US Diversity Visa Program: Applications Now Open for DV-2026

The US Diversity Immigrant Visa (DV) Program, popularly known as the Green Card Lottery, is now accepting applications for the DV-2026 cycle. Individuals can submit their entries from October 2, 2024, until November 5, 2024.

What is the US Diversity Visa Program?

The Diversity Visa program is an annual initiative that offers up to 55,000 visas to people from countries with historically low immigration rates to the United States.

It provides an opportunity for eligible individuals to apply for permanent residency through a random lottery system. For fiscal year 2026, 55,000 diversity visas will be distributed.

Key Eligibility and Entry Requirements

• Application Dates: October 2, 2024, to November 5, 2024.
• No Application Fee: There is no cost to enter the lottery. However, selectees must pay a visa application fee if they are chosen for an interview.

The program is restricted to individuals from countries with low immigration numbers to the United States. Countries such as Bangladesh, Brazil, Canada, China, India, Mexico, and Nigeria are ineligible due to high immigration rates over the past five years.

Here is the complete list of countries eligible for the US Diversity Visa Program;

1. Bangladesh
2. Brazil
3. Canada,
4. China (including mainland and Hong Kong)
5. Colombia
6. Dominican Republic
7. El Salvador
8. Haiti
9. Honduras
10. India
11. Jamaica
12. Mexico
13. Nigeria
14. Pakistan
15. Philippines
16. Republic of Korea (South Korea)
17. Venezuela, and
18. Vietnam

How to Apply

The application process is entirely online at dvprogram.state.gov. The application window is short, so don’t miss out! Mark your calendars: applications are open from October 2nd, 2024 (12:00 PM EDT) to November 5th, 2024 (12:00 PM EST). There’s no application fee, but selected applicants will need to pay a visa application fee later in the process.

Important Tips for Applicants

1. One Entry Only: Each applicant is allowed only one entry per registration period. Multiple entries will result in disqualification.

2. Confirmation Number: Applicants must retain their unique confirmation number and keep a printout of the confirmation screen. This is essential for checking the status of their entry.

3. Eligibility: Selectees must meet specific eligibility requirements, including education or work experience qualifications.

How the Selection Process Works

The Department of State conducts a computerized random drawing to select individuals for the diversity visa. Applicants are selected from six geographic regions, and no single country can receive more than 7% of the total visas in any year.

What Happens After Selection?

Being selected in the lottery does not guarantee a visa. Chosen individuals, known as selectees, must still pass an interview and meet all U.S. legal requirements to receive a visa. A consular officer will determine final eligibility during the interview process.

For previous applicants, DV-2024 entrants had until September 30, 2024, to check their application status. The Department of State advises DV-2025 selectees to keep their confirmation numbers safe until September 30, 2025.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the US Diversity Immigrant Visa Program offers a unique opportunity for individuals from underrepresented countries to pursue permanent residency in the U.S. Ensure you meet the eligibility criteria and submit your application by November 5, 2024.