The State Department has proposed new rules for the Diversity Visa (DV) Program that would require a valid passport number and a scanned passport image at the time of lottery entry. The Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM) appears in the Federal Register in early August 2025, with public comments open until September 19, 2025.
If finalized in time, the Department intends to apply the new requirements to the entry window expected to open in October 2025. Officials say the goal is to reduce fraud and strengthen identity checks.
What the proposal would change
- Mandatory at entry
- Enter a valid, unexpired passport number.
- Upload a scan/photo of the passport’s biographic and signature pages that meets technical specs (for example, JPEG format and under 5 MB).
- Limited exceptions
- Stateless persons.
- Certain nationals of communist‑controlled countries who cannot obtain a passport.
- Persons with an official waiver.
- Enforcement
- Entries with an expired passport or a non‑compliant scan would be disqualified at the entry stage.
The NPRM states the measure is meant to “reduce fraud, prevent unauthorized third‑party submissions, and strengthen identity verification and security screening.”
Timing and status
- NPRM stage: The rule is not final. Public comments close on September 19, 2025.
- Next steps: The Department must review comments, issue a final rule, and publish an effective date.
- Target start: The Department indicates the changes would apply to the lottery expected in October 2025. Some sources describe this as the DV‑2027 selection year, though many call it DV‑2026 based on processing timelines.
Current DV operations
- DV‑2026 results: Entries filed Oct. 2–Nov. 7, 2024; results posted on May 5, 2025. Status checks remain open until September 30, 2025.
- Visas available: By statute, about 50,000–55,000 DV immigrant visas are available each year, with a 7% per‑country cap.
- USCIS guidance: USCIS refreshed guidance on July 8, 2025, for selectees who are lawfully in the United States and wish to adjust status.
Why the State Department wants this change
Officials point to long‑running problems:
– Identity fraud and duplicate identities.
– “Agent” networks filing entries without consent.
– Difficulties verifying a person’s identity after selection.
Analysis by VisaVerge.com suggests requiring a passport in hand before entry could curb false or duplicate identities and make it harder for third parties to control confirmation numbers.
What this means for you
- Passport required at entry: If the rule becomes final, you’ll need a passport before entering the DV lottery. Getting a passport after selection would generally no longer be sufficient.
- Technical details matter: An unreadable image, wrong file type, or file that’s too large can cause disqualification.
- Access concerns: In some countries, passports are costly or slow to obtain. The NPRM includes narrow exceptions, but most people must secure a passport first.
Step‑by‑step: how to prepare
Before the entry window (expected October 2025):
1. Make sure you have a valid, unexpired passport in your name. Renew early if it’s close to expiring.
2. Create a clear JPEG scan/photo of your passport’s biographic and signature pages under 5 MB.
3. Prepare updated DV photos for you and your family, following the official instructions.
During the entry window:
– Submit only one entry per person at dvprogram.state.gov. The entry is free; paying someone does not increase your chances.
– If the final rule is in effect, enter your passport number and upload the passport scan.
– Save your confirmation number safely — you need it to check results.
After results:
– Check only on the Entrant Status Check portal. The Department does not send letters, emails, or texts to announce selection.
– If you’re in the U.S. in lawful status and are selected, consider filing Form I-485 to adjust status when a DV number is available. See the official form page at https://www.uscis.gov/i-485 for instructions and fees.
– If you’re abroad, follow Kentucky Consular Center and consular instructions quickly. DV visas must be issued before the fiscal year ends.
Real‑world scenarios
- Ama in Accra: She starts her passport application in August to meet an October entry window. She scans her passport pages at high resolution and compresses the file to stay under 5 MB. Her entry is accepted without errors.
- Viktor in a country with limited passport access: He checks the NPRM’s narrow exceptions. If none apply, he begins the passport process early to avoid missing the entry period.
Stakeholder views
- Immigration attorneys: Call it a program‑integrity move targeting fraud and third‑party control rings. They note the short runway between the September 19 comment deadline and an October entry window, which could make timing tight.
- Independent immigration platforms: Echo the core points — have a passport ready and follow image rules to avoid disqualification.
Common pitfalls to avoid
- Expired passport: Must be unexpired on the day you submit.
- Wrong file format/size: Follow image rules exactly.
- Multiple entries: More than one entry in your name leads to automatic disqualification.
- Scams: No agency emails winners. Anyone asking for money to “unlock” results is a scammer.
Where to find official instructions
For the latest entry rules, technical photo specs, and DV instructions, visit the State Department’s DV page: https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/us-visas/immigrate/diversity-visa-program-entry.html
What to watch next
- Final rule publication after the comment period closes on September 19, 2025.
- Any confirmed technical specifications for the passport scan.
- The official announcement of the entry window dates, usually in early fall.
Key takeaways:
– If finalized, you’ll need a valid passport and a compliant passport scan at the time of DV entry.
– Comments are open through September 19, 2025; the rule is not final yet.
– Prepare early: secure your passport, prepare your image files, and follow the official DV instructions closely.
– Selection isn’t a visa: act fast after selection; DV numbers expire at the end of the fiscal year.
This proposed shift raises the entry bar but aims to protect applicants from fraud and identity theft while improving security screening. With careful planning and strict attention to entry rules, qualified entrants can still compete fairly for a chance at a green card through the Diversity Visa (DV) Program.
This Article in a Nutshell
Proposed DV rule would require a valid passport number and compliant passport scan at entry. Public comments run until September 19, 2025. If finalized, the Department aims to apply requirements to the October 2025 entry window. Applicants should secure passports and follow image specs to avoid disqualification and fraud.
