2026 Diversity Visa program opens

KATHMANDU: The application period for the 2026 Diversity Visa (DV) program opens at noon Eastern Standard Time, October 2, 2024 (9:45 pm local time in Nepal; Ashwin 16, 2081 B.S.), and closes at noon, Eastern Standard Time, November 5, 2024 (10:45 pm local time; Kartik 20, 2081 B.S.).

Important information from US Embassy Kathmandu:

• Applying is FREE: There is NO FEE to enter the DV Program.
• Consultants Not Necessary: The U.S. Embassy recommends against using a consultant to assist you with your application. Please consider using a family member, friend or other trusted person if you need assistance. No matter who provides assistance, you are solely responsible for your own application.
• Apply online: Entries for the 2026 Diversity Visa Program must use the electronic Diversity Visa entry form (E-DV) at https://dvprogram.state.gov/ during the registration period.
• Entire family on application: When registering, you must list your spouse and all of your unmarried children under the age of 21 including stepchildren and adopted children under the age of 21 at the time of application. Submissions without the inclusion of family members will make your entry invalid.
• One application per person: You may submit only ONE application. Applicants who submit more than one application will be disqualified from consideration.
• Submit a recent photo: Entries submitted with the same photo from previous DV years will be disqualified. Be sure to precisely follow the photo rules and associate each photo with the correct person on your application. Please note that applicants may not wear glasses in their photos.
• Passport: In prior years, the Department asked applicants to provide information from a valid, unexpired passport at the time of DV entry. Entrants are no longer required to have a valid passport at the time of submitting their DV entry.
• Be sure to print and save your confirmation number: This number is the only way to check your status.
• Never give your confirmation number to anyone.
• The only method of determining whether you were selected for the DV is by entering your confirmation number at https://dvprogram.state.gov/ on or after May 3, 2025 (Baisakh 20, 2082).

Entrants must provide an e-mail address as part of their entry; however, there is NO e-mail notification sent to selectees informing them they were selected.