The long-anticipated results of the Diversity Visa (DV) Lottery 2026—popularly known as the Green Card Lottery—are officially out. Starting May 3, 2025, at 12 p.m. EST, applicants can check whether they’ve been selected to move forward in the process of obtaining a U.S. green card. With over 55,000 visas up for grabs, this U.S. State Department-run program represents one of the most accessible and coveted paths to American permanent residency for people from countries with historically low rates of immigration to the United States. Now its time to check out the US DV Lottery Results 2026 online, if you are apply for it then you need to know your visa status today.
This article breaks down everything you need to know about the DV-2026 results or Green Card Lottery Results 2026 session, eligibility, selection process, and the next steps for winners. It also includes general information, a detailed table, and answers to frequently asked questions.
Contents
US DV Lottery Results 2026
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Official Name | Diversity Immigrant Visa Program (DV Lottery) |
| Year of Focus | DV-2026 |
| Number of Visas | Up to 55,000 |
| Eligibility Criteria | Country of birth, education/work experience |
| Selection Method | Random computerized lottery |
| Website to Check | dvprogram.state.gov |
| Entry Fee | None (application is free) |
| Follow-Up Required | DS-260 Form, medical, visa interview |
What Is the Diversity Visa (DV) Green Card
The Diversity Visa Lottery, authorized by the Immigration Act of 1990, aims to diversify the immigrant population in the United States. Each year, the U.S. government issues up to 55,000 immigrant visas to people from countries that have sent fewer than 50,000 immigrants to the U.S. over the previous five years.
The program is administered by the U.S. Department of State, and winners are chosen at random through a computerized lottery system. Selected applicants and their immediate family members (spouse and children) are eligible to apply for a green card, granting them lawful permanent residence.
Important Dates for Green Card Lottery
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Entry Submission Period | October 2 – November 5, 2024 |
| Results Released | May 3, 2025, at 12 p.m. EST |
| Visa Application Window | October 1, 2025 – September 30, 2026 |
| Last Day to Get Visa Issued | September 30, 2026 |
Applicants must act quickly if selected. Visas are issued on a first-come, first-served basis, and missing the deadline could mean losing your spot.
US Green Card Lottery 2026: Statistics, Insights
In DV-2023, over 119,000 people were notified of selection, though only 55,000 visas were available. This accounts for the possibility that some winners may not qualify or complete the process.
The DV-2025 lottery received nearly 20 million qualified entries. The top African countries with the most winners in recent years include –
- Algeria (5,526)
- Egypt (5,515)
- Sudan (5,505)
- Kenya (4,459)
- Morocco (4,237)
- Countries like Mauritius and Western Sahara had as few as 2 winners
How to Check DV-2026 Results Online
To find out if you’ve been selected:
- Go to the official website: Entrant Status Check – dvprogram.state.gov
- Enter the following:
- Your confirmation number (received when you applied), your last name, your date of birth
- An authentication code is displayed on the page
The U.S. government does not send email or mail notifications. The only way to find out your result is through the official Entrant Status Check.
DV Lottery Criteria for Participation
To be eligible for the DV Lottery:
Birthplace: You must be born in an eligible country. For DV-2026, most countries are eligible except for countries like Nigeria, which have sent more than 50,000 immigrants to the U.S. in the past five years.
Education/Work: You must meet at least one of the following are
- Have a high school diploma or its equivalent
- Have two years of work experience in the past five years in an occupation that requires at least two years of training or experience
If selected, you’ll still undergo an interview and vetting by a U.S. consular officer. Selection does not guarantee a visa.
Green Card Lottery 2026 Results
The DV-2026 Green Card Lottery results mark an exciting opportunity for thousands of hopefuls worldwide to begin a new chapter in the United States. While selection is a major step, the process demands careful follow-through. Timely action, accurate documentation, and strict adherence to instructions are essential to turning your dream into reality.
For those not selected this year, the journey doesn’t have to end—many apply multiple times before winning. Stay informed and be prepared for the next round.
Find more information at OTRFORM