Key Takeaways
• DV-2026 results released May 3, 2025, at 12:00 PM EST—check only via official Entrant Status Check site.
• Selection allows starting green card application, but all eligibility, forms, documents, and deadlines must be met.
• Beware of scams; U.S. government never sends lottery results by email or charges for entry—use only .gov sites.
Each year, the Diversity Visa Lottery—often called the “Green Card Lottery”—offers thousands of people the chance to become permanent residents of the United States 🇺🇸. For DV-2026, the results were released on May 3, 2025, at exactly 12:00 PM EST. If you applied for the lottery between October 2 and November 5, 2024, you can now see if you were picked. This guide will help you understand how to check your status, what to do if you’re selected, important rules, and how to stay safe from scams. We’ll walk through each step in detail so you know exactly what to expect, and we’ll include all the details you need for a smooth process.
Checking the Diversity Visa Lottery Results
It’s important to remember that the U.S. Department of State never sends emails, letters, or other forms of direct notification about your Diversity Visa Lottery results. The only official way to check your status for DV-2026 is online through the Entrant Status Check on the State Department’s website.
Step 1: Access the Official Entrant Status Check
- Go to the dvprogram.state.gov Entrant Status Check page.
- This is the only website you should use; any other site may lead to scams or false information.
Step 2: Enter Your Information
- Use your confirmation number, which is a 16-digit code you received right after submitting your online application.
- Enter your last name (family name) exactly how you typed it when applying.
- Type in your year of birth.
- Complete the security check by entering the provided characters, which helps protect your personal data.
Step 3: View Your Status
- After you fill out all fields and submit, you will see whether you’ve been “Selected” or “Not Selected.”
- If you’ve lost your confirmation number, you may recover it using your personal details and email address on the same site.
Important: The Entrant Status Check will display DV-2026 results from May 3, 2025, until at least September 30, 2026. You can check your result at any time during this window.
Caution: Do not trust any emails or websites claiming they can inform you of your status. The State Department does not email or call about selection results.
What If You Are Selected? Next Steps for Winners
Being selected in the Diversity Visa Lottery (DV-2026) is exciting, but it’s just the beginning. Selection means you can apply for a green card, but you must still meet all the requirements and finish the visa process before you can move to the United States 🇺🇸.
Step 1: Complete the Form DS-260
- Go to the Consular Electronic Application Center (CEAC) and fill out the DS-260 Immigrant Visa Application.
- This is a long online form where you enter your personal information, family history, work, and educational background.
Tips for Completing DS-260:
– Double-check every detail for accuracy; mistakes can lead to delays or denial.
– Only submit one DS-260 form per applicant.
– Once you submit, you cannot edit answers, so review your information carefully first.
Step 2: Gather Required Documents
For the next part, you will need to collect official papers. These usually include:
- Current, valid passport (not expired)
- Birth certificate
- Police certificates (if required)
- Marriage certificate (if you have a spouse you want to come with you)
- Divorce or death certificate (to show the end of any previous marriages)
- Court and prison records (if you have any)
- Military records (if you served in your country’s military)
- Proof of education or qualifying work experience (see below)
- Photos that meet U.S. visa requirements
Note: Each family member coming with you must have their own set of documents.
Step 3: Monitor the Entrant Status Check for Interview Updates
- Go back to the Entrant Status Check regularly.
- Your interview appointment details will be posted here when ready.
- You’ll also receive an email from the U.S. State Department reminding you to check your status; it will not specify interview dates or locations.
Don’t miss your interview appointment. Missing the interview or not preparing properly can cause you to lose your chance to get a visa.
Step 4: Get a Medical Exam
- Before your interview, you and any family members applying with you must have a medical exam from a doctor approved by the U.S. embassy or consulate.
- You’ll receive more details about which doctors are accepted in your area when you get your interview letter.
Bring all your exam records to your interview appointment.
Step 5: Go to Your Visa Interview
- Arrive at the chosen U.S. embassy or consulate before the scheduled time.
- Take all your documents, including originals and copies, with you.
- Dress neatly and be prepared to answer questions honestly about your background, work, education, and plans in the United States 🇺🇸.
A U.S. consular officer will decide if you meet all eligibility requirements. Sometimes, additional documents or checks are requested; provide these quickly to avoid delays.
Step 6: Pay All Required Fees
- Visa fees are paid at the embassy or consulate; check your embassy’s specific instructions for methods of payment.
- Each applicant must pay a separate fee.
Be sure not to pay any fees to outside agents or through unofficial websites.
Step 7: Wait for Your Visa Approval
- If your interview goes well and all papers are in order, your visa will be placed in your passport, and you will receive a sealed immigration packet.
- Keep this packet sealed; do not open it before arriving in the United States 🇺🇸.
- You’ll receive instructions on how and when to enter the United States as a permanent resident.
All steps must be finished before September 30, 2026. If not, your chance for a green card for DV-2026 will expire.
Key Rules and Details for DV-2026 Winners
Act Quickly
The program offers up to 55,000 Diversity Visas each year, but more people are chosen in the lottery than there are visas available. Processing works on a first-come, first-served basis. If you wait too long, you could lose your spot, even if you were selected.
