Electronic Diversity Visa Program
Welcome
Our State Department Web site for the 2026 Diversity Visa Program (DV-2026) is now open. The entry submission period for DV-2026 is from 12:00PM EDT (GMT -4) on October 2, 2024 to 12:00PM EST (GMT -5) on November 5, 2024. The entry form will only be available for submission during this period and this period only. Entries will NOT be accepted through the U.S. Postal Service.
After reading the instructions, click the “Begin Entry” button below to enter the DV Program.
Entry Instructions
Please read the DV-2026 Entry Instructions carefully. Entrants may be disqualified for not completing the entry form correctly or by submitting more than one entry. Use the link below to view the instructions.
Photo Instructions
Before beginning the entry process, verify that your picture and pictures for any dependents fully comply with DV entry photo requirements included in the DV-2026 instructions. Your case will be disqualified if you submit a non-compliant photo. For examples of acceptable photos, click the button below.
Entry Form
The entry form is prepared in two parts, one for the primary Entrant and one for derivatives (if any). Each part must be completed correctly and completely before going to the next part. After all parts are completed, the entry will be submitted to the DV-2026 Processing Center. Click the link below to begin the entry process.
DV Entrant Status Check
2026 Entrant Status Check
DV-2026 Entrants may enter their confirmation information through the link below starting at noon (EDT) on May 3, 2025. The DV-2026 registration period opens on October 2, 2024, and closes on November 5, 2024. DV-2026 Entrants should keep their confirmation number until at least September 30, 2026.
2025 Entrant Status Check
DV-2025 Entrants have until September 30, 2025 to check the status of their entry through this website. The DV-2025 registration period was from October 4, 2023, until November 7, 2023.
Click the link below to check DV-2026 and DV-2025 Entrant Status.
PAPERWORK REDUCTION ACT: Public reporting burden for this collection of information is estimated to average 30 minutes per response, including time required for searching existing data sources, gathering the necessary documentation, providing the information and/or documents required, and reviewing the final collection. You do not have to supply this information unless this collection displays a currently valid OMB control number. If you have comments on the accuracy of this burden estimate and/or recommendations for reducing it, please send them to: PRA_BurdenComments@state.gov.
CONFIDENTIALITY STATEMENT: The information asked for on this form is requested pursuant to Section 222 of the Immigration and Nationality Act. INA Section 222(f) provides that visa issuance and refusal records shall be considered confidential and shall be used only for the formulation, amendment, administration, or enforcement of the immigration, nationality, and other laws of the United States. Certified copies of visa records may be made available to a court which certifies that the information contained in such records is needed in a case pending before the court.
PRIVACY POLICY: For information on the Department of State’s privacy policy, regarding the nature, purpose, use, and sharing of any Personally Identifiable Information (PII) collected via this website please click here.
Here are detailed guidelines for applying to the U.S. Diversity Visa (DV) Program:
1. Check Eligibility
- Nationality: Confirm that your country of birth is eligible for the DV Program. Only natives of countries with low immigration rates to the U.S. in recent years can apply.
- Education/Work Experience: You must meet the education or work experience requirement:
- Education: You should have at least a high school education or its equivalent (completion of a 12-year course of elementary and secondary education).
- Work Experience: Alternatively, within the past five years, you should have two years of work experience in an occupation that requires at least two years of training or experience.
2. Prepare a Valid Passport
- As of recent regulations, you need a valid passport at the time of entry. Ensure your passport is current and will remain valid throughout the application process.
3. Gather Required Information
- Personal Details: Ensure you have your full legal name, gender, date of birth, place of birth, current country of residence, and other personal details.
- Family Details: For married individuals, include your spouse’s name, date of birth, and place of birth. List all unmarried children under 21 years old (biological, legally adopted, and stepchildren).
- Passport Photo: A recent passport-sized digital photo (within the last six months) is required for yourself, your spouse, and children. The photo must meet strict specifications: no glasses, plain background, and specific dimensions (600×600 pixels). Be careful, as incorrect photos can result in disqualification.
4. Complete the Application Online (DS-5501)
- Go to the official DV Program website during the annual registration period (usually opens in October and closes in November).
- Fill in all required fields in the Electronic Diversity Visa Entry Form (DS-5501).
- Ensure accuracy—incorrect or incomplete information may result in disqualification. You can only submit one entry per person during the registration period. Multiple entries will automatically disqualify you.
- Double-check all details before submission as corrections cannot be made after the form is submitted.
5. Submit the Form
- Once you have completed the DS-5501 form, submit it electronically. You will receive a Confirmation Number—this is crucial as it is the only way to check the status of your application. Save this number in a safe place.
6. Wait for the Results
- Results are typically released in May of the year following your application. You will not receive a notification via email or post. Instead, you must check your application status using the Confirmation Number on the DV Program website’s Entrant Status Check page.
7. Follow-Up if Selected
- If selected, you will be guided on how to submit additional information, such as Form DS-260 (Online Immigrant Visa and Alien Registration Application).
- You will also need to prepare for a visa interview at the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate.
8. Attend the Interview
- If your application is successful, you will be called for an interview where you will need to bring your passport, financial documents, medical examination results, and other supporting documentation.
- During the interview, the consular officer will ask questions to verify your qualifications and check the accuracy of your application.
9. Final Decision and Immigration
- If approved, you will receive a visa to immigrate to the U.S. You will need to enter the U.S. within the visa’s validity period (usually 6 months).
- Upon entry, you will become a lawful permanent resident (Green Card holder) and receive your Green Card in the mail.
Important Considerations:
- Application Period: Only apply during the open registration period.
- No Fees for Entry: There is no fee to submit the Diversity Visa Lottery form, but fees apply if you are selected and proceed to the visa application stage.
- Beware of Scams: Apply only via the official U.S. government website. No agency or individual can guarantee selection.
For more detailed information, refer to the official DV Program website.
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