On May 3, 2025, the U.S. Department of State completed the selection process for the Diversity Visa (DV) Lottery for fiscal year 2026. Created under the Immigration Act of 1990, the DV program aims to enhance the diversity of the U.S. immigrant population by randomly selecting applicants from countries with historically low immigration rates. Each year, 55,000 immigrant visas are made available through this lottery system. Entrants can now check their selection status exclusively through the official Entrant Status Check webpage by entering their confirmation number, last name, and date of birth. The State Department does not notify winners by email, phone, or mail; failure to check online may result in missing the opportunity to continue the application process.
Being selected does not guarantee a visa. For the 2026 cycle, approximately 125,000 entrants have been chosen to account for potential disqualifications and country limits, as only 55,000 visas will ultimately be issued. Each selectee is assigned a unique case number based on their country of birth, which determines the order of processing. The State Department will begin releasing monthly Visa Bulletins in September 2025 to indicate which case numbers are eligible to proceed. Selectees must meet all application requirements and, if in the U.S., complete the adjustment of status process by September 30, 2026. Unused visas will not carry over to the next fiscal year.
Applicants should be alert to rising fraud targeting DV Lottery participants. Scammers often impersonate government officials to demand payment or personal information. The U.S. government never asks for payment in advance and will only collect fees at the embassy or consulate at the time of the visa interview. Any official communication will direct applicants back to the Entrant Status Check portal. While reminder emails may be sent, no confirmation of selection will be provided outside the official website.
Those not selected may continue to monitor the portal for possible secondary selection rounds. First-time applicants and non-selectees can apply again in the 2027 Diversity Visa Lottery, expected to open in fall 2025. The State Department advises all entrants to follow official channels, avoid scams, and carefully review the instructions provided in the selection notice.
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