The U.S. Department of State has officially opened the application process for the 2026 USA Diversity Visa (DV) Program today. This annual program provides an opportunity for individuals from eligible countries to apply for a chance to receive an immigrant visa to the United States.
Interested applicants can now submit their entries electronically through the official Electronic Diversity Visa (E-DV) website. The application window is limited, and all submissions must be completed within the designated registration period. Paper submissions or late entries will not be accepted.
Applicants must submit only one entry per person, as multiple entries will lead to disqualification. Upon completing the application, entrants will receive a confirmation screen with a unique confirmation number. This number should be saved, as it is necessary for checking the status of the application and scheduling an interview if selected.
Selection for the DV Program is conducted randomly, and applicants can check their status starting from May 3, 2025, via the E-DV website. The Department of State will not send notifications by email or mail, making the online Entrant Status Check the sole method of communication regarding selection.
Applicants are encouraged to complete the process independently, without the use of intermediaries, and to ensure that they retain all necessary documents for future steps in the visa process.
Diversity Visa Program Application Process: Step-by-Step Guide
- Submit Your Entry
- Apply online via the Electronic Diversity Visa (E-DV) website during the designated registration period.
- Submit only one entry per person; multiple entries will result in disqualification.
- After submission, save the confirmation screen with your unique confirmation number for future use.
- Check Selection Status
- Starting May 3, 2025, check your application status on the E-DV website using your confirmation number.
- This is the only way to know if you’ve been selected.
- Complete the DS-260 Application
- If selected, fill out and submit the DS-260 Immigrant Visa and Alien Registration form online.
- Prepare Supporting Documents
- Gather necessary documents, such as passports, birth certificates, and educational/work records, for the interview.
- Schedule Your Interview
- Once the DS-260 form is submitted, schedule a visa interview at the U.S. Embassy or Consulate.
- Attend the Interview
- Bring all required documents to the visa interview and be prepared to answer questions about your qualifications.
- Receive Next Steps
- After the interview, follow instructions provided by the consular officer regarding visa issuance and final steps.
How to Apply for the Diversity Visa (DV) Program: Step-by-Step
- Check Eligibility
- Ensure you are from an eligible country and meet the education or work experience requirements.
- Visit the Official Website
- Go to the Electronic Diversity Visa (E-DV) website during the open registration period.
- Complete the Online Form
- Fill out the DV application form accurately. Ensure all personal information, such as name, birth date, and country, is correct.
- Submit Your Entry
- After completing the form, submit it electronically. Only one entry is allowed per person.
- Save the Confirmation Number
- After submission, you will receive a confirmation number. Save this number as it is needed to check the status of your application.
- Check Your Status
- From May 3, 2025, check your application status on the E-DV website using your confirmation number to see if you’ve been selected.
- Follow Further Instructions
- If selected, follow the instructions provided, including submitting the DS-260 form and preparing for the visa interview.
By following these steps, you’ll ensure a smooth application process for the Diversity Visa Program.
2026 Entrant Status Check
DV-2026 Entrants may enter their confirmation information through the Entrant Status Check starting at noon (EDT) on May 3, 2025. The DV-2026 registration period opens on October 2, 2024, and closes on November 5, 2024. DV-2026 Entrants should keep their confirmation number until at least September 30, 2026.
