US Diversity Visa Lottery 2026: Green Card Lottery | DV-2026 Lottery

The Diversity Visa (DV) Lottery offers a popular and accessible route for eligible individuals to immigrate to the United States. Each year, the U.S. Department of State conducts this program, providing thousands of individuals with the opportunity to apply for permanent residency, commonly referred to as a Green Card.

The DV-2026 Lottery is set to open soon, allowing selected applicants to move to the U.S. in 2026. Results will be announced in May 2025. If you’re contemplating a fresh start in the United States, now is the perfect time to learn about the application process.

This guide outlines who can apply, how to apply, the timeline, and the steps to take if selected—clearly and simply explained.

Diversity Visa Lottery

The Diversity Visa (DV) Lottery is a U.S. government initiative that awards 50,000 permanent resident visas annually. It targets individuals from countries with historically low immigration rates to the U.S. This program aims to enhance diversity among immigrants and provide more people with the opportunity to become permanent residents.

Winners receive a Green Card, allowing them to:

• Live and work permanently in the U.S.
• Bring their spouse and children
• Apply for U.S. citizenship after several years

Who Can Apply for the Diversity Visa Lottery in 2026?

Before applying, ensure you meet these eligibility requirements:

1. Country of Birth

You must be born in a country eligible for the DV-2026 program. The list of eligible countries changes slightly each year. Countries with high recent immigration rates to the U.S. are typically not eligible (e.g., India, China, Mexico, the Philippines). However, you can still apply if:

• Your spouse was born in an eligible country, or
• Your parents were born in eligible countries, and you were born in a non-eligible country temporarily.

2. Education or Work Experience

Applicants must meet at least one of these criteria:

• Have completed high school or its equivalent (at least 12 years of formal education), or
• Have two years of work experience in an occupation requiring at least two years of training or experience within the past five years.

When Can You Apply for DV-2026?

The DV-2026 entry period is expected to open for approximately 30 to 35 days. The U.S. government will announce the exact dates a few weeks in advance.

How to Apply for the Diversity Visa Lottery in 2026

Follow these steps to submit your Diversity Visa application properly:

• Prepare Your Documents and Photos
• Complete the Online Entry Form: During the registration period, visit the official U.S. government website and fill out the DV Lottery Entry Form (Form DS-5501). There is no fee to apply.
• Wait for Results: Results will be available in May. You’ll need your confirmation number to check your status online. If selected, you’ll receive instructions for the next steps in the visa application and interview process.
• Submit Visa Application (Form DS-260): If selected, complete Form DS-260, the online immigrant visa application.
• Attend Your Visa Interview: You’ll be scheduled for an interview at the U.S. embassy or consulate in your country.
• Travel to the United States: After your visa is issued, you must enter the U.S. within the visa’s validity period (usually six months or less). At the port of entry, you’ll be granted permanent resident status. Your Green Card will be mailed to your U.S. address.

Conclusion

The DV-2026 Lottery represents a remarkable opportunity for individuals and families seeking new beginnings in the United States. With no entry fee and a transparent selection process, it remains one of the most accessible paths to U.S. permanent residency for those who qualify.

Take the time to prepare thoroughly, follow official instructions, and submit your application when the lottery opens. Your American journey could begin in 2026!