DV Lottery 2026 Results Are Out! Here’s How to Check & Secure Your U.S. Green Card

The wait is over—DV-2026 results are now available, which were scheduled to be announced on May 3. If you participated in the U.S. Diversity Visa Lottery now is the time to check your status and take the next important steps to win a U.S. green card.

As a lottery and immigration expert, I’ve helped thousands of people successfully navigate the process. Below, I’ll walk you through exactly how to check your results, what to do if you’ve been selected, and how to avoid costly mistakes that could jeopardize your chances of permanent residency.

Important dates and deadlines for DV-2026 winners

• Results Announcement: May 3, 2025 (Available until September 30, 2026)
• DS-260 submission deadline: Varies by embassy, ​​but it’s best to be quick.
• Visa interviews: Typically scheduled 6-12 months after selection
• Last entry deadline: September 30, 2026 (must enter the United States by this date)

Expert advice:

• Check your status immediately—delays can lead to a shortage of visa numbers.
• If you are selected, start preparing your documents immediately.
• If you are in the UAE, Dubai, or any other country, you should check it online immediately. If you are selected, you should hurry to the next step.

Step by Step: How to Check DV-2026 Status?

Use only the official U.S. government website:
https://dvprogram.state.gov/ESC/CheckStatus.aspx

What you need:

✔️ Confirmation number (from your DV-2026 application)
✔️ Last name (exactly as entered, including accents)
✔️ Year of birth
✔️ Verification code (shown on the page)

What your results mean:

When you check your results online, you are sure to get some of the answers given below. We have shared their meanings and details with you.

• “Selected” → Continue DS-260 and visa processing
• “Not Selected” → Eligible to apply for DV-2027
• “Invalid Application” → Possible data error (check again carefully)

⚠️ Important warning:

• No official email/letter is sent to any winner—scammers send fake notifications daily. So never respond to any notification or reply to the email.
• Never pay to check the results as the official site is free.

Also read: Dubai GDRFA Visa Renewal Platform Salama | Dubai Tourist Visa New Visit Visa Rules in UAE

What should you do immediately if you are elected?

Winning the lottery is just the first step, followed by the processing step. Delaying this step is the biggest reason people miss out on their chance. Follow this checklist:

1. Submit the DS-260 form online (do this first!)

• Deadline: Best to submit within 2-4 weeks
• Where: https://ceac.state.gov/IV
• Cost: $330 per applicant (including dependents)

2. Gather the necessary documents

• Passport (with more than 6 months validity)
• Birth Certificate (translated into English if not original)
• Police Clearance Certificates (from each country where you have lived for 6+ months after turning 16)
• Marriage/Divorce Certificates (if applicable)
• Military Records (if served)
• 2 passport size photos (US visa style)

3. Complete medical exams

• Only from approved panel physicians (find a doctor in your country here)
• Required vaccines: MMR, Hepatitis B, Flu (Seasonal), and others

4. Attend a visa interview

• Location: US Embassy/Consulate in your country
• Wait times vary: Some process in weeks, some in months
• Bring with you: Original documents + photocopies

5. Enter the US before September 30, 2026

• Green card arrives in the mail after entry
• Don’t book flights before you have your visa in hand!

What are the 5 biggest DV Lottery mistakes that can lead to rejection?

• Missing deadlines (DS-260 late = automatic disqualification)
  • This is what most people do, which leads to disqualification. If your name is on the list, don’t be lazy, take action immediately.
• Incorrect documents (expired passports, missing translations)
  • Always check the documents you submit to make sure they are not expired or have a few days left. Since this process takes some time, expired documents can lead to rejection.
• Criminal records (even minor crimes can be a problem)
• Public assistance risk (must show financial stability)
• Marriage fraud signs (recent marriages before application raise suspicion)

Expert advice:

If you have had a visa denied in the past, have a criminal record, or have a complex case, hire an immigration lawyer.

Eligible Countries for DV-2026 and Chances of Winning

• Eligible countries: Countries that have not sent 50k+ immigrants to the US in the last 5 years (e.g. India, China, Mexico, Canada are exempt).
• dv lottery 2026 eligible countries list: African and European countries (e.g. Egypt, Ukraine, Albania). If you are from these countries, you may have a chance.
• Total visas available: 55,000 (but ~100k are selected because some don’t come)

Did you know?

• Last year, Nepal and Iran had the highest win rates in DV-2025.
• Candidates from Australia and New Zealand have a higher chance of winning because there are fewer applicants.

Final advice from experts

• If selected: Act now—because if you delay, visa numbers expire. This will disqualify you.
• If not selected: Applications for DV-2027 will open on October 4, 2025.
• Need help? Contact KCC for case-related questions.

Your American dream is closer than ever—act today! 🇺🇸