DV Lottery 2026: Changes, Application, Eligibility, and Selection
Introduction
The Diversity Visa Lottery (DV Lottery) is an immigration program that allows individuals from countries with low rates of immigration to the United States to obtain permanent residency. For the 2026 DV Lottery, there are several important changes to the application process and eligibility requirements.
Changes to the DV Lottery 2026
Online Application
For the first time, the DV Lottery 2026 application will be conducted entirely online. Applicants will need to submit their applications through the Electronic Diversity Visa (E-DV) website during the registration period.
Application Period
The application period for the DV Lottery 2026 will be from October 5, 2023, to November 8, 2023. It is important to note that applications submitted outside of this period will not be considered.
Digital Photo Requirements
Applicants will be required to submit a digital photograph that meets specific specifications. The photograph must be in color, taken within the past six months, and meet the size and resolution requirements outlined in the E-DV instructions.
Eligibility Requirements
Country of Origin
To be eligible for the DV Lottery 2026, applicants must be natives of countries with low rates of immigration to the United States. A list of eligible countries is available on the E-DV website.
Education or Work Experience
Applicants must have either a high school education or its equivalent, or two years of work experience within the past five years in an occupation that requires at least two years of training.
Selection Process
After the application period closes, a computer-generated random selection process will be used to select approximately 100,000 applicants for further processing.
Selected applicants will receive a notification letter and will be required to submit additional documentation, such as a passport, birth certificate, and police clearance certificate.
Successful applicants will be interviewed at a U.S. embassy or consulate and, if approved, will receive a diversity visa that allows them to immigrate to the United States.
