The United States Department of State released the results for the 2026 Diversity Visa (DV) Lottery Program, popularly known as the Green Card, on Saturday, May 3.
The Green Card program offers non-U.S. citizens the opportunity to enjoy the rights and privileges of permanent residency in the United States.
This announcement comes amid widespread anticipation from applicants in countries with historically low rates of immigration to the U.S.
Applications for the program were open from October 2 to November 5, 2024, and had to be submitted electronically through the official Department of State DV Program website.
Each applicant was allowed only one entry—multiple submissions would result in disqualification. The entire application process was free.
No single eligible country can receive more than seven per cent of the available diversity visas in a given year (55,000), meaning no more than approximately 3,850 Kenyans were selected in the previous round.
“The Department of State administers the Diversity Visa (DV) immigrant visa program, which is an annual program for immigration to the United States. Up to 55,000 immigrants can enter the United States each year from countries with low rates of immigration to the United States,” noted the US Department of State.
How to check your Green Card application results for 2026 DV program
The Department of State stated that individuals would be randomly selected by a computer from among the qualified entries.
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The Entrant Status Check for the 2026 Diversity Visa (DV) Program is available on the E-DV website from May 3 to September 30, 2026, and it is the only official method through which the Department notifies selectees.
To check the results, all DV-2026 entrants must visit the Entrant Status Check on the E-DV website using the unique confirmation number received during the DV-2026 online registration.
If selected, you will be directed to a confirmation page with further instructions, including information on fees related to U.S. immigration.
The next steps in the immigration process include completing the Immigrant Visa and Alien Registration Application, submitting the required documents to the U.S. Embassy, and attending an interview.
All DV-2026 selectees and their eligible family members must get visas by September 30, 2026.
On the other hand, the Entrant Status Check for DV-2025 applicants will remain open until September 30 this year.
“The Department of State will not send you a letter or an email to let you know if you have been selected. See the fraud warning above. Being selected in the DV Lottery does not guarantee you will receive a visa. Selection means you can move forward in the DV Program,” adds the Department of State.
What to do if you are selected in the DV Lottery
If you checked the DV Lottery results, were selected, and have the qualifications, you can apply for an immigrant visa.
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If approved, you would be able to travel to the U.S., become a permanent resident, and get a Green Card.
To apply for an immigrant visa, sign in to the Immigrant/Diversity Visa portal.
Fill out and submit your immigrant visa application, Form DS-260, online.
After you apply, you may receive an email scheduling you for an interview at a U.S. embassy or consulate.
Your interviewer will tell you if you are approved for an immigrant visa.
To learn more about what happens after an interview including what to do if your visa application has been approved or denied, how to enter the U.S and what happens when you receive your Permanent Resident Card (Green Card), prospective applicants can check the website: (travel.state.gov).
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