The U.S. State Department is proposing new parameters for the Diversity Visa (DV) Program, requiring applicants to submit a scanned copy of their passport when entering the lottery. The move is aimed at reducing fraud and strengthening the integrity of the application process. The changes will go into effect on September 18, 2025.
If passed, the new rule would require all DV applicants to submit the following:
- A valid, unexpired passport number.
- A clear image or scan of the passport’s photo and signature pages.
Failure to upload a qualifying passport scan, or using an expired passport, will result in immediate disqualification.
Applicants currently don’t have to submit their passport information to enter the lottery. The new rule would require immigration authorities to more closely scrutinize applicants from the beginning of the registration process. This change would make it more difficult to submit fraudulent applications. The new rule doesn’t affect stateless individuals, and individuals with waivers from the U.S. government.
The rule is currently in the proposal stage and is open for public comment for forty-five days. If finalized, the passport requirement will be enforced for the 2027 DV Program lottery. The lottery will open in October 2025.
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