The U.S. Department of State has published a final rule introducing a significant change to the Diversity Immigrant Visa Program (DV Program), commonly known as the green card lottery. Effective April 10, 2026, all petitioners entering the DV Program must provide valid, unexpired passport information and upload a scan of their passport's biographic and signature page as part of their electronic entry form.
This new regulation is designed to improve the integrity of the immigration system and combat fraud within the DV Program. By requiring passport details at the initial entry stage, the Department of State aims to more effectively confirm the identities of petitioners early in the process. This change facilitates enhanced screening and vetting, bolstering U.S. national security efforts.
Previously, individuals could enter the lottery without a passport and only needed one if selected to apply for the visa. Now, prospective immigrants must possess a valid passport simply to enter the lottery, subject to very limited exemptions. This policy change represents a higher barrier to entry for applicants from countries where obtaining a passport is difficult, expensive, or time-consuming. Individuals planning to participate in the upcoming DV lottery must ensure they have their travel documents in order well in advance of the registration period.