This article was last updated and fact checked on October 7, 2024 by Mani Karthik.
If you’re dreaming of a green card, now’s your chance! The US has officially opened the online registration for the Fiscal Year (FY) 2026 Diversity Visa (DV) lottery, which could land you one of 55,000 green cards up for grabs. The application window closes at noon EST on November 5, 2024, so don’t miss out!
What You Need to Know:
- Up to 55,000 green cards will be awarded through a random selection process.
- Results will be announced in May 2025, with successful applicants able to apply for their green cards starting October 2, 2025.
Who’s Eligible?
The DV lottery is available only to natives of countries with historically low immigration rates to the US. If you’re from a country with high immigration numbers—like India, China, Canada, or Brazil—you won’t be able to enter this year.
But don’t worry! If your country is ineligible, you still have options. You may qualify if:
- Your spouse was born in an eligible country.
- In some cases, you can claim eligibility through a parent.
To enter, you’ll need either:
- A high school diploma (or equivalent), or
- Two years of qualifying work experience in the past five years.
When traveling to USA, travel insurance is much recommended.
Two great plans are, Atlas America and Safe Travels USA.
However there are other choices like these, as well.
How to Apply:
Applications can be submitted online through the official DV lottery website. Here’s a quick rundown of the process:
- Fill out the form and upload a digital photo.
- You can include your spouse and children in the submission.
- Only one entry per person is allowed—multiple entries mean disqualification.
- Once your application is submitted, you’ll receive a confirmation number to check your status.
Selection and Results:
Winners are selected randomly by a computer system, and results will be available starting May 3, 2025. You’ll be able to check your status on the official DV lottery website, with results remaining available until at least September 30, 2026.
Make sure to double-check the instructions before submitting, as incorrect entries will be disqualified. Good luck!
