2026 Diversity Visa Lottery Now Open – Registration Ongoing
The U.S. Department of State has officially opened registration for the 2026 Diversity Visa (DV) Lottery for applicants worldwide. Registration begins on October 2, 2024, at noon EST, and will continue until November 5, 2024, at noon EST. This lottery, commonly referred to as the “Green Card Lottery,” aims to diversify the U.S. immigration population by offering an opportunity for up to 50,000 foreign nationals to win a U.S. permanent residency visa. This opportunity is only open to foreign nationals from countries with historically low rates of immigration to the U.S.
What is the Diversity Visa Lottery?
The Diversity Visa Lottery, also known as the Green Card Lottery, is a program of the United States which is part of the U.S. Immigration Act of 1990. The program is designed to ensure diversity among immigrant populations by randomly selecting eligible individuals for U.S. permanent residency. Winners of the lottery, once vetted and approved, are granted a U.S. Green Card, allowing them to live and work permanently in the United States.
Eligibility for the Diversity Visa Lottery
To be eligible for the Green Card, foreign nationals must meet specific eligibility criteria. The United State Center for Immigration Services (USCIS) outlines green card eligibility categories. These categories include but are not limited to Family, Employment, Refugee/Asylum Status, and Registry, among others.
In addition, there are specific eligibility criteria foreign nationals must meet to qualify for the Diversity Visa Lottery.
- You must be a citizen of a country with low immigration rates to the U.S. The U.S. State Department provides a list of eligible countries each year although individuals from ineligible countries may still qualify through their spouse’s or parent’s country of birth
- Additionally, applicants must have either a high school diploma or its equivalent or Two years of work experience in a job that requires at least two years of training or experience within the past five years. Read here.
How to Apply
Applicants must complete the online entry form via the official DV lottery website
It is important to note that the U.S. government does not charge any fee for entering the lottery. However, beware of fraudsters who might claim otherwise or offer to increase you chances for a fee.
Once your application is submitted, you will receive a confirmation number. It is critical to keep this number safe, as it will be the only way to check your application status when results are announced in May 2025.
Dates to Note
Registration Period: October 2, 2024 – November 5, 2024 (12:00 PM Eastern Time)
Results Announcement: May 2025
Green Card Application Period (for winners): Starting from October 1, 2025, successful applicants will begin processing their green cards.
Next Steps
The Diversity Visa Lottery offers a unique opportunity for individuals from under-represented countries to gain lawful permanent residency in the U.S. With the registration period now open, eligible applicants should act swiftly to ensure their entries are submitted correctly and on time. The process is simple, but attention to detail is crucial to avoid disqualification.
To stay updated and informed, keep an eye out for our news section or drop your immigration queries for professional attorneys to reply on Immigration Question.
