Do you know the 2026 Diversity Visa (DV) Lottery starts today? Yes, the wait is over, and the United States Department of State opens online registrations for the fiscal year on Wednesday, October 2, 2024, at noon Eastern Daylight Time.
However, before you apply on your own or use the services of agencies that apply for clients at a fee, let us carefully look at the 10 tips for applying for the US Visa lottery. If you want to increase your chances of success when applying, reading the tips shared here will do you a lot of good.
Where to enter the 2026 Diversity Visa (DV) Lottery
In a blog post by all US Embassies globally, they revealed the only way by which a qualified applicant can apply. Theur blog posts read…| dvprogram.state.gov is the ONLY way to enter.” They furthered that “The law allows only one entry by or for each person during each registration period. The Department of State uses advanced technology to detect multiple entries. Individuals with more than one primary entry per Diversity Visa season will be disqualified. ”
For all the information about the program, go here travel.state.gov/dv.
How many green cards will be issued?
The Diversity Visa (DV) Lottery will offer up to 55,000 green cards to winners.
When will the registration window close for the US Visa Lottery?
The registration ends on Tuesday, November 5, 2024, at noon EST. Every eligible applicant must follow the guidelines and apply on or before the date and time for closing to have a chance of being drawn.
With careful preparation, you can maximise your chances of a successful application.
What are the 10 tips for applying for the US Visa lottery?
Tip #1: Check Your Eligibility
Visit the official site of the lottery at travel.state.gov/dv and check the basic qualifications. If you do not meet them, do not worry yourself about applying.
Tip #2: Submit Your Entry on the Official Website
If you qualify to apply based on your checks, only apply for the US Visa Lottery on their official site. Do not forget that scammers are all over parading as agents and specialists when it comes to applying for the letter. If you are not careful, you will become the victim. Beware of fraudulent sites or scams claiming to offer other routes.
Tip #3: Entry is Free
The DV Lottery is absolutely free. No one charges you when applying. Be extra careful of persons who charge you to register. You have to be careful when it comes to companies and agents who sweet talk you into believing they can improve your chances for a fee or offer to complete your application at no cost.
Tip #4: Complete Your Entry Yourself
Always do your best to apply yourself. In some cases, when using visa facilitators or third parties, they may hold on to your confirmation code or ask you to pay some extra money before releasing the code. Do not also allow persons who register you to tell you to leave and expect your confirmation number or print our as a pdf document via Whatsapp. To be sure they have processed your form, get the confirmation code instantly or avoid their service.
Tip #5: Use a Recent Photo
Use a passport picture taken recently or on the day you are registering. The passport picture should meet the requirements of the US visa lottery. They require that the photo be taken within the last six months.
Tip #6: Only One Entry Per Person
Do not apply for the lottery more than once. Multiple applications will lead to your disqualification. Stick to one application for each person.
Tip #7: Include All Family Members
If you are married at the time of application, if you have children under age 21, do well to list them when required. This is important even if you do not want to travel with them. Often, not providing the lease details required can lead to your disqualification even if you are selected.
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Tip #8: Keep Your Confirmation Number Safe
After submitting your application, you will receive a unique confirmation number. This number is the only way to check if you have been selected when the results are published in May 2025.
Tip #9: Beware of fraudulent notifications.
Selections will be announced in May 2025, and the only way to check is through the official DV lottery website at dvprogram.state.gov/ESC. Any email or phone notification claiming you have been selected is a scam, as the U.S. Department of State does not notify winners directly.
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Tip #10: Selection Doesn’t Guarantee a Visa
Being selected in the lottery does not guarantee a visa or interview. Since more applicants are selected than there are available visas, it is crucial to act promptly and meet all requirements.
If you dream of living and working in the US permanently, this is the time to apply for the 2026 Diversity Visa (DV) Lottery. Do not forget the tips shared here when applying, and good luck.
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