DV Lottery 2026 Results Are Out – Here's How to Check If You Won and What to Do Next

You Were Selected – Now What?

First of all, congratulations! But remember — being selected does NOT guarantee you a green card. It simply means you are eligible to apply for one.

Here’s what you need to do next:

Step 1: Complete Form DS-260

This is your online immigrant visa application. You’ll need to:

• Log in to the Consular Electronic Application Center (CEAC)
• Fill out and submit Form DS-260
• Make sure all your details are accurate and match your original DV entry

📅 Step 2: Check Your Case Number in the Visa Bulletin

Before submitting DS-260, you should check the Visa Bulletin to see if your case number is current. This number determines when you’re eligible to schedule your interview.
If your number is within the published range for your region and month, you can move forward.

Keep checking the Visa Bulletin monthly, as case numbers progress over time.

🏛 Step 3: Attend Your Visa Interview

Once your DS-260 is processed and your case number is current, you’ll receive an appointment notice for your interview at the U.S. embassy or consulate in your country.

At the interview, a consular officer will:

• Review your documents
• Ask about your background
• Ensure you meet all eligibility requirements

💳 Step 4: Pay Required Fees

The green card process isn’t free. You will need to pay:

• Immigrant visa fees for yourself and any family members
• USCIS immigrant fee after your visa is approved

These payments are necessary to finalize the process and receive your green card.

🔐 Step 5: Prove You Are Admissible to the U.S.

During the interview, you must demonstrate that:

• You have no serious criminal background
• You meet education or work experience requirements
• You are not a public safety or national security risk

Also, be aware: Your online presence matters. Immigration officials may check your social media activity to ensure you don’t express views or affiliations that raise red flags.

🛬 Step 6: Enter the United States

If approved, you’ll receive an immigrant visa valid for 6 months.
You must enter the U.S. within that period. Once you arrive:

• Your green card will be mailed to your U.S. address within a few weeks

⏳ Don’t Miss the Deadline: September 30, 2025

This is critical. Your immigrant visa process must be completed before September 30, 2025 — the end of the DV-2026 fiscal year.

If you don’t complete the process by that date:

• You will lose your eligibility
• You cannot transfer your selection to another year

Many applicants in the past have missed their chance simply because they couldn’t schedule their interview on time. Stay proactive!

❌ Not Selected This Time? Don’t Give Up

If you weren’t selected in the DV-2026 Lottery, you still have options:

• Apply for a work visa (such as H-1B or O-1)
• Explore investment-based options (like the EB-5 visa)
• Look into family- or marriage-based immigration
• Consider self-petition options like the EB-1A or National Interest Waiver

Immigration is complex, but there are multiple paths to permanent residency depending on your background, skills, and goals.

👥 Need Help With Your Case?

If you’re unsure about the process or want expert help to increase your chances of success, here’s what to do:

1. Subscribe to our YouTube channel – Immigration Made Easy
   Stay informed with regular updates, how-to guides, and expert tips
2. Contact us directly
   • Visit: www.usimmigrationtalk.com
   • Submit your info, and our team will reach out to help you

Our goal is to help you turn your DV selection into a U.S. green card, and we do this every day for clients worldwide.

💬 Share & Comment

Know someone who applied for the DV Lottery?
Share this article and help them take the next step. If you have any questions or want us to cover another topic, let us know in the comments!

Thanks for reading — and if you’ve been selected for DV-2026, we’re excited for your journey ahead. Let us help you make it a success!