The U.S. Embassy has announced the registration period for the Diversity Visa (DV) 2026 Program. The online application process will open on October 2, 2024, at noon Eastern Daylight Time and close on November 7, 2024, at noon Eastern Standard Time. Individuals are reminded that submitting more than one entry during this period will result in disqualification.
Applicants are advised to complete their own applications, as the process is free and straightforward. The official electronic DV entry form can be accessed through the E-DV website during the registration window. Instructions for completing the application are available in both English and Albanian on the Department of State’s public website.
Entrants will receive a unique confirmation number upon registration, which they can use to check their status online via the Entrant Status Check on the E-DV website. This system is the only official way to find out if an entry was selected. “Should you receive an e-mail notification or a mailed letter about your E-DV selection, be aware that the notification is not legitimate,” states embassy guidance. Official follow-up emails from the Kentucky Consular Center (KCC) may be sent only after selection and case processing begins, instructing applicants to review Entry Status Check for updates.
Selected entrants should promptly complete the DS-260 application form online to schedule an interview appointment at a U.S. Embassy or Consulate.
To qualify for a Diversity Visa, applicants must meet specific education or employment criteria. Applicants must have completed a full-time high school education equivalent to a U.S. high school diploma or hold a university degree. Full-time vocational high school degrees may also qualify if they align with U.S. general studies requirements; final decisions are made by consular officers during interviews.
Those who do not meet educational requirements must demonstrate two years of work experience within the past five years in occupations classified as Job Zone 4 or 5 with a Specific Vocational Preparation (SVP) range of 7.0 or higher according to the Department of Labor’s O*Net Online Database.
Applicants are urged to ensure all information provided in their initial lottery application is accurate, including civil status and photographs for each family member. Errors such as incorrect photos or failure to declare existing spouses or children will lead to visa denial for all family members involved. All fees paid for visa applications are non-refundable.
The embassy warns against fraud and scams by unofficial websites and emails posing as providers of government information related to the DV program: “Beware of fraud and scams. Some websites and emails attempt to mislead customers, posing as providers of official U.S. government information.”
Further details about qualifying occupations and instructions for preparing for interviews can be found on relevant Department of State web pages.