Current situation (October 2026)
DV-2026 ended on 30 September 2026; no DV-2026 visa can be issued after that date. On 31 August 2026 the Department of State published guidance saying that, following a court order, its December 2025 pause of DV issuance was no longer in effect, and also that it had paused all visa issuances to DV applicants, who may still apply and attend interviews. No DV-2027 registration has taken place. Check the official newsroom before you plan anything.
Official sources: DV issuance guidance (31 August 2026) ↗ · DV-2027 entry period notice (5 November 2025) ↗
1. Read your Entrant Status Check page
ESC is the sole source of instructions. Your case is processed by the Kentucky Consular Center (KCC) until you are scheduled for an interview. Within each region, entries are registered in the random order in which they were selected, which gives your rank (case) number.
Official sources: DV-2026 instructions and FAQs (latest published) ↗
2. Submit the DS-260 for everyone applying
The principal applicant and each family member applying must complete Form DS-260 online, using the DV case number. Print each confirmation page for the interview. Since DV-2024, do not send documents to KCC: it accepts only the DS-260 and destroys mailed papers. Questions go to KCCDV@state.gov.
Official sources: Submit your DS-260 ↗
3. Wait for your rank number to become current
You are scheduled only when a visa number is available for your rank. The monthly Visa Bulletin publishes regional cut-off numbers; only ranks below the cut-off can be scheduled. Visa numbers can run out before 30 September.
Official sources: The DV interview ↗ · Visa Bulletin ↗
4. Prepare for the interview
- KCC emails you to check Entrant Status Check for the date, time and place, about four to six weeks ahead.
- Complete the medical exam and required vaccinations with an approved physician in the country of interview before the interview date.
- Bring the appointment letter, DS-260 confirmations, passports valid six months beyond your intended entry, two identical 2 × 2 inch photos per person, original civil documents (long-form birth certificates), police certificates for everyone 16 or older, and proof of education or work experience.
- Pay the $330 DV application fee per person at the embassy or consulate before the interview; it is not refunded if a visa is refused.
Official sources: Prepare for the interview ↗ · Prepare supporting documents ↗ · Fees for visa services ↗
5. After the visa is issued
A diversity visa is usually valid for up to six months (less if your medical exam expires sooner). The principal applicant must enter the United States before or together with family members. Pay the $235 USCIS Immigrant Fee online after receiving the visa and before travelling. Do not sell property, quit your job or buy non-refundable tickets before you have your visa.
Official sources: After the interview ↗ · USCIS Immigrant Fee ↗ · The DV interview ↗
If you are already in the United States
You may apply to adjust status with USCIS (Form I-485) if a visa is immediately available for your rank and you are admissible. Adjustment must also be completed by 30 September of the program year.
Official sources: Green card through the DV program (USCIS) ↗
Frequently asked questions
Does selection guarantee a green card?
No. More people are selected than there are visas, and each applicant must qualify at the interview before 30 September of the program year.
Do I send documents to the Kentucky Consular Center?
No. Since DV-2024, KCC accepts only the DS-260. Bring original documents to your interview.
How much does the DV application cost after selection?
$330 per person, paid in person at the embassy or consulate, plus the $235 USCIS Immigrant Fee after the visa is issued. Medical exams, documents and translations cost extra.
What happens if my case is not finished by 30 September?
DV eligibility ends with the program year. No diversity visa can be issued, and no adjustment of status approved, after that date.