2026 Diversity Visa Lottery Applications Open: Key Details and How to Apply

By Ozlem Kara, Content Editor at CK Law Firm

Starting Wednesday, October 2, 2024, at noon EDT, the U.S. Department of State will open the 2026 Diversity Visa (DV) lottery for online applications. Applicants have until noon EST on November 5, 2024, to submit their forms.

For the fiscal year 2026, 55,000 green cards will be available. This program is specifically designed for citizens of countries with historically low immigration rates to the U.S. Notable exceptions for 2026 include nationals from Bangladesh, Brazil, Canada, China (including Hong Kong SAR), Colombia, Cuba, and several others.

Even if you’re not eligible due to your birth country, you might still qualify based on your spouse’s or, in some cases, a parent’s country of birth.

To avoid issues caused by high demand, the State Department advises submitting applications early. Only one application per person is allowed.

For additional information on how to register, visit the official Diversity Visa page or consult CK Law Firm’s detailed guide.