The US Green Card lottery (Diversity Visa Lottery) for 2026 is expected to open on Wednesday, October 2nd, 2024, 12pm EDT. Applicants will have until November 5, noon EST to submit their applications online.
How Many Green Cards Will Be Available?
For FY 2026, the State Department will make 55,000 green cards available to foreign citizens.
Which Countries Can Apply for the Diversity Visa FY2026?
The Diversity Visa program gives foreigners from countries that typically don’t send many immigrants to the United States the chance to receive a green card. The following countries aren’t eligible to apply for 2026: Bangladesh, Brazil, Canada, China (including mainland and Hong Kong SAR), Colombia, Cuba, Dominican Republic, El Salvador, Haiti, Honduras, India, Jamaica, Mexico, Nigeria, Pakistan, Philippines, South Korea, Venezuela, and Vietnam.
Apply Early for Your Best Chances of Being Accepted
The State Department suggests applying for the green card lottery as soon as possible after the registration period opens. This is to avoid any potential delays on the website caused by a large number of applicants. Here are some reasons you should apply as soon as possible for the DV Lottery:
- The lottery often attracts a large number of applicants. Applying early can help you avoid potential technical difficulties or website congestion that might occur closer to the deadline.
- Early submission gives you more time to review and double-check your application for any errors or omissions. This can help prevent potential delays or disqualifications.
- Applying early can provide you with peace of mind knowing that you’ve completed a potentially life-changing step well in advance.
- While there’s no guarantee, applying early might mean your application is processed sooner, potentially leading to faster results.
- By applying early, you can avoid the last-minute stress and anxiety that often accompanies approaching deadlines.
Each person can only submit one application. We highly recommend speaking to an immigration lawyer in order to make sure everything is accurate before you apply.
Do You Need Help Applying for the US Diversity Visa Lottery?
Book your 1 on 1 consultation now or call us at (855) 913-4677. All our cases are handled by competent and experienced immigration professionals who are affiliated with VisaPlace. These professionals consist of lawyers, licensed paralegals, and consultants who work for VisaPlace Legal, an award-winning immigration firm that adheres to the highest standards of client service.
