The 2026 U.S. Visa Lottery, or Diversity Visa Program, lets people from certain countries apply to become permanent U.S. residents. Each year, 55,000 winners are randomly chosen to increase immigration from countries with low U.S. immigration rates and add variety to the immigrant population. Registration for the 2026 lottery is now open, usually starting in early October and lasting several weeks. Applicants must meet certain education and work experience requirements and apply online through the official U.S. government website. Winning the lottery allows people to live and work in the U.S. permanently and join its diverse culture.
What is the Visa Lottery in USA?
The U.S. Visa Lottery, or Diversity Visa Program, lets people from certain countries move to the U.S. Created by the Immigration Act of 1990, it gives out up to 55,000 visas each year to people from countries with low U.S. immigration rates. Eligible people can apply, and winners are picked randomly by a computer. Winners get a green card, allowing them and their close family to live and work in the U.S. permanently.
To apply, you must be from an eligible country and meet certain education or work experience requirements. The program is very competitive but free to enter. Winners can apply for a green card, adding to the cultural diversity of the U.S. This program gives people from less-represented countries a chance to achieve the American dream and become permanent residents.
USA Visa Lottery Registration 2026
| Name | 2026 Visa Lottery |
| Country of Origin | USA |
| State | All states |
| Regulating Body | U.S. Department of State |
| Year | 2024 |
| Category | Immigration Program |
| Objective | Diversify U.S. immigrant population. |
| Application Date | October 2, 2024, at noon EDT to November 5, 2024, at noon EST |
| Applicable persons | People from eligible countries |
| Age Limit | 18+ years |
| Website | Electronic Diversity Visa Program (state.gov) |
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Eligibility Criteria for 2026 USA Visa Lottery
To qualify for the 2026 U.S. Diversity Visa Lottery, you need to:
- Country of Birth: Be born in an eligible country (check the updated list on the U.S. Department of State website).
- Education or Work Experience: Have a high school education (12 years of schooling) or 2 years of work experience in the last 5 years in a job that needs 2 years of training.
- Application Submission: Apply correctly on the official U.S. Department of State website during the registration period. Only one entry per person.
- Passport Requirement: Have a valid passport (exceptions for stateless individuals or those from Communist regimes).
- English Proficiency: Knowing English helps but is not required.
- Marital and Family Status: Be unmarried and not have any children over 21 who are not married or U.S. citizens.
- Willingness to Immigrate: Be ready to move to the U.S. within 45 days of winning.
Remember, meeting these criteria doesn’t guarantee winning. The selection is random, and winners must pass additional checks before getting a visa.
List of Eligible and Ineligible Countries for 2026 USA Visa Lottery
The 2026 Diversity Visa Lottery is for countries with low U.S. immigration rates. These countries are grouped by regions:
1. Africa: Most countries are eligible, except Nigeria.
2. Europe: All countries are eligible, except the United Kingdom and its territories.
3. North America: Only the Bahamas is eligible.
4. Oceania: Includes Australia, Fiji, and other Pacific islands.
5. South and Central America and the Caribbean: Excludes Brazil, Colombia, the Dominican Republic, El Salvador, Haiti, Honduras, Jamaica, and Mexico.
Ineligible Countries: These countries had high immigration rates to the U.S. in the past five years:
- Bangladesh
- Brazil
- Canada
- China (including Hong Kong)
- Colombia
- Cuba
- Dominican Republic
- El Salvador
- Haiti
- Honduras
- India
- Jamaica
- Mexico
- Nigeria
- Pakistan
- Philippines
- South Korea
- Venezuela
- Vietnam
Application Date and Payment Amount for 2026 USA Visa Lottery
You can apply for the 2026 Visa Lottery from October 2, 2024, at noon EDT to November 5, 2024, at noon EST. It’s free to enter the lottery, and you must apply online through the official DV Lottery website (dvprogram.state.gov) during this time.
Although entering the lottery is free, if you win and move forward with the visa process, there are costs involved. These include a visa fee of about $330 per person and additional costs for medical exams and other requirements.
How to Apply and Check the Status for 2026 USA Visa Lottery?
To apply for the 2026 U.S. Diversity Visa Lottery and check your status, follow these steps:
Application Process:
- Go to the Electronic Diversity Visa Program website.
- Fill out the DS-5501 form online with accurate details.
- Upload photos that meet the requirements for you and any dependents.
- Submit your application and save the confirmation number you receive after submission.
Checking Status:
- Visit the Entrant Status Check website from May 3, 2025.
- Enter your confirmation number, last name, and year of birth.
- If you are selected, then follow the instructions to proceed with your visa application.
Important Notes:
- The application process is free. Beware of fraudulent websites or emails asking for payment.
- The U.S. Department of State will not notify you by email or mail. Use the Entrant Status Check to find out if you were selected.
USA Visa Lottery Registration 2026 Latest Updates
You can check the DV-2026 Lottery results from May 3, 2025, on the Entrant Status Check website. Keep your confirmation number safe to see if you were selected. There are no extensions to the application deadline, so stay updated on the official U.S. Department of State website.
Apply early to avoid delays as the website can get busy near the deadline. The Diversity Visa Lottery is for people from countries with low U.S. immigration rates. You can include your spouse and children in your application. Winning doesn’t guarantee a visa, but it offers a great chance to pursue the American Dream and join the U.S.’s diverse culture. Don’t miss this opportunity!
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