What to Do After Being Selected in the DV-2026 Green Card Lottery

Congratulations! If you entered the Diversity Visa (DV) Lottery between October 2 and November 5, 2024, and are selected starting May 3, 2025, you’re one big step closer to U.S. permanent residency. But selection doesn’t mean you automatically get a visa. You must act fast and follow these steps carefully.

✅ Step 1: Confirm Your Selection

Check your status at dvprogram.state.gov

Use the confirmation number you received at the time of entry.
No emails or letters will be sent—beware of scams.
If selected, you’ll get a message with your case number and further instructions.

✅ Step 2: Understand the Timeline

Selection does not guarantee a visa. You must complete everything within the fiscal year: October 1, 2025 – September 30, 2026.

More people are selected than visas available (about 55,000), so act quickly.

✅ Step 3: Submit Form DS-260

Go to ceac.state.gov
Complete and submit Form DS-260 (Immigrant Visa Application)
You’ll need details about:
- Personal and family history
- Education and work experience
- Travel documents
- Spouse and children (if applicable)

⚠️ You cannot edit the form after submission unless the KCC allows it.

✅ Step 4: Prepare Your Documents

You’ll need to bring original (and translated, if needed) documents to your interview:

Valid passport
Birth certificate
Police certificate (if over 16)
Marriage/divorce records (if applicable)
Court/military records (if applicable)
Proof of education or work experience
2 recent passport-sized photos

✅ Step 5: Wait for Your Interview

Interviews are based on case number order.

The KCC will email you with your scheduled interview date.
Track visa bulletin updates at: Visa Bulletin

✅ Step 6: Complete Your Medical Exam

Schedule a medical exam with an embassy-approved doctor after getting your interview notice.
Follow instructions carefully.
Results will either be given to you in a sealed envelope or sent directly to the embassy.

✅ Step 7: Attend Your Interview

At the U.S. embassy/consulate:

Bring your interview letter, DS-260 confirmation, original documents, and sealed medical results
Pay the $330 visa fee (per person)
Answer questions about your background
If approved, your visa is placed in your passport

✅ Step 8: Pay the USCIS Immigrant Fee

After receiving your visa and before traveling to the U.S., pay the $220 fee at:
🔗 uscis.gov/forms/uscis-immigrant-fee
This covers processing your green card after arrival.

✅ Step 9: Travel Before Visa Expires

Your visa is usually valid for 6 months from your medical exam date
Enter the U.S. before it expires
At the port of entry, your passport will be stamped and your green card mailed to your U.S. address

✅ Step 10: Start Your New Life in the U.S.

Once in the U.S.:

Apply for a Social Security Number (often done automatically if requested during DS-260)
Settle housing, employment, and healthcare
You are now a lawful permanent resident