diverisity visa 2026
2026 Diversity Visa Program Opens
The application window for the 2026 Diversity Visa (DV) Program opened on October 2, 2024, at noon Eastern Standard Time (equivalent to 9:45 PM local time in Nepal, Ashwin 16, 2081 B.S.) and will close on November 5, 2024, at noon Eastern Standard Time (10:45 PM in Nepal, Kartik 20, 2081 B.S.). Applicants are strongly encouraged to submit their entries in advance to avoid last-minute problems.
Key points for applicants to remember:
- No Fees: There is absolutely no cost associated with applying for the Diversity Visa.
- No Need for Consultants: The U.S. Embassy does not encourage the use of consultants or agents to prepare your application. Instead, if you need help, consider seeking help from trusted friends or family. Regardless of the sponsor, you remain solely responsible for the accuracy of your application.
- Online Applications Only: All entries for the 2026 DV Program must be submitted electronically via the official DV website at https://dvprogram.state.gov/ during the registration period.
- Include Your Entire Family: Your application must list your spouse and all unmarried children under the age of 21, including stepchildren and adopted children. Failing to include family members will disqualify your entry.
- Only One Entry Allowed: You may submit only one application. Submitting more than one will result in automatic disqualification.
- Submit a Recent Photo: You are required to upload a current photo that meets specific guidelines. Using a previous year's photo or violating the photo requirements will invalidate your entry. Remember, no glasses are allowed in the photo.
- Passport Information: Unlike previous years, you are no longer required to provide a valid passport number when submitting your DV entry.
- Save Your Confirmation Number: After submitting your application, be sure to print and securely store your confirmation number, as it is the only way to check your selection status.
- Protect Your Confirmation Number: Never share your confirmation number with anyone, as this is the only method to verify your selection status.
- Selection Status: You must enter your confirmation number at https://dvprogram.state.gov/ on or after May 3, 2025 (Baisakh 20, 2082 B.S.) to know if you have been selected. Please note that there is no email notification for shortlisted applicants.
- Being selected does not guarantee a visa: Even being selected does not guarantee a visa. A consular officer will verify your eligibility at the time of your interview. Check this link for a detailed list of documents required for the interview. https://go.usa.gov/xRuzM
Visit the official website at usvisas.state.gov/dv/instructions for detailed instructions on the 2026 DV Program.
More information is available on the official Diversity Visa website at https://dvprogram.state.gov/ and on the U.S. Department of Transportation. The Embassy Kathmandu website is located at https://np.usembassy.gov/visas/ .
