If you’re planning to fill out the online application form for the USA Diversity Visa Lottery 2026, this article will walk you through every step in plain, simple language—so it’s easy for anyone, even someone young or unfamiliar with the process, to understand. We will cover what the program is, who is eligible, how to fill the form correctly, important deadlines, and tips to avoid mistakes.
What is the USA Diversity Visa Lottery?
The official name is the Diversity Immigrant Visa Program (often called the “DV lottery”). It’s run by United States Department of State (DOS). Here’s what you should know:
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Each year the program makes up to around 55,000 immigrant visas available to people from countries with historically low rates of immigration to the U.S. (USAGov)
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If you are selected, you don’t immediately get a “green card”. Instead, you get the chance to apply for one. (Investopedia)
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For the fiscal year 2026 (DV‑2026) cycle, the registration period was open from October 2, 2024 through November 7, 2024. (Ogletree)
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Being chosen in the lottery means you may apply for a visa during FY2026, which runs October 1, 2025 through September 30, 2026. (Visa Lawyer Blog)
Why “Fill Out the Online Application Form for the USA Diversity Visa Lottery 2026” Matters
Using the focus phrase “fill out the online application form for the USA Diversity Visa Lottery 2026” guides exactly what you are doing — not just checking eligibility or checking results, but actually submitting the application form online. This distinction matters because:
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Only entries submitted within the correct timeframe count.
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You must fill the form accurately and meet all requirements.
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Upon submission you receive a confirmation number which you’ll need later to check your status.
Who Is Eligible to Apply?
Before you fill out the online form, you must check whether you qualify. The programme has two main eligibility criteria: country of birth and education or work‐experience. (USAGov)
1. Country of Birth (“Country of Chargeability”)
You must be born in a country that is eligible for the DV‑2026 programme. Some countries are not eligible because they already send many immigrants to the U.S.
| Eligible? | Notes |
|---|---|
| ✔ Eligible country | You are born in a country with low recent immigration to the U.S. |
| ✖ Ineligible country | If your country is excluded, you may still apply by claiming your spouse’s country of birth or one of your parents’ countries, under very strict conditions. (Visa Lawyer Blog) |
For DV‑2026 a list of countries excluded is provided in the DOS instructions. (Ogletree)
2. Education or Work Experience
You must satisfy one of these:
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Have at least a high school (or equivalent) education. (USAGov)
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Or, have at least two years’ work experience in the last five years in a job that requires at least two years’ training or experience. (Visa Lawyer Blog)
If you are eligible on both counts (country and education/work), then you can proceed to fill out the form.
Step‑by‑Step: How to Fill Out the Online Application Form
Here’s how to fill out the online application form for the USA Diversity Visa Lottery 2026 in clear numbered steps.
Step 1: Gather Your Information and Documents
Before you start, make sure you have:
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A valid passport (some new rules may require that)
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Date of birth, place of birth, country of birth
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Photograph of yourself (digital, meeting required specifications)
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Names, dates of birth, photographs of spouse and any unmarried children under age 21 (if you include them)
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Contact information (mailing address, email, phone)
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Education details or work experience details
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Outstanding: the entry must be FREE (no fee for the initial entry) (Visa Lawyer Blog)
Step 2: Visit the Official DV Website
Go to the official entry website hosted by the U.S. Department of State. Make sure it ends in “.gov” to avoid scams. (pl.usembassy.gov)
Step 3: Complete the Entry Form
When you open the form, you will be asked to fill in various fields. These include:
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Your full name (exactly as on your passport)
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Your date and place of birth
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Your gender
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Your country of birth and country of eligibility (chargeability)
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Photograph upload (must meet specifications)
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Your address, email, phone number
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Marital status
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Information about spouse and children if applicable
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Education or work experience details
Step 4: Double‑Check Everything
Before clicking “Submit”, review each field carefully:
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Make sure names match passport exactly
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Make sure the photo complies with instructions
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Make sure you haven’t submitted more than one entry (that disqualifies you) (Visa Lawyer Blog)
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Ensure the submitted entry is during the registration period
Step 5: Submit and Save Your Confirmation Number
Once you submit, you will get a confirmation number on screen:
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Write it down and store it safely
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You will need it later to check if you were selected
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If you lose it, you may lose the chance to find out your status (USAGov)
Important Dates & Deadlines for DV‑2026
Here is a summary of key dates for the DV‑2026 cycle:
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Registration opens | October 2, 2024 (Ogletree) |
| Registration closes | November 7, 2024 at noon EST (Fragomen) |
| Results available | Starting May 3, 2025 (Fragomen) |
| Visa application period for selectees | October 1, 2025 – September 30, 2026 (Visa Lawyer Blog) |
If you miss these deadlines, you will not be able to participate or proceed.
