Countdown to the 2026 Diversity Visa Lottery: What You Need to Know |

Countdown to the 2026 Diversity Visa Lottery: What You Need to Know

Dreaming of a new life in the United States? The 2026 Visa Lottery offers a golden opportunity for those from countries with low US immigration rates to secure permanent residency.

Known officially as the Diversity Immigrant Visa Program, this “visa lottery” grants up to 55,000 visas each year, and the call for applications is just around the corner.

Registration for the 2026 Diversity Visa (DV) Program will be open from October 2 to November 5, 2024. The lottery opens two years ahead of when winners can claim their visas so, in 2024, eligible individuals can apply for the 2026 Visa Lottery.

Once the application window is open, eligible participants will register online. The lottery itself will take place in 2025, and winners will be notified shortly after. Those who are successful can begin their journey to permanent residency the following year.

Who Can Apply for the 2026 Visa Lottery?

Participation in the lottery is not open to everyone. There are specific eligibility criteria, including:

Country of Origin: Only citizens from countries with low immigration rates to the U.S. can apply. Each year, the State Department publishes a list of ineligible countries based on recent immigration data.
Education/Work Experience: Applicants must have completed 12 years of primary and secondary education (or its equivalent) or have at least two years of work experience in an eligible occupation within the last five years.

Submission of more than one entry for a person during the registration period will disqualify all entries for that person.

After being selected, winners must submit immigration forms to the US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) and attend an interview at the nearest US embassy or consulate.

Countries Eligible For 2026 DV Lottery

Nationals of the following countries and places are unable to apply for DV-2026 because more than 50,000 of their citizens moved to the United States in the previous five years. These include:

Bangladesh
Brazil
Canada
The People’s Republic of China (including mainland and Hong Kong born)
Colombia
Cuba
Dominican Republic
El Salvador
Haiti
Honduras
India
Jamaica
Mexico
Nigeria
Pakistan
Philippines
South Korea
Venezuela
Vietnam

Natives of Macau SAR and Taiwan are eligible

If your country isn’t on this list, you may be eligible to apply for the Diversity Immigrant Visa Program and try your luck!

The visa lottery is a rare and exciting opportunity for people around the world. If you’re considering applying, make sure you meet the eligibility requirements and stay informed about key dates. With a little luck, you could be on your way to calling the US home!

Do you need to renew your passport? Talk to us in the comment section below. Or if you need more advice on the above, contact us for further travel & immigration advice.

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IaM can help with your visa application to Europe, the United States, the UK & other countries

If you need help with a US visa, a UK Visa, or a visa to Europe, including help with appointment booking obligations, IaM can help. For more information and advice on US immigration, UK immigration law and US visa applications or if you need any help or assistance please, reach out to your Visa Coordinator at IaM.

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