The U.S. Embassy has released essential guidelines for applicants of the 2026 Diversity Visa Program in its latest "Ask the Consul" column. These tips aim to help applicants understand the process, avoid disqualification, and protect themselves from potential scams.
Applicants are advised to carefully read the instructions at travel.state.gov/dv to determine their eligibility. The only way to submit an entry is through dvprogram.state.gov, and there is no fee required for entry. The embassy warns against fraudulent websites and individuals claiming to improve chances or offering free application completion services.
Applicants should complete their entries personally, as some facilitators have been known to withhold confirmation numbers unless additional money or illegal activities are provided. It is crucial to use a recent photo taken within the last six months, as older photos will lead to disqualification.
Only one entry per person is allowed; multiple entries will result in disqualification. Applicants must list their spouse and all unmarried children under 21 on their application, regardless of whether they will be traveling or immigrating with them. Missing or incorrect information can lead to disqualification even after selection.
Keeping the unique confirmation number is vital since it is the only way to check if an entry has been selected in May 2025. The official website dvprogram.state.gov is the sole source for checking selection status; any email notifications are scams. Being selected does not guarantee a visa interview or issuance due to more selectees than available visas.
"Ask the Consul" provides monthly insights into U.S. immigration law and consular topics. Detailed visa information can be accessed at https://gy.usembassy.gov/, https://ais.usvisa-info.com/, and https://travel.state.gov/. For American Citizen Services, visit https://gy.usembassy.gov/u-s-citizen-services/.
The embassy strongly encourages applicants to prepare documents independently and avoid third-party advice due to frequent changes in consular processes and often inaccurate information from non-U.S. government advisors. For general visa inquiries, contact details are available at https://ais.usvisa-info.com/en-gy/niv/information/contact_us.