2026 DV Lottery Results OUT NOW! How to Check If You Won (Step-by-Step Guide)

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DV Lottery 2026 Results Are Out – Here’s How to Check If You Won and What to Do Next

The results for the 2026 Diversity Visa (DV) Lottery—also known as the Green Card Lottery—are officially out! If you applied last year, it’s time to find out whether you’ve been selected. But here’s the big question: how do you know if you won, and what happens next if you did?

In this, we’ll walk you through exactly how to check your DV Lottery status, what selection really means, and the crucial steps you must take to actually receive your green card.

What Is the DV Lottery?

Each year in November, the U.S. government opens the Diversity Visa Lottery program, offering 55,000 immigrant visas to individuals from countries with historically low immigration rates to the U.S. The registration period typically lasts about 30 days, and results are released the following May.

Now that it’s May 2025, if you submitted your entry last November, your results are now available online.

How to Check If You Were Selected

Important: The U.S. government does not send emails to inform winners. If you receive an email saying you’ve won and asking for money—it’s a scam.

To check your results, follow these steps:

Visit the official DV Lottery entrant status check page (https://dvprogram.state.gov/).
Enter your confirmation number, which you received when you applied.
The system will tell you instantly whether or not you’ve been selected.

What Does It Mean to Be Selected?

Being selected in the DV Lottery is not the same as being approved for a green card. Selection simply means you now have the opportunity to apply for permanent residence—but only if you act quickly and correctly.

What to Do After Being Selected

If you’re selected, here are the steps you must take:

1. Check Your Case Number Against the Visa Bulletin

Go to the U.S. Department of State’s Visa Bulletin online to see if your case number is “current.” Only then can you move forward with your application.

2. Submit Form DS-260

Once your case number is eligible, complete and submit Form DS-260 online. This is the official immigrant visa application.

3. Attend Your Visa Interview

You’ll be scheduled for an interview at the U.S. Embassy or Consulate in your country. This interview determines whether you qualify for an immigrant visa.

4. Pay the Required Fees

There are filing and visa processing fees for you and any eligible family members included in your case.

5. Prove You’re Admissible

You must demonstrate:

No serious criminal record
That you meet educational or work experience requirements
No health or security risks
No social media activity or affiliations that raise red flags

The U.S. government will thoroughly review your background during your visa interview.

What Happens If You’re Approved?

If your application is approved:

You’ll receive an immigrant visa valid for 6 months.
You must enter the U.S. within that timeframe.
After entering, your green card will be mailed to your U.S. address, usually within 30 days.

Deadline Alert: September 30, 2025

You must complete the entire process and enter the U.S. before September 30, 2025. After that date, you lose eligibility—even if you were selected. There are no exceptions, so it’s essential to stay on top of deadlines and prepare early.

Not Selected? Don’t Give Up!

If you weren’t selected this year, there are still many pathways to the U.S., including:

Work visas (H-1B, O-1, etc.)
Investment visas (EB-5, E-2)
Family-based petitions
Self-petitions for individuals with extraordinary ability

If you need assistance navigating the DV Lottery process or exploring other immigration options, we’re here to help.

If you were selected in the 2026 DV Lottery—congratulations! But remember, selection is just the beginning. Take action quickly, stay informed, and seek professional help if needed to secure your green card.

Know someone who entered the DV Lottery? Share this article so they don’t miss this vital information.