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🇺🇸 The US Diversity Visa Lottery 2026 (DV-2026) – Application Guide and Key Information

Step into the American Dream: The US Diversity Visa Lottery 2026 Awaits

United States – The US Diversity Visa Lottery 2026, also known as DV-2026, presents a unique opportunity for individuals worldwide dreaming of a life in the United States.

This program is a gateway for those seeking to live and work in the US, offering 50,000 Green Cards annually to individuals from countries with historically low immigration rates to the US.

Table of Contents

Comprehensive Guide to DV-2026

The US government, recognizing the need for diverse cultural representation, annually awards these coveted permanent residency cards, famously known as Green Cards.

The DV-2026 Lottery opens a window for applicants who meet two fundamental eligibility criteria, promoting immigration diversity.

Key Dates and Process Overview

The DV-2026 Lottery, set for the 2024 Immigration cycle, has critical dates applicants should note. The application deadline is November 7, 2023. Lottery results will be announced on May 4, 2024, following the draw on March 1, 2024. Selected individuals must complete their immigration documentation and attend an interview after May 4, 2024. Successful applicants can expect to start their new life in the US with their Green Card in January 2026.

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Eligibility Criteria: Ensuring Diversity

One core eligibility criterion restricts applicants born in countries that have sent more than 50,000 immigrants to the US in the past five years.

The list of eligible countries for the Green Card Lottery 2026 is regularly updated, so it’s crucial to check each year for your birth country’s status.

The Online Application Journey

The DV-2026 application process is exclusively online. The US government, since the DV 2005 Lottery, has employed an advanced electronic system to streamline the application process, enhance security, and eliminate paper applications.

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A 3-Step Application Guide

Applicants must follow a secure, three-step online process:

  1. Eligibility Test: Begin with an expert evaluation to determine lottery eligibility.
  2. Administrative Fee: Pay the nominal application fee.
  3. Account Creation and Submission: Set up your account, upload necessary photos of yourself and co-applicants, and submit your application.

USCIS Processing Update: MyProgress for Forms I-821 and I-485

USCIS has expanded MyProgress to include Forms I-821 (Application for Temporary Protected Status) and I-485 (Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status). This expansion, initially available to family-based or Afghan special immigrant I-485 applicants, offers personalized wait times and milestone updates, enhancing transparency in the adjudication process.

Accessing MyProgress

To view MyProgress, applicants need to register or log in to their USCIS online account. If the applicable forms are filed online or linked to the online account, the MyProgress tab will display the estimated wait time and completed milestones for their application.

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