After You Submit: What Happens Next?
Once you’ve submitted the form to fill out the online application form for the USA Diversity Visa Lottery 2026, here’s what you should expect:
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Wait for the selection results. Use your confirmation number to check via the official Entrant Status Check tool. (USAGov)
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If you are selected, you’ll be given instructions on how to apply for the immigrant visa. Remember: selection is not a guarantee of getting a green card; it is an opportunity. (Ogletree)
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If you are not selected, you receive no special notification — you simply check your status and find you were not selected.
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Avoid scams: The U.S. government will not contact you by email or call asking for payment to “guarantee” a visa. (The Law Offices of Anne Z. Sedki, LLC)
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Here are frequent errors applicants make, along with tips:
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Submitting more than one entry: That will disqualify you. (Visa Lawyer Blog)
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Wrong photograph: Not following required size or format can lead to disqualification.
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Incomplete information: All fields must be filled accurately.
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Late entry: Submissions after the closing date are invalid.
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Fraudulent sites or paid services: You should only use the official site; you never need to pay to enter. (Ogletree)
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Losing the confirmation number: Without it, you can’t check your result.
FAQ: Your Questions Answered
Q1: Is there a cost to fill out the form?
A: No. For the initial entry you do not pay a fee. Only if you are selected do standard immigrant visa fees apply. (Visa Lawyer Blog)
A: No. For the initial entry you do not pay a fee. Only if you are selected do standard immigrant visa fees apply. (Visa Lawyer Blog)
Q2: Can I include my spouse and children?
A: Yes. If eligible, you may include your spouse and any unmarried children under age 21. Their details must be on the form.
A: Yes. If eligible, you may include your spouse and any unmarried children under age 21. Their details must be on the form.
Q3: If I’m selected, when can I go to the U.S.?
A: If selected, you apply during the visa‐application period (for DV‑2026 that is October 1, 2025 – September 30, 2026). You must complete your visa interview and processing within that window. (Ogletree)
A: If selected, you apply during the visa‐application period (for DV‑2026 that is October 1, 2025 – September 30, 2026). You must complete your visa interview and processing within that window. (Ogletree)
Q4: Does winning guarantee a green card?
A: No. Winning gives you eligibility to apply, but you still must meet other requirements (background check, medical exam, etc.). (USCIS)
A: No. Winning gives you eligibility to apply, but you still must meet other requirements (background check, medical exam, etc.). (USCIS)
Final Thoughts
Filling out the online application form for the USA Diversity Visa Lottery 2026 is a simple process when you know what to do. To recap:
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Confirm your eligibility (country of birth + education/work experience)
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Gather all your information and documents
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Complete the form accurately and during the correct registration window
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Save your confirmation number after submitting
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Wait for the results and follow the next steps if you are selected
Stay alert for scams, keep everything clean and honest, and take the process seriously. By doing so, you give yourself the best chance to successfully fill out the online application form for the USA Diversity Visa Lottery 2026, and possibly take the first step toward living permanently in the U.S.