Diversity Visa 2026: Passport Now Required to Apply
Millions of people around the world enter the U.S. Diversity Visa lottery every year hoping to win a green card. Starting April 10, 2026, there is a new requirement that could block some people from even submitting an entry. You now need a valid passport — or a valid reason not to have one — just to apply.
If you plan to enter the Diversity Visa (DV) lottery — the annual program that gives up to 50,000 people a chance at a green card — you now need a valid passport before you apply. The U.S. Department of State published a final rule making this change official. It takes effect on April 10, 2026.
What changed and why
Before this rule, you could enter the DV lottery without a passport. Now, when you fill out the electronic entry form, you must provide your passport number and upload a scan of the biographic page — the page with your photo and personal information — and the signature page. If you do not have a passport, you must indicate that you qualify for an exemption. The Department of State says this change is meant to reduce fraud and improve the integrity of the program.
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This is not the first time the government has tried to add a passport requirement to the DV lottery. A similar rule was introduced in 2019, but a federal court struck it down in 2022. The court found that the government skipped a required public comment period. This time, the Department followed the proper process, so the rule is expected to stand.
Who is affected
Anyone who wants to enter the DV lottery starting with the cycle governed by this rule must have — or be exempt from needing — a valid, unexpired passport. The DV Program is open to people from countries with historically low immigration to the United States. Up to 55,000 diversity visas are available each year, though up to 5,000 of those may be set aside for other programs under existing law.
What to do
- If you plan to enter the DV lottery, apply for a passport in your home country before the entry window opens. Processing times vary by country, so start early.
- When filling out the DV entry form at dvprogram.state.gov, have your passport ready to enter the number and upload a scan of the biographic and signature pages.
- If you cannot get a passport, check whether you qualify for an exemption before submitting your entry — the form will ask you to indicate this.
- Lawyers recommend consulting an immigration attorney if you are unsure whether you are eligible for the DV lottery or if you have questions about the exemption process.
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This rule creates a hard barrier at the very first step of the DV process — if you cannot show a valid passport or claim an exemption, your entry will not be accepted. People in countries where passports are expensive or difficult to obtain should start the application process now, well before the DV entry period begins. If you are unsure whether you qualify for an exemption, or whether your country is even eligible for the DV lottery, speak with an immigration attorney before the entry window opens.