Registration now open for US 2026 Diversity Visa Lottery Programme

As of October 2, 2024, people interested in migrating to the United States of America have an opportunity to win a bona fide Immigrant Visa through that country’s Diversity Visa Lottery Programme.

The 2026 edition (DV-2026) of the Programme—known also as the “Green Card Lottery”—officially launched at noon yesterday.  A statement from the U.S. Embassy says the programme will end at noon Eastern Standard Time (EST) on Tuesday, November 5, 2024. 

“DV-2026 is the only official lottery program for immigrant visas to the United States,” the statement from the U.S. Embassy said. 

“This annual U.S. Government-sponsored programme makes more than 50,000 immigrant visas available worldwide to people from countries with historically low rates of immigration to the United States, including Trinidad and Tobago,” it explained.

The Embassy is reminding the public that the application process is free.

“Applications are accepted electronically only through https://dvprogram.state.gov/,” the Embassy said.  “Any website asking for a fee to apply is not associated with the U.S. government.”

Applicants also are encouraged to submit their applications as early as possible.

“Do not to wait until the last week of the registration period to enter, as heavy demand in the final days of the application period is open may result in website delays,” the Embassy advises.  “No entries will be accepted after noon EST on November 5, 2024.” 

The Embassy advises potential applicants to observe the following when preparing their applications:

  ●   When registering, applicants must print and save their confirmation page with their unique confirmation code to check the status of their entry.  Applicants must take care to keep this page; the Embassy cannot replace this confirmation code.

  ●   Beginning May 3, 2025, entrants will be able to use their confirmation number to see if their entry was selected via the online Entrant Status Check website at https://dvprogram.state.gov/.

  ●   Successful entrants will receive instructions at that time on how to apply for immigrant visas for themselves and their eligible family members.

  ●   Confirmation of visa interview appointments will also be made through Entrant Status Check.  Applicants will not receive notification letters by mail, email or phone.  Any contact by a third party claiming the applicant has won the lottery is fraudulent. It is the sole responsibility of the applicant to check the website for notification of lottery selection.

“Diversity Visa applicants are advised to remain vigilant for fraudulent emails, websites, and letters claiming to be part of the application process,” the Embassy’s release warns. “These are used by scammers posing as the U.S. government to extract funds or access banking information.”

It added: “Applicants are reminded that there is no fee to apply for Diversity Visas, and the U.S. government does not request any payments via email or letter.”

Potential applicants are encouraged to visit https://dvprogram.state.gov/, for detailed information about entry requirements, along with frequently asked questions about the program, as well as the instructions for applying to the 2026 Diversity Visa lottery.

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