The Diversity Visa (DV) Lottery, often referred to as the Green Card Lottery, offers eligible individuals the chance to secure permanent residency in the United States. For those who entered the DV-2026 lottery, it’s time to check if you’ve been selected. Understanding how to properly check your results can save you time and confusion. This guide will walk you through each step to check your DV-2026 status and what to do next if you’ve been selected.
1. When Are DV-2026 Lottery Results Released?
The results for the DV-2026 Green Card Lottery were released on May 3, 2025. Applicants can check their status through the official U.S. Department of State website until at least September 30, 2026. It’s important to note that no notification letters or emails are sent, and all information is available solely through the Entrant Status Check portal.
For official updates, always refer to the U.S. Department of State website.
2. How to Check Your DV-2026 Lottery Results
Checking your DV-2026 results is straightforward. Follow these steps:
Step 1: Visit the Entrant Status Check Page
Go to the official U.S. Department of State’s Entrant Status Check page: DV-2026 Status Check Portal.
Step 2: Enter Your Details
You will need the following information:
- Confirmation Number: This is the unique 16-character number you received after submitting your application. Keep this number safe!
- Last Name: Enter your last name exactly as it appeared in the application form.
- Year of Birth: Provide your year of birth.
- CAPTCHA Code: This is to ensure that you are not a robot.
Step 3: Review Your Status
Once you’ve entered your details correctly, click “Submit”. If you’ve been selected, your status will show as “You have been selected”. If not, the portal will inform you that you were not selected. Either way, you will not receive any direct notifications from the U.S. government.
3. Why Is the Confirmation Number Important?
The confirmation number is critical to checking your results. If you lose this number, you cannot retrieve it through the website, and there will be no other way to access your status. The U.S. Department of State advises applicants to store this number securely for future reference.
If you’ve misplaced your confirmation number, unfortunately, the State Department does not offer another method to check your results. Make sure to keep a backup of this number in case you need it for future updates or for any legal processes related to your application.
4. Common Mistakes to Avoid
Many applicants make simple mistakes when checking their status. Here are some tips to avoid errors:
- Incorrect Confirmation Number: Double-check the confirmation number you entered. Even a small error will prevent you from seeing your results.
- Incorrect Name or Year of Birth: Ensure your name and year of birth are entered exactly as they were on your application.
- Not Keeping Your Number Safe: If you lost your confirmation number, there’s no way to check your status. Always keep this number stored securely.
5. What Happens If You’re Selected?
If you are selected for the DV-2026 lottery, you will need to take the following steps:
Step 1: Complete Form DS-260
Once selected, you’ll be instructed to fill out Form DS-260, which is the Immigrant Visa and Alien Registration Application. This form gathers personal information, travel history, and other details needed to process your visa.
Step 2: Gather Required Documents
Make sure you have all the necessary documents, including your passport, birth certificate, police certificates, and educational/work records.
Step 3: Prepare for Your Interview
The U.S. Department of State will schedule you for an interview at a U.S. embassy or consulate in your home country. Be prepared for questions about your background and intentions in the U.S.
Step 4: Medical Examination
Before your interview, you must undergo a medical examination by an approved physician. The results will be sent directly to the embassy or consulate.
Step 5: Visa Issuance
If your visa is approved, you’ll receive your immigrant visa and a sealed immigration packet. You will then be able to travel to the U.S. as a permanent resident.
6. What If You’re Not Selected?
If you’re not selected in the DV-2026 lottery, don’t lose hope. The next lottery cycle (DV-2027) will open the following year, and you can apply again. However, ensure you meet the eligibility requirements and submit your application correctly. Each year, millions of people apply, and the odds of being selected are competitive.
For information about future lottery cycles, check the U.S. Department of State’s website for updates.
7. Beware of Scams
Be cautious of scams. Many fraudsters attempt to trick DV Lottery participants by asking for money in exchange for results or information. The U.S. Department of State does not send notification emails or ask for payment to check your results. Always use the official DV Status Check Portal to check your results.
Conclusion
Checking your DV-2026 Green Card Lottery results is simple if you follow the correct procedure. Ensure that you have your confirmation number handy and enter all details correctly. If selected, follow the required steps promptly to avoid delays in the process. While the process can seem overwhelming, proper preparation and awareness will ensure that you can successfully navigate your way toward securing a U.S. Green Card.