Meet the Basic Eligibility Rules
Everyone who wins the Diversity Visa Lottery must meet one of the following:
- Have at least a high school education (completed 12 years of formal schooling), or
- Have at least two years of work experience (within the past five years) in a job that qualifies under U.S. standards.
You will need to show proof—such as diplomas, transcripts, or work letters—during your visa interview.
Include Eligible Family Members
If you’re selected, your spouse and any unmarried children under 21 years old can also apply for Diversity Visas as your family. Be sure to list all family members on your DS-260 and bring their documents to the interview.
Beware of Scams
- The U.S. government never charges a fee to enter the Diversity Visa Lottery.
- The selection process is 100% random; nobody can increase your chances of being selected.
- Only trust official government websites that end in .gov.
- Ignore and delete any messages claiming you’ve “won” and must pay for processing or further access. No government agency will contact you about your results except to remind you to check the Entrant Status Check page yourself.
As reported by VisaVerge.com, many people have lost money or personal information to fake websites and emails. Always use the official links and never share your confirmation number or documents with anyone you do not trust.
Common Problems and How to Handle Them
Problem: Lost Confirmation Number
Solution: Use the recovery tool on the Entrant Status Check site by entering your details and email address.
Tip: Save or print your confirmation number as soon as you get it to avoid problems.
Problem: Missed Interview or Processing Delays
Solution: Regularly check the Entrant Status Check for updates. If you foresee issues, contact the Kentucky Consular Center (KCC) as quickly as possible at [email protected].
Note: Always include your full name, birth date, and case number when emailing the KCC.
Problem: Not Enough Visas Left
Solution: Submit your DS-260 and supporting documents early. Don’t wait, as visas run out before all selected applicants are served.
Checklist: What You Need for the Next Steps
- [ ] Your 16-digit confirmation number
- [ ] Current valid passports (for all family members applying)
- [ ] Birth certificates
- [ ] Marriage/divorce/death certificates (as needed)
- [ ] Police certificates
- [ ] Court/prison/military records (if applicable)
- [ ] Photographs that follow U.S. visa photo rules
- [ ] Proof of education or work experience
- [ ] Completed DS-260 form
- [ ] Medical examination record
- [ ] Interview appointment letter
- [ ] Payment for required visa fees
What Happens After You Get Your Visa
Once you succeed in your visa interview, you will receive a visa packet and your visa will be fixed in your passport. Make sure you enter the United States 🇺🇸 before your visa or packet expires. Upon arrival, a U.S. Customs official will collect your visa packet and you will be allowed to enter as a lawful permanent resident.
After your arrival, your green card (Permanent Resident Card) will be mailed to your U.S. address.
Need More Help?
If you have questions at any step, or if something seems confusing, you can:
- Visit the official U.S. government Diversity Visa resource page
- Email the Kentucky Consular Center at [email protected] (always include your full name, date of birth, and case number)
- Seek direct help at your local U.S. embassy or consulate if you are abroad
Key Takeaways
The Diversity Visa Lottery is a real opportunity but comes with strict deadlines and procedures. Make sure you always use the official Entrant Status Check to learn your result, act quickly if you’re selected, meet all educational or work requirements, and avoid scams by sticking to official sources. Keep copies of every important document, respond quickly to any requests, and finish all steps before September 30, 2026. Remember, even if selected, you aren’t guaranteed a green card until you complete all steps and the U.S. government approves your application.
By following the steps and tips outlined here, you improve your chances of a successful outcome. The Diversity Visa Lottery could open a door to new possibilities in the United States 🇺🇸 if you act with care, honesty, and speed. For updates, more practical advice, and ongoing coverage, VisaVerge.com remains a trusted resource.
For the latest official instructions, always use the U.S. State Department’s DV Lottery website.
Learn Today
Diversity Visa Lottery → A U.S. government program randomly selecting applicants from underrepresented countries to receive immigrant visas.
Entrant Status Check → The official online portal where applicants view their selection status for the Diversity Visa Lottery.
DS-260 → The required online immigrant visa application form submitted by selected Diversity Visa applicants.
Consular Interview → A mandatory appointment at a U.S. embassy or consulate to verify eligibility and documentation for the visa.
Kentucky Consular Center (KCC) → The U.S. State Department center handling administration and communications for Diversity Visa applicants.
This Article in a Nutshell
The Diversity Visa Lottery DV-2026 results are out—check using your 16-digit confirmation number at the official Entrant Status Check. Selected applicants start the green card process but must act quickly, meet requirements, and avoid scams. Only government .gov sites are safe. Missing deadlines means losing your chance.
— By VisaVerge.com
Read more:
• Diversity Visa Lottery results for FY 2026 released by State Department
• H-1B Lottery Results Are Out: Five Legal Options If You Weren’t Selected
• USCIS Finishes Sending H-1B Lottery Results for 2026 First Round
• FY 2026 H-1B Lottery Results Announced: See if You Were Selected
• Will Border Security Deals with Canada and Mexico Deliver Real Results to USA?
