Why is this year’s Lottery called DV-2026?

The Diversity Visa (DV) Lottery Program is named for the year that selectees will be permitted entry into the U.S.A. The registration period for the recent DV-2026 Green Card Lottery took place from early October 2024 until early November 2024. The DV-2026 selectees (i.e., “winners”) will be notified beginning in May of 2025. Selectees who pass the Consular Interview procedure successfully and are issued a Diversity Visa will be permitted entry to the U.S. in 2026 (which is why it is called “DV-2026”). Registration for the DV-2027 Green Card Lottery will take place in October-November 2025.