The State Department (DOS) published a amendments to the Diversity Immigrant Visa Program (DV program). These changes begin on April 10, 2026. DV program processing resumes afterward.

Amendment Details

Key changes to the DV program include mandating applicants submit their current passport information via electronic entry form. Individuals that can’t for whatever reason must submit a waiver form. Not doing so results in rejection. Additionally, applicants need to submit scans of the biography and signature pages of their applications.

There are also multiple minor changes. These include:

• Changing Terminology.
  • Changing the term “gender” to “sex.”
  • Changing the term “age” to “date of birth.”
• A required one-dollar fee for entering the DV Program lottery.

The DOS stated these changes help government forms display information more accurately.

Implementation

The changes to the DV Program will apply to the 2027 Diversity Visa Program. Due to the changes, the DOS delayed the start of the DV-2027 program. A final start date hasn’t been announced.

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