The Diversity Visa (DV) Lottery Program, also known as the Green Card Lottery, is an annual initiative by the U.S. Department of State to provide a path for people from countries with historically low rates of immigration to the United States. The lottery offers a chance for thousands of individuals and families to apply for permanent residency in the U.S. The 2026 Diversity Visa (DV-2026) is the current program that opened for submissions in 2024, and the critical piece of information that every applicant needs to safeguard is their DV Lottery 2026 Confirmation Number.
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This article dives deep into the significance of the confirmation number, how to manage it, what to do if you lose it, and other essential information about the DV lottery process.
What is the DV Lottery Confirmation Number?
The DV Lottery confirmation number is a unique identifier assigned to every applicant once their entry has been successfully submitted for the lottery. It is a long alphanumeric code that allows the entrant to check their entry status when the results are announced. The confirmation number is the only proof that your submission was accepted, and it is indispensable for checking whether your application was selected. For example, a DV Lottery 2026 confirmation number might look something like this:
Your entry for the 2026 Diversity Visa program was received on Wednesday, October 2, 2024 at 1:07:34 PM EDT. Please do NOT close this window until you have printed this confirmation page or made a record of your Confirmation Number.
Entrant Name:MKENYA, DAIMA MZALENDOConfirmation Number: 20262YI0***SKODFYear of Birth: 1985Digital Signature: B4A2456563*****3295EC8C85Thank you for your entry for the 2026 Diversity Visa Program.
Please either print this page or make a record of the confirmation number before closing this window. You will not be able to retrieve this number after you close this window.
You must retain your confirmation number in order to check your entry status via Entrant Status Check between May 3, 2025 and September 30, 2026 to determine whether your entry was selected for further processing in the 2026 Diversity Visa Program. You will be REQUIRED to enter your confirmation number in combination with other personal information in order to check on your entry status.
Selectees will not receive selectee notifications or letters by regular postal mail from the Kentucky Consular Center (KCC).
Do not submit additional Entry Forms with this person as the Primary Entrant! Multiple entries will disqualify the Entrant from participation in the 2026 Diversity Visa Program.
This confirmation number holds key details about your submission, and without it, you will not be able to track your application status when the results are published. The DV Lottery confirmation number is tied specifically to your entry and personal details, such as your name, date of birth, and year of entry. This makes it an essential part of the lottery process. It not only confirms that your submission was received by the U.S. Department of State but also ensures that your entry can be tracked throughout the selection period. It is crucial to remember that you will not receive any email, phone call, or postal notification regarding your status—only the confirmation number allows you to check whether you were selected.
The confirmation number also ensures fairness in the lottery system by providing a transparent and verifiable way to track each entry. The U.S. Department of State assigns each applicant a number that is unique to them, preventing any confusion or overlap. Even in the unlikely event of technical issues during submission, if you have a confirmation number, you can be confident that your entry was successfully received. This also eliminates the need to submit multiple entries, which could disqualify you from the DV Lottery.
Another important feature of the confirmation number is that it is your gateway to the next steps of the visa process if selected. Without it, you cannot access your Entrant Status Check page to verify your selection, which could lead to missing your chance at a U.S. visa. Therefore, safeguarding this number is critical – store it digitally and physically in a secure place. It is a key element in what could be a life-changing opportunity for you and your family.
Why is the DV Lottery 2026 Confirmation Number Important?
The confirmation number serves several critical purposes:
- Proof of Submission: Once you’ve completed your online DV Lottery application, this number confirms that the U.S. Department of State received your entry.
- Status Tracking: The confirmation number is required to check whether your entry was selected for further processing. This check is done on the official Entrant Status Check website, which becomes available after the selection process.
- Uniqueness: Every entrant receives a unique confirmation number, ensuring that each application can be tracked independently.
- Security: The confirmation number is essential for keeping your application secure. It should not be shared with anyone unless absolutely necessary.
What to Do After Receiving Your DV Lottery 2026 Confirmation Number
Once you have successfully submitted your application and received your confirmation number, there are a few steps you should take to ensure you can track and manage your application properly.
