Each year, millions of hopeful individuals from around the world participate in the Diversity Visa (DV) Lottery, popularly known as the Green Card Lottery, for a chance to immigrate to the United States. If you applied for the DV-2026 Lottery, one of the most important steps in your journey is checking your lottery result, to know whether you’ve been selected for further processing. Check DV Lottery Results…..
In this detailed guide, you will learn exactly how to check the DV-2026 lottery results, where to find them, when they are released, and what to do after you check. Be cautious of scam websites or third parties claiming they can check your results for a fee. The process is free, and no registration number means no result access.
What Is the DV Lottery Program?
The Diversity Visa Program, administered by the U.S. Department of State, provides up to 55,000 permanent resident visas (green cards) annually to individuals from countries with low immigration rates to the U.S.
Applicants are selected randomly by a computer system, but winning the lottery does not guarantee a green card, it simply means you are eligible to apply and must complete additional steps.
When Will DV-2026 Lottery Results Be Available?
The DV-2026 Lottery results will be available online starting May 3, 2025, at 12:00 PM Eastern Daylight Time (EDT). The results will remain accessible until at least September 30, 2026, which marks the end of the fiscal year for DV-2026 processing.
Note: The U.S. government does not notify winners by email, phone, or mail. You must check your result online yourself.
What You Need to Check Your DV-2026 Result
To check your entry status, you need the following:
- Confirmation Number – A 16-character alphanumeric code (e.g., 20262O0DZWY3D9YX) received when you submitted your entry.
- Last/Family Name – Exactly as used in your application.
- Year of Birth – Your birth year (e.g., 1990).
- Authentication Code – A CAPTCHA code displayed on the screen.
Common Issues While Checking Results
- Lost Confirmation Number?
Use the “Forgot Confirmation Number” link on the ESC page.
Provide your name, birth date, and email used during registration to retrieve it.
- Site Not Working?
High traffic on launch day may cause delays.
Try refreshing the page or checking during off-peak hours.
- Incorrect Entry?
Ensure your confirmation number and last name match the original submission exactly.
What to Do If You Are Selected
Being selected in the DV Lottery is just the beginning of the immigration process. You will need to:
- Complete Form DS-260 (Online Immigrant Visa Application)
- Submit civil documents
- Attend a U.S. embassy/consulate interview
- Undergo medical examination
- Pay applicable fees
- Receive your immigrant visa (if approved)
Timing is important: All DV-2026 processing must be completed by September 30, 2026. If you miss the deadline, your chance expires, even if you were selected. Visas are issued on a first-come, first-served basis and are subject to annual limits per country and category.
What If You Are Not Selected?
If your result says “not selected,” don’t be discouraged:
- You can apply again during the DV-2027 application period, usually open between October and November 2025.
- Explore other U.S. visa options, such as family-based, employment-based, or student visas.
- Make sure your application is accurate and error-free next time to avoid disqualification.
DV-2026 Lottery FAQs
🔹 Can I check my result through email or agents?
No. The U.S. government does not send emails or letters. Results are only available at dvprogram.state.gov.
🔹 What happens if I lose my confirmation number and can’t retrieve it?
Unfortunately, if you cannot recover your confirmation number, you won’t be able to check your result.
🔹 Can I be disqualified after selection?
Yes. Failing to meet eligibility criteria, submitting fraudulent information, or missing deadlines can lead to disqualification.
🔹 Is it possible to appeal or request reconsideration if I’m not selected?
No. The selection process is random and final. There’s no appeal or second round.
Step-by-Step Guide to Check DV-2026 Lottery Results
Here’s how you can check if you were selected:
Step 1: Visit the Official Website
- Go to https://dvprogram.state.gov.
- Click on “Check Status”.
Step 2: Click on “Continue”
- This leads to the Entrant Status Check (ESC) page for DV-2026.
Step 3: Enter Your Information
You’ll be asked to enter:
- Confirmation Number
- Last/Family Name
- Year of Birth
- CAPTCHA Code
Double-check for spelling errors and enter all details exactly as they were submitted.
Step 4: View the Result
After submitting the form, you’ll see one of these two messages below:
🟢 Selected for Further Processing
Congratulations! You’ve been randomly selected and will receive instructions to move forward with your visa application, including the DS-260 form and required documents.
🔴 Not Selected
Unfortunately, this means you were not selected this time. You can try again next year if you remain eligible.
The DV-2026 Lottery results represent a life-changing opportunity. If you are among the lucky few selected, don’t delay, follow the next steps promptly. If not, continue to pursue other legal immigration pathways and apply again in the future.
Remember, the Diversity Visa Program is free to enter, and checking your result is straightforward if you follow official guidance.