US 2026 Diversity Visa Program Now Open for Applications: Here Are 10 Tips for Applying Successfully

The U.S. Diversity Immigrant Visa Program (DV-2026) is now officially open for applications, offering up to 55,000 visas to individuals from countries with low immigration rates to the U.S.

According to a statement from the U.S. Embassy in Uganda, further details on the application process, key lottery dates, and eligibility criteria have been provided, as reported by VisaGuide.World.

Applications for the DV-2026 program can be submitted starting today, October 2, until November 5, 2024.

US 2026 Diversity Visa Program Now Open for Applications: Here Are 10 Tips for Applying Successfully

US 2026 Diversity Visa Program Now Open for Applications: Here Are 10 Tips for Applying Successfully

10 Important Tips for Your Green Card Application

The US Embassy in Uganda published ten tips for applying for the Diversity Visa Program. These tips that aim to ensure that you successfully apply for the Green Card are as follows:

Tip 1: Follow the instructions to find out if they qualify. Not to enter if the qualifications are not met.

Tip 2: Submit the entry through the dvprogram.state.gov. Be aware of scams and fraudulent sites.

Tip 3:No fee to enter is applied. Therefore, applicants should be aware of those who say they can improve their chances if you pay them.

Tip 4: Complete the Diversity Visa Program alone.

“Unscrupulous visa facilitators have retained an applicant’s confirmation number, and then demanded more money or illegal activities in exchange for the confirmation number.” US Embassy in Uganda

Tip 5: Use photos taken in the past six months, as using old photos poses risks of being disqualified.

Tip 6: Submit only one entry per person. If applicants submit more than one primary entry per Diversity Visa season, they will be disqualified.

Tip 7: Applicants must include their spouse and unmarried children under the age of 21 in their application, even if they will not be traveling or immigrating with them.

“Incorrect or missing information in your entry can mean disqualification – even after you are selected.” US Embassy in Uganda

Tip 8: The only way to see if an entry has been selected in May 2025, is to keep the confirmation number.

Tip 9: Selections will be made in May 2025, through the website dvprogram.state.gov/ESC. The Embassy has warned that emails notifying entrants they have been selected for the Green Card lottery are scams after the Department of State will not contact them if they have been selected.

Tip 10: Being selected is not a guarantee for a visa interview or a visa.

Permitting a Large Number of Countries to Become Part of the Program

The Diversity Visa of the United States allows internationals to remain legally in the United States permanently.

The Green Card is permanent; however, it needs renewal every ten years, in contrast to a US visa which is temporary but can be extended for another limited amount of time. Green Card holders have a restricted period within which they can remain outside the US.

The program is restricted to persons from countries with low immigration numbers to the US.

US 2026 Diversity Visa Program Now Open for Applications: Here Are 10 Tips for Applying Successfully

ALSO READ –list of documents required for the U.S. 2026 Diversity Visa (DV) Program