Ask-the-Consul Installment 24-10
In this edition of our Ask-the-Consul, we will share essential tips for those looking to apply for the 2026 Diversity Visa Program. These tips will help interested applicants understand the process, avoid disqualification, and protect themselves from potential scammers.
Here are our top tips:
● Tip #1 – Carefully read the instructions at travel.state.gov/dv to find out if you qualify. Do NOT apply if you do not meet the qualifications.
● Tip #2 – Go to dvprogram.state.gov to submit your entry. This is the ONLY way to enter. Do not be fooled by scams or fraudulent websites.
● Tip #3 – There is NO fee to enter. Beware of anyone claiming to improve your chances if you pay them or anyone who offers to complete your application for free.
● Tip #4 – Complete the Diversity Visa Program entry yourself. There are unscrupulous visa facilitators who have retained an applicant’s confirmation number, and then demanded more money or illegal activities in exchange for the confirmation number.
● Tip #5 – Use a photo taken in the last six months. Using an old photo will disqualify your entry.
● Tip #6 – Only submit ONE entry per person. Individuals with more than one primary entry per Diversity Visa season will be disqualified.
● Tip #7 – Remember to list your spouse and ALL unmarried children under the age of 21 in your application, even if they will not be traveling or immigrating with you. Incorrect or missing information in your entry can mean disqualification – even after you are selected.
● Tip #8 – Keep your unique confirmation number. The confirmation number will be the only way to check whether an entry has been selected in May 2025.
● Tip #9 – Selections will be made in May 2025. The website dvprogram.state.gov is the ONLY way to see if you were selected. Any email claiming to notify entrants that they have been selected for the Diversity Visa program is a scam. The Department of State will NOT contact you if you have been selected. You must check the website yourself using your confirmation number.
● Tip #10 – Remember, being selected does NOT guarantee you a visa interview or visa. In order to issue as many visas as possible, there will be more selectees than there are visas available. If selected, promptly follow the visa application instructions provided at dvprogram.state.gov.
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“Ask the Consul” is a monthly column from the U.S. Embassy answering questions about U.S. immigration law and other Consular topics. Detailed information about visas can be viewed at https://gy.usembassy.gov/, https://ais.usvisa-info.com/, and https://travel.state.gov/. Information about American Citizen Services can be found at https://gy.usembassy.gov/u-s-citizen-services/.
Applicants are strongly encouraged to prepare their own documents and avoid third-party advice. Consular processes change frequently, and non-U.S. government advisors often provide inadequate or inaccurate information. Please contact our Visa Information Service Center using the contact information at https://ais.usvisa-info.com/en-gy/niv/information/contact_us if you have general visa questions.
