U.S. Issues 2 Major Warnings to 2026 Green Card Lottery Applicants
The U.S. government is reminding 2026 Diversity Visa Lottery applicants about two important things: scams and visa approval.
🚨 Watch Out for Fake Lottery Messages
The Department of State says it does not notify DV Lottery selectees by letter or email. If someone contacts you claiming you won the Green Card Lottery and asks for money or personal information, it could be a scam.
Applicants should check their selection status only through official U.S. government channels. Scammers often take advantage of the excitement surrounding lottery results to target hopeful immigrants.
🟢 Being Selected Does NOT Guarantee a Green Card
Another important point: being selected for the Diversity Visa program doesn't mean your visa has been approved.
Selection only allows an applicant to move forward. They still need to:
- Submit the required visa application
- Attend an in-person interview
- Meet all immigration and eligibility requirements
- Wait for a visa to actually be issued
The 2026 DV Lottery results became available beginning May 3, 2025, with the selection period running through at least September 30, 2026.
The Diversity Visa program offers up to 55,000 immigrant visas each year to eligible applicants from countries with historically low immigration to the U.S. Because millions of people apply, officials are urging selectees to stay cautious and avoid anyone promising a guaranteed visa or demanding payment to confirm a win.
