The entry submission period for the FY2026 Diversity Immigrant Visa program began from 12:00 pm (ET) on October 2, 2024, and will continue till 12:00 pm (ET) on November 7, 2024. The entry form is only available for submission during this period. Entries must be submitted online through DOS's website. Paper entries are not accepted. Online applications are free, but visa processing fees may apply if selected. In years past, the last week of the registration period saw heavy demand on DOS'sapplication website, causing website delays. Therefore, submitting your application as early as possible is encouraged. The results of the DV-2026 lottery will be available on the E-DV site as of May 3, 2025.

The Diversity Immigrant Visa program—a.k.a. the green card lottery—is a government lottery program for obtaining U.S. Permanent Residence (green card). The program makes 50,000 visas available every year to applicants from countries with low rates of immigration to the United States and with specific education qualifications. It provides an inexpensive and relatively simple path to a green card, without needing sponsorship from a U.S. employer or family.

To be eligible for the Diversity Immigrant Visa Program, you, your spouse, or your parent must have been born in a country that sent less than 50,000 immigrants to the United States in the previous five years. DOS publishes a full list of the eligible countries on its website.

For the 2026 program, the following countries are not eligible to apply due to high rates of immigration to the United States:

·       Bangladesh

·       Brazil

·       Canada

·       The People's Republic of China (including Mainland and Hong Kong Born)

·       Colombia

·       Cuba

·       Dominican Republic

·       El Salvador

·       Haiti

·       Honduras

·       India

·       Jamaica

·       Mexico

·       Nigeria

·       Pakistan

·       Philippines

·       Republic of Korea (South Korea)

·       Venezuela

·       Vietnam

·       Native of Macau SAR and Taiwan are eligible.

In addition to the nationality requirements, applicants must possess:

·       at least a high school diploma or its equivalent; or

·       two years of work experience in an occupation that requires at least two years of training or experience. DOS publishes a list of occupations that are eligible on their website.

Non-U.S. residents seeking to obtain a green card from an eligible country may apply regardless of whether they live in theUnited States or abroad. This includes foreign workers who are waiting to obtain a green card through the labor certification program.

Disclaimer

We regularly update our blog section to acquaint the community with the latest changes in Immigration policies. Please note the information in this blog is for informational purposes only and is not intended to be nor should it be construed as legal advice. We can promptly and efficiently represent clients located anywhere in the US or abroad on US Immigration Policies. If you seek further clarification, don't hesitate to contact SanSha Law Office at [email protected] or call us at 469-777-6161.