How To Apply For The 2026 Diversity Visa Lottery (Green Card Lottery)

The Diversity Visa (DV) Lottery, also known as the Green Card Lottery, is a unique opportunity offered by the United States government for people around the world who wish to live and work in the U.S.

Each year, the program allocates up to 55,000 permanent resident visas (green cards) to individuals from countries with historically low rates of immigration to the U.S. The DV Lottery was created under the Immigration Act of 1990 and has helped thousands of people successfully immigrate.

If you’re interested in applying for the 2026 Diversity Visa Lottery, it’s critical to understand the eligibility requirements, how the application process works, and what to do if you’re selected.

This detailed guide covers everything you need to know, including key deadlines, tips for success, common mistakes to avoid, and links to helpful resources.

What Is the Diversity Visa Lottery Program?

The Diversity Visa Program is administered by the U.S. Department of State. Its goal is to diversify the immigrant population in the United States by selecting applicants from countries with low immigration rates. The program is free to enter and conducted entirely online.

Each year, millions of people around the world apply for the chance to receive one of the 55,000 diversity visas. Winners are chosen at random by a computer drawing and must meet simple but strict eligibility criteria.

When to Apply for the 2026 DV Lottery

The entry period for the 2026 Diversity Visa Lottery is expected to open in early October 2024 and close in early November 2024. The exact dates will be published on the official DV Program website: https://dvprogram.state.gov.

Note: Late or early submissions are not accepted. Ensure that you submit your entry within the registration window.

Who Can Apply: DV Lottery 2026 Eligibility Requirements

To apply for the 2026 DV Lottery, you must meet two major eligibility criteria:

1. Country of Birth (Eligibility by Nationality)

Only individuals born in countries that have low rates of immigration to the U.S. over the past five years are eligible. This means countries with high levels of immigration to the U.S. are excluded from the program.

The Department of State releases a list of eligible and ineligible countries every year. If your country is not eligible, you might still qualify through your spouse’s country of birth or, in some cases, your parents’ country of birth (if certain conditions are met).

2. Education or Work Experience

Applicants must also meet one of the following:

Have a high school education or its equivalent (completion of a 12-year course of elementary and secondary education), OR
Have two years of work experience within the past five years in an occupation that requires at least two years of training or experience to perform. You can check if your job qualifies using the U.S. Department of Labor’s O*NET Online tool: https://www.onetonline.org/

Step-by-Step Guide to Apply for DV-2026

Step 1: Gather Required Information

Before filling out the application form, prepare the following:

Your full legal name (exactly as in your passport)
Gender
Date and place of birth
Country of eligibility
Passport information (number, country of issuance, expiration date)
A recent digital photograph of yourself that meets U.S. visa photo requirements
Information on your spouse and all unmarried children under age 21 (if applicable)

Your photo must be recent (taken within the last 6 months), in color, and meet strict DV Lottery photo standards. Incorrect or low-quality photos will disqualify your entry.

Step 2: Submit Your Application Online

Applications must be submitted electronically via the official website: https://dvprogram.state.gov. No paper entries or mailed applications are accepted.

You will need to complete Form DS-5501 (Electronic Diversity Visa Entry Form).

After submission, you will receive a confirmation number—keep this safe! You’ll need it to check your status later.

Step 3: Wait for Results

Results for DV-2026 will be available starting May 2025. You must check your entry status yourself at https://dvprogram.state.gov using your confirmation number. The U.S. government does not send email notifications or letters.

If you are selected, the website will provide further instructions on how to proceed with your immigrant visa application.

Key Reminders and Best Practices

Submit only ONE application per person. Submitting multiple entries will disqualify you.
Use only the official website for applying, never pay a third-party service to apply for you.
Apply early to avoid website traffic and last-minute errors.
Double-check your photo requirements and all form entries before submitting.

What Happens If You Are Selected?

If you’re selected in the DV Lottery (commonly known as being a “selectee”), you’re not guaranteed a green card. You must:

Submit the DS-260 Immigrant Visa Application online
Gather and submit supporting documents, including identity documents, police certificates, and more
Attend a visa interview at the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate
Pass a medical examination by an approved physician
Prove that you are admissible to the U.S. (e.g., you don’t have a criminal record, you won’t become a public charge)

If everything goes well, you and your qualifying family members will receive an immigrant visa and become lawful permanent residents (green card holders).

Common Mistakes That Lead to Disqualification

Uploading the wrong type of photo
Submitting more than one application
Including incorrect or inconsistent personal information
Forgetting to list all eligible family members (spouse and unmarried children under 21)
Applying from a country that is not eligible

Tips to Improve Your Chances

Apply early—don’t wait until the final days of the registration period
Take your photo at a professional photo studio if unsure of the requirements
Keep your confirmation number in multiple secure locations (email, cloud storage, printed copy)
Avoid online scams or fake DV Lottery websites
Join online communities or forums to stay updated and learn from other applicants’ experiences

Additional Resources

Official DV Lottery Website: https://dvprogram.state.gov
Photo Requirements: https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/us-visas/visa-information-resources/photos.html
O*NET Work Experience Tool: https://www.onetonline.org
U.S. Visa Bulletin (for visa availability): https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/legal/visa-law0/visa-bulletin.html

More Guides to Help You:

Final Thoughts

Applying for the DV-2026 Lottery is a rare opportunity to legally immigrate to the United States without a job offer, family sponsor, or huge legal fees. Although the chances of selection are statistically low, thousands of people succeed every year. Preparation, accuracy, and attention to official requirements are key.

This guide is designed to make the process easier and increase your chances of success. Make sure to follow each step carefully and check for official updates regularly.

We wish you the best of luck!

Need help or have questions about the process? Reach out, and we’ll be glad to assist you.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. When does the DV Lottery 2026 application open?

The application is expected to open in early October 2024 and close in early November 2024. Always check dvprogram.state.gov for the official dates.

2. Is there a fee to apply for the Diversity Visa Lottery?

No, applying for the DV Lottery is completely free. Be cautious of websites or individuals that charge a fee to submit an entry.

3. Can I submit more than one entry to increase my chances?

No. Submitting multiple entries will disqualify you. Each applicant is allowed only one entry per year.

4. What if I’m from a country that’s not eligible?

You may still qualify if:

Your spouse is from an eligible country (and you both are listed on the entry), or
Your parents were born in eligible countries and you were not born or legally resident in a non-eligible country at the time of your birth.

5. Do I need a passport to apply?

Yes. A valid, unexpired passport is required at the time of application, unless you qualify for a narrow exemption (e.g., stateless individuals or nationals of communist-controlled countries who can’t obtain a passport).

6. How are winners selected?

Winners are chosen randomly by a computer. Selection is based on region and country, and meeting the minimum eligibility requirements.

7. Will I be notified if I win?

No. The U.S. government does not send emails, calls, or letters. You must check your status online using your confirmation number starting May 2025.

8. Does being selected guarantee a green card?

No. Selection only means you’re eligible to apply. You still need to complete Form DS-260, pass the visa interview, and meet admissibility criteria.

9. Can I include my spouse and children in my application?

Yes. You must list your spouse and all unmarried children under age 21, even if they do not plan to immigrate with you. Failure to do so can result in disqualification.

10. How long does the DV process take after selection?

It varies, but selected applicants typically complete the process between May 2025 and September 2026. All visas must be issued before the end of the fiscal year.

How to Apply for the 2026 Diversity Visa Lottery (Green Card Lottery)