The application deadline for the U.S. Diversity Visa (DV) Lottery 2026 has been extended by two days. The U.S. Department of State announced an amendment, allowing applicants until November 7, 2024, to submit their applications. Previously, the deadline was set for November 5.
The results for the DV Lottery 2026 will be announced on May 3, 2025, and winners will be able to start the visa process from October onward. Those who participated in previous lotteries are eligible to apply again this year. Additionally, a passport is not required to enter the DV Lottery this time.
To be eligible for the DV Lottery, applicants must have completed at least a high school education or have qualifying work experience. Applicants lacking these qualifications are advised not to apply, as presenting false educational documents can lead to imprisonment and a permanent ban from entering the U.S.
Applicants must provide accurate personal details, including full name, birth date, place of birth, photo, address, phone number, and email. It’s important not to reuse previous photos, especially ones older than six months or those used in past DV applications or U.S. visas, as this could lead to disqualification. A new photo is recommended for every application.
Married applicants must include details for their spouse and any children. Some mistakenly list themselves as single, thinking it increases their chances, which is incorrect and may lead to complications if they win. Similarly, applicants who omit their children’s information face issues during visa processing, and in some cases, their visas may be denied. Therefore, it’s advised to provide complete family details to avoid future issues.
Applications should only be submitted through the official government website. Third-party agencies or websites may lead to scams, financial loss, or even the theft of personal information.
The U.S. Department of State warns that submitting multiple applications will result in disqualification. Some mistakenly believe multiple applications improve their chances of winning; however, this results in all entries being void. If someone else has already submitted an application on your behalf, do not submit an additional application.
Kishor Panthi
View More PostsKishor Panthi is the founder and editor-in-chief of Khasokhas and NepYork. He is the author of three books, “Kampan,” "UNTRANSLATABLE" and “Zero Mile.” He writes about social issues, immigration, and politics.
