Application Schedule for DV-2026

Start: October 2, 2024, at 12:00 PM Eastern Daylight Time (EDT)

End: November 5, 2024, at 12:00 PM Eastern Standard Time (EST)

Applicants are encouraged to submit early to avoid delays caused by high website traffic near the deadline.

Eligibility Requirements

Country of Birth: Applicants must be from eligible countries with historically low immigration to the U.S. Ineligible countries for DV-2026 include China, India, Mexico, and Nigeria. Some exceptions apply for applicants whose spouse or parents are from eligible countries.

Education or Work:

A high school education or equivalent, or

Two years of work experience in the past five years in a skilled occupation that requires at least two years of training.

Photograph Requirements

The photo submission plays a crucial role in determining eligibility. The following guidelines are essential to ensure your application is not rejected:

Recent Photograph: Taken within six months of the application.

Prohibited Items: Eyeglasses are no longer allowed in the photo. If you wear them, the application will be disqualified.

Frontal View: The photo must show a full-face view looking directly into the camera.

Background: Should be plain white or off-white. No shadows on the face or background are allowed.

Size and Quality:

Digital image dimensions should be 600x600 pixels.

The image must be in JPEG format with a file size no larger than 240 KB.

The head size should measure between 1 inch and 1 3/8 inches from the bottom of the chin to the top of the head when printed.

No Duplicate Photos: Using a photo from a previous DV entry is strictly forbidden and will result in automatic disqualification.

Applicants should also ensure the photo is free of alterations or filters that could obscure appearance, and the background must not contain any patterns or textures.

Application Process

Apply online only via the official portal: dvprogram.state.gov.

Keep your confirmation number safe to check your status starting May 3, 2025, via the Entrant Status Check system.

There is no cost to apply, and no third-party agencies are needed for registration. The U.S. government warns against scams and does not notify winners directly.

Winning the lottery allows selected individuals to apply for U.S. permanent residency, though a visa number must become available to proceed. Successful applicants must complete the process by September 30, 2026.