🇺🇸 The US DV Lottery 2026 Registration is Now Open!

At a Glance

From Wednesday, October 2, 2024, at noon EDT until Tuesday, November 5, 2024, at noon EST, entrants can register online for the Diversity Visa (DV) Lottery on the State Department’s official website.

Important: Ensure your lottery application meets the State Department’s strict requirements.

A Closer Look

The U.S. State Department will open online registrations for the Fiscal Year (FY) 2026 Diversity Visa Lottery starting October 2, 2024, at noon EDT. Applicants have until November 5, 2024, at noon EST to submit their entries online.

For FY 2026, up to 55,000 green card numbers will be available through random selection. Lottery results will be announced in May 2025, and selected individuals can begin submitting their green card applications starting October 1, 2025.

Who Is Eligible to Enter the Lottery?

• Eligible Countries: The DV Lottery is open to natives of countries with historically low rates of U.S. immigration.
• Ineligible Countries: Individuals born in the following countries are not eligible: Bangladesh, Brazil, Canada, China (including mainland and Hong Kong SAR), Colombia, Cuba, Dominican Republic, El Salvador, Haiti, Honduras, India, Jamaica, Mexico, Nigeria, Pakistan, Philippines, South Korea, Venezuela, and Vietnam.
• Exceptions: Those born in Macau SAR and Taiwan can participate.
• Alternative Eligibility: If your country of birth is ineligible, you might qualify through a spouse born in an eligible country or, in specific circumstances, through a parent’s country of birth.
• Education and Work Experience: Entrants must have at least a high school education (or equivalent) or two years of qualifying work experience within the past five years.

Registering for the Lottery

• Online Submission: Submit an online form and a digital photo through the official DV Lottery website.
• Include Family Members: You may include your spouse and children in your entry.
• One Entry Per Person: Multiple registrations for the same individual will result in disqualification.
• Follow Instructions Carefully: Entries and digital photos must strictly adhere to the State Department’s official lottery instructions.
• Confirmation Number: After submitting, you’ll receive a confirmation number to check your application status.

Recommended for you: Greece’s Golden Visa: Guide to Residency by Investment in 2025

How Lottery Winners Are Chosen and Notified

Winners are selected through a random computer drawing by the State Department. Results will be available from May 3, 2025, through at least September 30, 2026, on the official DV Lottery Entry Status website.

• Checking Your Status: Find out if you were selected by visiting the official website and entering your confirmation number.
• No Direct Notifications: The State Department does not notify entrants by letter, email, fax, or phone. The official website is the only legitimate source of lottery results.

Guarding Against DV Lottery Fraud

DV Lottery fraud is common, but you can protect yourself by taking the following precautions:

• Beware of Deceptive Websites: The only authorized DV Lottery website is on the State Department’s domain. Avoid sites posing as official government websites or claiming State Department authorization.
• No Fees for Registration: The State Department does not charge any fees for lottery registrations. Any website or individual requesting payment is fraudulent.
• Seek Legitimate Assistance: If you need help, consult a qualified attorney or representative. Be cautious of services claiming to register you outside the official period or those charging a fee.
• Ignore Fraudulent Communications: The State Department does not send emails, letters, or faxes about the DV Lottery. Only trust information from the official website.
• Be Skeptical of Unsolicited Messages: If you receive a notification claiming you’ve won without having entered, or from a previous year’s entry, it’s likely a scam.
• Protect Personal Information: Do not send money or personal details to unverified individuals or organizations.
• Learn More About Fraud: Visit the State Department’s DV Lottery Fraud Warning and the Federal Trade Commission’s Website for additional information.

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