2026 Green Card Lottery Applications Now Open

The US Department of State has commenced the 2026 Diversity Visa (DV) Lottery application period, which began on October 2, 2024, at noon ET and will remain open until November 5, 2024, at noon ET.

This program aims to allocate up to 55,000 Diversity Visas, fostering greater immigrant diversity within the United States by providing opportunities to individuals from countries with historically low immigration rates. Prospective applicants must fulfil specific eligibility requirements to participate in the DV program. These include citizenship from qualifying countries and meeting educational or professional criteria. The educational requirement encompasses completion of a 12-year formal education program or its equivalent. Alternatively, candidates may qualify through a minimum of two years of work experience in an occupation requiring at least two years of specialized training.

Several nations are ineligible for the DV-2026 lottery due to their high immigration rates to the United States over the past five years, exceeding 50,000 natives. The excluded countries comprise Bangladesh, Brazil, Canada, mainland China, Hong Kong, Colombia, Cuba, the Dominican Republic, El Salvador, Haiti, Honduras, India, Jamaica, Mexico, Nigeria, Pakistan, the Philippines, South Korea, Venezuela, and Vietnam. Notably, residents of Macau SAR and Taiwan retain their eligibility to participate. The application process requires careful attention to detail and adherence to specific guidelines.

All submissions must be completed through the Electronic Diversity Visa Programme using the designated Entry Form. Applicants must provide comprehensive personal and educational information, accompanied by photographs meeting strict requirements. These photos must be recent (taken within six months), in colour, clearly focused, and captured against a plain white or off-white background. The images should display a neutral expression with both eyes open, avoiding uniforms (except religious garments) and accessories such as headphones or eyeglasses. Upon successful submission, applicants receive a crucial confirmation notice containing a unique identification number that must be preserved.

Given potential internet connectivity issues, the Department of State recommends multiple submission attempts if necessary until receipt of this confirmation number. Applications without a confirmation number are considered unrecorded and require resubmission without penalty for duplication. The Diversity Visa Lottery, colloquially known as the Green Card Lottery, emerged from the Immigration Act of 1990. This program systematically distributes 55,000 permanent resident visas annually across six geographic regions, with a seven per cent cap per country to ensure equitable distribution.

The selection process employs a computer-generated randomization system to determine successful applicants. Selected candidates must navigate additional requirements and procedures. While initial registration is free, those chosen for interviews must pay a visa application fee before formal processing begins. A consular officer then evaluates their qualification for visa issuance based on established criteria. The DV program has established itself as a cornerstone of American immigration policy despite occasional criticism and reform proposals.

The program creates valuable opportunities for individuals from underrepresented nations to contribute to American society while enriching the country's cultural fabric. Prospective applicants are strongly advised to utilize only the official US Department of State website for submissions and to exercise caution regarding potential fraudulent schemes.