If you’ve just checked your Diversity Visa (DV-2026) results through the official Entrant Status Check and saw the life-changing words confirming your selection for the DV-2026 Lottery—congratulations and cheers to your selection! You’re now one step closer to becoming a U.S. permanent resident. But before you start booking your flight, remember there are some critical formalities left to take care of. Selection does NOT guarantee a visa and you must now carefully complete the immigrant visa application, gather documentary evidence, and prepare for your consular interview. If you are already in the U.S., you may be eligible to adjust your status with USCIS, provided you meet the requirements under Section 245 of the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA). You must apply for your Diversity Visa within the U.S. government fiscal year 2026, which runs from October 1, 2025, to September 30, 2026. Keep in mind that all selected applicants must obtain their visa or adjust their status by the end of the fiscal year, with no exceptions.
At KBIW KURPIEJEWSKI & ASSOCIATES, PLLC, we provide legal assistance to DV selectees through this high-stakes process to avoid common pitfalls that can lead to denial.
Eligibility and Application Steps for DV-2026 Selectees
To be eligible for the Diversity Visa, the primary applicant must meet specific education or work experience requirements. You must either have completed a formal high school curriculum equivalent to a 12-year U.S. education or have at least two years of work experience within the last five years in an occupation that meets the criteria set by the U.S. Department of Labor. You will need to complete the Immigrant Visa application, gather all necessary supporting documents (such as proof of education or work experience), and prepare for your interview. Additional documents will include a birth certificate, police certificates from any country where you have lived for more than six months, military or court records (if applicable), and a copy of your passport biographical data page. It’s critical to make sure these documents are the correct type and properly translated, as incomplete or inaccurate documentation may lead to your application being rejected. Keep in mind that even small errors or missing information can cause delays or denials, so we generally recommend seeking professional legal guidance during this process to ensure your application is thorough and accurate, to improve your chances of success.
Be Cautious: A Small Mistake Could Lead to Visa Denial
While some individuals may choose to navigate the DV process independently, it’s crucial to recognize the potential risks involved—especially if your case isn’t straightforward or if there are aspects of your history that could affect your eligibility. In such cases, hiring a skilled immigration attorney can be critical to ensure the best possible outcome. The U.S. immigration system has strict eligibility criteria, and failure to meet any of these requirements can result in a visa denial. Some of the grounds for ineligibility may include failure to submit requested documents in a timely manner, which can result in a refusal under INA §221(g) if visa numbers become unavailable before the issue is resolved, or certain criminal records, particularly those involving moral turpitude, controlled substances, or multiple convictions. Additionally, while DV applicants are not required to submit Form I-864, they are still subject to a public charge assessment under a “totality of the circumstances” analysis so certain factors relevant to the public charge assessment may also affect a DV applicant’s eligibility. Furthermore, adjudicating officers carefully compare the original DV entry (DS-5501) with the DS-260 immigrant visa application, and any material misrepresentation—even if submitted by a third party—can trigger a permanent bar.
What If You Were Not Selected for the DV Lottery?
If you checked your Diversity Visa status and saw the message, “Based on the information provided, the Entry HAS NOT BEEN SELECTED for further processing for the Electronic Diversity Visa program at this time,” don’t be discouraged. First of all, remember to keep applying—it’s free, relatively quick and easy, and someone always has to win. Second, of course, it’s disappointing to hear that you weren’t selected, but remember, not making it through the lottery doesn’t mean your dream of coming to the U.S. is over. There are still many pathways available, and our team can help you explore all your options to find the best route for you and your family. There are plenty of other options for both immigrant and nonimmigrant visas that you may qualify for, including family-sponsored visas, employment-based visas, student visas, work visas, investor visas, and even asylum or refugee status options.
How KBIW Kurpiejewski & Associates Can Help
At KBIW Kurpiejewski & Associates, we understand that the journey to U.S. immigration can be complex, whether you’ve been selected for the Diversity Visa Lottery or are still exploring other options. If you’ve been selected, our dedicated team can guide you through every step of the application process, ensuring you meet all requirements and avoid common mistakes that could jeopardize your chances for the immigrant visa. For those who have not been selected, don’t worry— we can help you explore other avenues to make your U.S. immigration dream a reality. Immigration pathways are as unique as your story, and our skilled attorney can help you uncover the best opportunities and guide you to options that may not have even been on your radar. To schedule a consultation about your immigration situation, and learn how we can help you, please call us at (212) 220-3956 or email office@kbiw.com.
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