DV Lottery Program Paused

What is the DV lottery?

The DV Lottery is officially called the Diversity Immigrant Visa Program. It is also known as the Green Card lottery. It is a yearly program that allows people to enter for a chance to win a U.S. visa. A computer selects the winners randomly.

There is a $1 fee.

Starting April 10, 2026, you must upload a valid, unexpired passport when you apply. If you do not include a passport scan, your entry will not be accepted. This update is for future lotteries. It does not mean the lottery is open now or will reopen soon.

Can I apply for the DV lottery now?

No. There is currently no Diversity Visa lottery open for registration.

DV-2027 registration was delayed and never opened. The U.S. government has not announced a new registration date.

The DV-2028 lottery would normally open for registration this fall, but the government has not announced if or when it will open.

What does this mean for DV-2026 winners?

If you were selected for DV-2026 and applied for a Green Card from inside the U.S., a court ordered USCIS to resume processing pending applications.

If you are applying through a U.S. embassy or consulate, the court ordered the State Department to resume normal processing and reconsider cases refused solely due to the Diversity Visa or 75-country visa pauses.

DV-2026 ends on September 30, 2026. The court order does not extend this deadline. If you do not receive a Diversity Visa or approval for Green Card status by September 30, you will lose your eligibility.

Avoid immigration scams

Know how to protect yourself from notarios and fake websites. Learn what to do if you have been a victim of fraud.

Learn more

What can I do?

Check for official updates from the DOS and USCIS.
Consider applying for a passport if you do not have one.
Protect yourself from diversity visa scams. Do not pay money for an entry.

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The information on this page comes from U.S. Department of State and other trusted sources. We aim to offer easy to understand information that is updated regularly. This information is not legal advice.