How to Fill Out the DV Lottery 2026 Official Application

1. Access the Official Website:

   • Visit dvprogram.state.gov during the registration period (closed November 5, 2024, for DV-2026; next cycle opens October 2025 for DV-2027).

   • Click “Begin Entry” when the application period is active. A CAPTCHA authentication page appears (Screenshot 1: CAPTCHA screen showing random characters to type).

   • Enter the characters and click “Submit” to access the DS-5501 form.

2. Complete Part 1: Entrant Information:

   • Name: Enter your last name, first name, and middle name (if listed in your passport) exactly as they appear in your passport or birth certificate. If you have multiple passports, use the spelling matching your birth certificate (Screenshot 2: Name fields showing “Last/Family Name,” “First Name,” “Middle Name”).

   • Gender: Select “Male” or “Female.”

   • Date of Birth: Enter in DD/MM/YYYY format (e.g., 15/01/1990).

   • City of Birth: Use the official English spelling (e.g., “Mumbai” instead of “Bombay”). If renamed, use both (e.g., “Bombay-Mumbai”).

   • Country of Birth: Select your country of birth. If ineligible, select your spouse’s or parent’s eligible country.

   • Country of Eligibility: Defaults to your country of birth unless claiming a spouse’s or parent’s eligible country.

   • Photograph: Upload a digital photo (600×600 to 1200×1200 pixels, JPEG, <240 KB, taken within six months, plain light background, no glasses or headwear except for religious purposes). Use a tool like Visafoto to ensure compliance (Screenshot 3: Photo upload field with specifications).

   • Mailing Address: Enter a current address (line 1, line 2, city, state/province, postal code, country).

   • Country Where You Live: Select your current country of residence.

   • Phone Number: Optional; include if desired.

   • Email Address: Provide a valid email you control. Third-party emails may lead to fraud.

   • Education Level: Select your highest level (e.g., high school, bachelor’s). If relying on work experience, choose the highest level completed.

   • Marital Status: Select “Single,” “Married,” “Divorced,” “Widowed,” or “Legally Separated.”

   • Number of Children: Enter the number of unmarried children under 21, including adopted or stepchildren, even if they don’t live with you or won’t immigrate.

3. Complete Part 2: Derivatives (If Applicable):

   • If you indicated a spouse or children, a new section opens (Screenshot 4: Derivative section showing fields for spouse/children).

   • For each derivative:

     • Enter their name, date of birth, gender, city/country of birth, and country of eligibility.

     • Upload a compliant photo for each (same specifications as above).

     • Confirm their address (same as yours or different).

   • If married but not including your spouse, explain why (e.g., “Spouse is U.S. citizen”).

4. Review and Submit:

   • Review all entries for accuracy (Screenshot 5: Verification page listing all entered data).

   • Click “Submit” to complete the application. A confirmation screen appears with your name and a unique confirmation number (Screenshot 6: Confirmation screen with number).

   • Save or screenshot the confirmation number, as it’s required to check results starting May 3, 2025, until September 30, 2026. The U.S. government does not send notifications.

Tips to Avoid Disqualification

• Single Entry: Submit only one application. Multiple entries are detected and disqualified.

• Accurate Information: Ensure names, dates, and countries match official documents. Errors can lead to rejection at the interview stage.

• Photo Compliance: Use recent, correctly formatted photos. Non-compliant photos are a common rejection reason.

• Save Confirmation Number: Without it, you cannot check your status. Store it securely.

• Avoid Third Parties: Complete the form yourself to prevent fraud or errors. Scammers may charge fees or misuse your data.

• Apply Early: The system may slow down near the deadline (November 5, 2024, for DV-2026) due to high traffic.

Post-Application Steps

• Check Results: From May 3, 2025, visit dvprogram.state.gov, click “Entrant Status Check,” and enter your confirmation number, last name, and year of birth (Screenshot 7: Status Check login page).

• If Selected: Selection doesn’t guarantee a visa. Submit Form DS-260 online via the Consular Electronic Application Center (CEAC) and prepare for an interview at a U.S. embassy by September 30, 2026. Required documents include passport, birth certificate, police certificates, and medical exam results.

• Fees: No fee to apply, but selected applicants pay a $330 visa fee per person before the interview.

Salary Expectations for U.S. Jobs

Professional Job Salary Stats

• Roles: Software developers, engineers, teachers.

• Annual Salary: $60,000–$100,000 ($28.85–$48.08 per hour).

• Example: A San Francisco software developer might earn $85,000 annually ($40.87 per hour).

Challenges to Watch For

• Fraud Risks: Beware of emails or websites claiming you’ve won or requesting fees. Only use dvprogram.state.gov for status checks.

• Time Sensitivity: The application window is short, and late submissions are not accepted.

• Document Accuracy: Mismatches between the application and official documents can lead to disqualification during the visa interview.

• Visa Limits: Only 55,000 visas are available, and selection is random, with no country receiving more than 7% of visas.