1. Print or Save the Confirmation Page
Immediately after submitting your entry, you will be directed to a confirmation page with your personal information, including the confirmation number. It’s important to either print this page or save it as a PDF on your computer or mobile device. You will not be able to retrieve this number after you close the confirmation page, so make sure to keep a copy before exiting.
2. Store the Confirmation Number Securely
Treat your confirmation number like a password. Store it in a safe, accessible place—whether that’s a physical document folder, a password manager, or a secure cloud storage solution. Consider writing it down in multiple places or backing it up digitally to ensure you don’t lose it.
3. Check Your Status in 2025
The DV Lottery process doesn’t end once you submit your entry. You will need to check your status to determine whether your entry was selected for further processing. Starting May 3, 2025, and until September 30, 2026, you will be able to use your confirmation number to check the Entrant Status Check page on the official DV Lottery website at dvprogram.state.gov.
You must retain your confirmation number throughout this period, as it is required to log in and verify your status.
What Happens if You Lose Your Confirmation Number?
Losing your confirmation number can be a serious problem, as it’s the only way to check your status. The U.S. Department of State does not send any notifications by email, postal mail, or phone to inform you of your selection. You can only find out if you’ve been selected by using the confirmation number on the Entrant Status Check page. Here are a few scenarios to consider:
1. If You Misplace It
If you accidentally misplace your confirmation number but remember where you stored it, you should immediately retrieve it and ensure it is saved in a more secure location.
2. If You Lose It Permanently
In some years, the U.S. Department of State has provided a way to recover lost confirmation numbers by using personal information, such as your name, date of birth, and email address. However, this is not guaranteed, so it’s best to keep your confirmation number safe from the outset.
3. Avoid Sharing Your Confirmation Number
To prevent identity theft or unauthorized access to your DV Lottery entry, do not share your confirmation number with anyone. Scammers and fraudsters may attempt to use your number for malicious purposes.
Checking Your DV Lottery 2026 Entry Status: What to Expect
When the results of the DV-2026 are announced on May 3, 2025, you’ll need to head to the Entrant Status Check page on the DV Lottery website. Here’s how you can check your entry status:
- Visit the official website: Go to dvprogram.state.gov and click on the Entrant Status Check link.
- Enter your details: You will need to provide your confirmation number, last name, and year of birth.
- View your results: After logging in, the system will display whether or not your entry was selected for further processing. If selected, you will receive additional instructions on how to proceed with your Diversity Visa application.
If you are not selected, don’t be discouraged. Many people submit applications year after year before they are finally chosen.
Avoiding Scams and Fraud Related to DV Lottery Confirmation Numbers
Unfortunately, the DV Lottery process is often targeted by scammers who exploit applicants’ hopes and dreams of moving to the U.S. Here are a few tips to keep yourself safe:
1. No Payment Required for the Lottery Entry
Entering the DV Lottery is free. If you come across websites or people asking for money to submit your entry or to obtain your confirmation number, it’s a scam. The official U.S. government site is the only place to submit your application and retrieve your confirmation number.
2. Beware of Fake Emails
Scammers may send emails claiming you have been selected for the DV Lottery, asking for personal information or money. Remember, the only way to check your status is through the official Entrant Status Check page, and the U.S. government will never contact you directly.
3. Use Only the Official Website
Always use the official U.S. Department of State DV Lottery website: dvprogram.state.gov. Avoid using third-party services or websites, as they may misuse your information or charge unnecessary fees.
Conclusion: Safeguard Your DV Lottery 2026 Confirmation Number
The DV Lottery 2026 confirmation number is your gateway to potentially winning a U.S. green card. It is a vital piece of information that must be protected and stored carefully. Without it, you won’t be able to check whether you were selected for further processing.
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Once you have your confirmation number, make sure to keep it in a secure place, check your entry status when the time comes, and avoid falling victim to scams. Best of luck with your DV-2026 application, and may your confirmation number be the key to a successful outcome in your journey to the United States!
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