The Diversity Visa Program (DV Program), also known as the Green Card Lottery, offers a unique opportunity for citizens from countries with historically low immigration rates to the United States to obtain an immigrant visa. Each year, up to 55,000 visas are made available, giving people from across the globe a chance to live and work in the U.S.
Are You Eligible?
To participate, you must meet two primary criteria:
- Be a native of an eligible country: Each year, the U.S. Department of State publishes a list of eligible and ineligible countries. For the 2026 lottery, nationals from countries like Nigeria, Brazil, and India are not eligible. However, exceptions exist if your spouse is from an eligible country, or you may claim the country of birth of your parents under certain conditions.
- Have a high school diploma or qualifying work experience: You must have completed the equivalent of a high school education (12 years of study), or have two years of work experience in the last five years in a profession that requires specific vocational training.
How to Register
Registration for the DV 2026 lottery is open from October 2, 2024, at 12:00 PM ET until November 5, 2024, at 12:00 PM ET. You must apply online through the official DV Program portal: dvprogram.state.gov.
Registration is free, but if you are selected, you will need to pay visa application fees before your interview. After submitting your entry, you will receive a confirmation number—make sure to keep this number safe as you will need it to check the results. If lost, there is an online tool to help recover it.
⚠️ Beware of scams: The U.S. government will not contact you directly to inform you of your selection, nor will they ask for any payments via email or mail. Entrant Status Check on the official website is the only legitimate way to know if you have been selected.
Checking the Results
Results for the DV 2026 lottery will be available starting May 3, 2025, and will remain accessible until September 2026. You will need to use your confirmation number to check your status on the Entrant Status Check portal at dvprogram.state.gov.
What to Do if You Are Selected
If you are selected, this does not guarantee a visa, but allows you to proceed with the process. You will need to submit the DS-260 form and attend an interview at a U.S. embassy or consulate. After the interview, a consular officer will inform you whether your visa is approved. Once approved, you can enter the U.S. and receive your Green Card.
For more details, refer to the official DV 2026 instructions or visit USA.gov.
