How to Check DV Results: The Official Step-by-Step Guide
How to Check DV 2026 Results: The Official Step-by-Step Guide
The DV-2026 Diversity Visa Lottery results are a life-changing moment for applicants worldwide. If you participated in the lottery between October and November 2024, the time has come to verify your status. This guide provides the official, secure method to check your results and crucial tips on what to do next.
📅 Key Dates to Remember
- Results Release Date: May 3, 2025 (at noon EDT).
- Check Deadline: Results remain available until September 30, 2026.
- Official Portal: dvprogram.state.gov
Step 1: Visit the Official ESC Portal
There is only one official website to check your status. Do not trust third-party websites or email notifications. The U.S. Department of State never sends emails or letters to notify winners.
Go directly to the Entrant Status Check (ESC) page: https://dvprogram.state.gov and click the blue "Check Status" button.
Step 2: Enter Your Credentials
You will need the following information to log in:
- Confirmation Number: The 16-character alphanumeric code (e.g., 2026xxxxxxxx) you received when you applied.
- Last/Family Name: Must match exactly what you wrote on your application.
- Year of Birth: The 4-digit year (e.g., 1995).
- Authentication Code: Type the characters shown in the security image.
Lost Your Confirmation Number? (Crucial Update)
Contrary to common belief, you CAN recover a lost confirmation number. You do not need to give up if you have misplaced your printout.
How to Recover It:
- On the ESC login page, click the link that says "Forgot Confirmation Number".
- Select the Program Year (2026).
- Enter your Last Name, First Name, Middle Name exactly as they appeared on your entry.
- Enter your Date of Birth.
- Enter the Email Address you used during registration.
If the information matches, the system will retrieve your number for you.
Understanding the Results
✅ If Selected
You will see a letter with the U.S. State Department seal and a Case Number. This means you are eligible to proceed to the next step: filling out the DS-260 form.
❌ If Not Selected
You will see a message stating, "Has not been selected." While disappointing, you can always try again in the next DV cycle (DV-2027).
⚠️ Warning: Avoid Scams
The Diversity Visa program is a prime target for fraudsters. Protect yourself by remembering these rules:
- Selection is NOT a Visa: Being selected only gives you the opportunity to apply. It is not a guarantee.
- No Fees for Checking: Checking your status is 100% free. Anyone asking for money to "check" or "release" your results is a scammer.
- No Emails: The U.S. government will NOT email you to say you won.
Note: Always rely on the official travel.state.gov website for fee structures and visa interview requirements.
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