meet the specific size and format requirements.

Personal information: Name, birthdate, place of birth, and contact details.

Step-by-Step Application Process

Step 1 : Go to the official website:

The only official DV Lottery website is dvprogram.state.gov. Watch out for bogus websites.

Step 2 : Enter your personal information

Enter your full name, gender, birthdate, birthplace, and passport details. Verify that everything is precisely the same as it is on your official records.

Step 3 : Upload your photo

The U.S. government has tight guidelines on photo quality. It must adhere to certain size requirements (600x600 pixels), with white background, be clear, and be current (shot within the last six months). To see if your photo is appropriate, use their photo tool.

Step 4 : Provide family information

Even if your spouse and any children under the age of 21 do not intend to move with you, you must list them. You will not be eligible if you do not list every member of your family.

Step 5: Submit the form

Once all fields have been filled out, carefully check your application before sending it in. You are unable to edit if submitted. (Remember, submit your application only once. If you submit same applicant's application more then once, both applications will be disqualified.)

Step 6 : Save your confirmation number

Once you submit the form, you'll receive the unique 16 digit confirmation number. Print and save this number.

How to check the result?

You will need it to check your lottery status via Entrant Status Check between May 3, 2025 and September 30, 2026 to determine whether your entry was selected for further processing in the 2016 Diversity Visa Program. To view your results, return to the official DV Lottery website and enter your confirmation number. You will receive details on how to proceed with getting your Green Card if you are chosen.

The DV Lottery application is free. Be cautious of websites or agencies that ask for payment or personal information. Use only the official website to apply. Many fraudulent services claim to increase your chances of winning, but remember, the selection process is random, and no one can influence it. Apply exclusively through the official website. Numerous dishonest businesses promise to boost your chances of winning, but keep in mind that the selection process is random and unaffected by outside forces.