How and When to Check Green Card Lottery Results, and What to Do If You Win

May is approaching – time to check the results of the green card lottery. Let's go over all the nuances together – from checking to what to do if you're lucky.

Check Diversity Visa (Green Card) Lottery Results

You can find out the results of the green card lottery ONLY on the website www.dvprogram.state.gov. Click Check Status, select DV-2026, enter the lottery confirmation number, applicant's last name and year of birth.

If after this you saw a barcode, congratulations - you have won! Next you will have to go through a long process of paperwork for moving, in particular a medical examination and an interview at the consulate. We wrote about this in detail here.

2025 DV lottery results are available from May 4, 2024 to September 30, 2025.

Results for the 2026 DV lottery will be available from May 3, 2025 to September 30, 2026.

On the subject: Entering the US in the Time of Trump: What Green Card and Visa Holders Need to Know

You should remember that DV lottery results must be checked online using your confirmation number. If your confirmation number is lost, find out here, how it can be restored.

Keep in mind that:

• The State Department will not send you a physical letter or email to tell you that you have won;
• Winning the DV lottery does not guarantee that you will receive a visa. It does mean that you can move forward in the DV program.

What to do after winning the DV lottery

After you checked the results on the official website dvprogram.state.gov and learned about the victory, you need to fill out an immigration visa application form DS-260 (online) If you are approved, you can come to the United States, become a permanent resident, and get a green card.

To apply for an immigrant visa, log in to the portal Immigrant/Diversity Visa.

For lottery winners, it is free. If your family composition has changed since you registered for the lottery (got married, had a child), then you must indicate the new family members in your form. DS-260, otherwise you may be disqualified.

Keep in mind that each family member must have a separate DS-260 form. This is an important nuance, and if you fill out one form for the whole family, you will immediately drop out of the "get a green card" marathon.

After you submit your application, you may receive an email with an appointment for an interview at the U.S. Embassy or Consulate. Learn how to prepare for your interview here.

Your interviewer will tell you if your immigrant visa has been approved. Find out here more about what happens after the interview.

If you are already in the United States at the time you receive a notification about winning a green card, you have the opportunity change your status in the US for immigration. You can read more about this at the official website of the program.

Who to Contact If You Need Help After Winning the DV Lottery

If you have questions about the DV lottery, click here for more information.

If you do not find the information you need there, you can send an email to the Kentucky Consular Center (KCC) at [email protected]. Please provide your details in the letter:

• first and last name;
• date of birth;
• case number.