US Diversity Visa Lottery for 2026

The US Diversity Visa (DV) Lottery, officially known as the Diversity Immigrant Visa Program, is a government initiative designed to promote immigration from countries with historically low rates of migration to the United States. Established under the Immigration Act of 1990, it provides up to 55,000 immigrant visas annually to individuals from underrepresented nations, offering a pathway to permanent residency (green card) and eventual US citizenship. This program embodies America’s commitment to diversity, randomly selecting entrants through a computer-generated lottery to ensure fairness. For the 2026 fiscal year (DV-2026), the program continues this tradition, though with some nuances due to recent geopolitical and immigration trends.

Key Timeline for DV-2026

The DV-2026 application window opened on October 2, 2024, at 12:00 noon Eastern Daylight Time (EDT) and closed on November 7, 2024, at 12:00 noon Eastern Standard Time (EST). As of December 1, 2025, the entry period has long passed, and the US Department of State finalized the random selection of applicants on May 3, 2025. Selected individuals (selectees) can now check their status online starting from that date through the official Entrant Status Check portal at dvprogram.state.gov.

Important deadlines to note:

Visa Processing Window: Selectees must complete their immigrant visa application and interview by September 30, 2026 (end of fiscal year 2026). Missing this cutoff invalidates eligibility, even for those selected.
Recent Update: On October 3, 2025, the State Department issued a reminder emphasizing that eligibility for visa issuance extends only through FY 2026, urging selectees to act promptly amid potential backlogs.

The program received millions of entries worldwide, but only about 55,000 visas will be issued, including spots for derivatives (spouses and unmarried children under 21). Odds of selection are slim—typically less than 1%—but the stakes are high for winners.

Who Is Eligible for DV-2026?

Eligibility is strictly defined to target diversity, focusing on birthplace, education, and work experience. Here’s a breakdown:

Native Country Requirement: You must be born in a country with low US immigration rates over the past five years (fewer than 50,000 immigrants). For DV-2026, ineligible countries include Bangladesh, Brazil, Canada, China (mainland-born and Hong Kong-born), 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 remain eligible despite the China restriction. Cuba’s exclusion is a notable change for 2026, driven by immigration volume thresholds. Exceptions apply: You can claim your spouse’s eligible birth country (if applying together) or a parent’s eligible birth country if you were born abroad to avoid your home country’s ineligibility.
Education or Work Experience: Entrants need either:
- A high school diploma or equivalent (at least 12 years of primary and secondary education), or
- Two years of work experience in the last five years in an occupation requiring at least two years of training (per the US Department of Labor’s O*NET database, with a Specific Vocational Preparation level of 7.0 or higher).
Proof (e.g., diplomas or work letters) is required at the visa interview; failure here disqualifies you and your family.
Other Basics: No criminal record, health issues barring US entry, or prior US immigration violations. Only one entry per person is allowed—multiples lead to disqualification.

For the full list of eligible countries (over 170), check the official DV-2026 Instructions PDF on travel.state.gov.

How the Selection Process Works

Once entries close, the Kentucky Consular Center uses a randomized computer drawing to select approximately 125,000 qualified entrants (to account for dropouts), from which about 55,000 will ultimately receive visas. Selection is purely chance-based—no fees, agents, or “premium” services influence it. Results are posted online only; no notifications are sent. Use your confirmation number to check status starting May 2025.

If selected:

Submit DS-260 Form: File the immigrant visa application online.
Document Review: Provide supporting evidence to the National Visa Center (NVC).
Visa Interview: Schedule at a US embassy/consulate in your home country (or abroad if needed).
Medical Exam and Fees: Complete a health screening and pay processing fees (around $330 per person).
Entry to US: If approved, enter before September 30, 2026.

Spouses and children can join as derivatives, but all must qualify independently.

Tips for Success and Common Pitfalls

Apply Early: The site can slow down near deadlines—submit on day one if possible.
Use Official Channels Only: Scams abound; the entry is free at dvprogram.state.gov. Avoid “agents” promising guarantees.
Photo Specs Matter: Recent photo (within six months) must meet strict guidelines (600×600 pixels, white background)—rejections often stem from photo errors.
Prepare Documents: Gather birth certificates, marriage proofs, and education records in advance.
Check Status Regularly: Even selectees must monitor for interview slots, which fill quickly.

For DV-2026 selectees in processing now, resources like USCIS.gov offer guidance on green card adjustments if already in the US.

Looking Ahead

The DV Lottery remains a beacon of hope for millions, fostering cultural exchange and economic contributions from diverse corners of the globe. While DV-2026’s entry window has closed, its impact will ripple through 2026 as winners build new lives in the US. If you’re ineligible this year, mark your calendar for DV-2027 (applications likely October 2025). For personalized advice, consult an immigration attorney or the State Department’s resources—your American dream might be just one random draw away.