DV-2026 Diversity Visa Lottery Results
The FY2026 Diversity Visa (DV) lottery results, announced on May 3, 2025, continue long-term patterns in which Africa and Europe account for the bulk of selectees. While official aggregate breakdowns for DV-2026 are still forthcoming, historical data provides clear guidance. In FY2025 (DV-2025), the State Department registered approximately 131,060 selectees (including derivatives), of whom 55,942 were from Africa (about 42.7% of the total) and 43,197 from Europe (33.0%). Asia contributed about 23,198 (17.7%), while the Americas (including Oceania, Caribbean, and Latin America) accounted for roughly 4,651 (3.6%). North America had only 19 selectees.
The top countries vary annually. For instance, in FY2025, leading African countries included Egypt (5,515) and Morocco (4,237). In Asia, Iran (5,267) and Afghanistan (4,009) led the numbers. Given similar eligibility criteria between DV-2025 and DV-2026, including the continued exclusion of high-admission countries and the recent additions of Bangladesh and Brazil to the ineligible list, similar proportions are expected for FY2026.
| DV Year | Qualified Entries | Selectees (prospective) | Success Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| DV‑2022 | 7,336,302 | 119,021 | 1.62% |
| DV‑2023 | 9,570,291 | 119,262 | 1.25% |
| DV‑2024 | 22,185,619 | 142,947 | 0.64% |
| DV‑2025 | 19,927,656 | 131,060 | 0.66% |
Figure: DV lottery applications vs. selectees (FY2022–FY2025). Data sourced from the official State Department reports.
Multi-Year Trends
The past four DV cycles show significant fluctuations in entries and selectees. Qualified entries rose steadily from 7.34 million in DV-2022 to a peak of 22.19 million in DV-2024, then slightly decreased to 19.93 million in DV-2025. Selectee numbers, however, increased modestly—from about 119,000 in FY2022-23 to around 143,000 in FY2024—leading to historically low success rates between 0.6% to 0.7%.
These figures highlight substantial year-over-year variations in applicant demand, potentially driven by pent-up demand from pandemic years or changing eligibility rules. Nonetheless, selectee numbers remain stable due to Congressional caps of approximately 55,000 visas annually (minus NACARA/NDAA special set-asides reducing the cap to roughly 51,350).
Regional Distribution and Eligibility Changes
Africa and Europe consistently dominate DV lottery selections. Over recent years, African selectees accounted for about 40–43%, while European selectees ranged around 30–35%. Asia contributed approximately 17–21%, with the Americas and Oceania accounting for smaller shares.
| Region | DV‑2022 | DV‑2023 | DV‑2024 | DV‑2025 |
| Africa | 49,003 (41.2%) | 49,119 (41.2%) | 55,030 (38.5%) | 55,942 (42.7%) |
| Asia | 24,001 (20.1%) | 24,044 (20.1%) | 27,960 (19.6%) | 23,198 (17.7%) |
| Europe | 39,999 (33.6%) | 40,065 (33.6%) | 50,161 (35.1%) | 43,197 (33.0%) |
| North America | 16 (0.0%) | 16 (0.0%) | 15 (0.0%) | 19 (0.0%) |
| Oceania | 2,501 (2.1%) | 2,503 (2.1%) | 4,450 (3.1%) | 4,053 (3.1%) |
| South America & Caribbean | 3,501 (2.9%) | 3,515 (2.9%) | 5,331 (3.7%) | 4,651 (3.6%) |
Recent eligibility adjustments continue shaping participation. High-admission countries such as China, India, Mexico, Nigeria, Bangladesh, and Brazil remain excluded, consolidating selectees among eligible nations. The NACARA/NDAA provisions also consistently reduce available DV slots.
Historical Context and Purpose
Established by the Immigration Act of 1990, the Diversity Visa program aims to diversify immigrant populations entering the U.S. annually. The program emphasizes inclusion from countries with historically low U.S. immigration rates, enriching American society through diverse cultural, educational, and professional backgrounds. Over three decades, evolving geopolitical and immigration policies have led to periodic adjustments in the program’s criteria and procedures.
Country-Level Deep Dive
Egypt
Egypt remains a leading source, consistently contributing over 5,000 selectees annually. High demand stems primarily from domestic economic factors and political instability.
Morocco
Another major contributor, Morocco, averages over 4,000 annual selectees. Economic aspirations, educational prospects, and established Moroccan communities in the U.S. drive continued interest.
Iran
Despite geopolitical tensions and travel restrictions, Iran remains a significant Asian source, with roughly 5,000 annual selectees driven by high educational attainment and robust familial connections in the U.S.
Afghanistan
Recent political upheavals have notably increased Afghan participation, reflecting a profound desire for stability and improved economic conditions abroad.
Socioeconomic Impacts
The DV Lottery positively influences both sending and receiving nations. DV immigrants in the U.S. contribute diverse skills, addressing critical labor market shortages. Meanwhile, their home countries benefit economically from remittances and skill transfers, although this migration can exacerbate brain drain in countries already experiencing shortages of skilled professionals.
Procedural Analysis
Selection in the DV lottery initiates a comprehensive immigration process. Winners must submit the online DS-260 form, detailing personal and professional backgrounds, and undergo interviews, medical examinations, and rigorous background checks at U.S. embassies or consulates. Common application challenges include incomplete documentation, unmet eligibility criteria, and missed deadlines.
Comparative International Perspective
The DV lottery uniquely prioritizes diversity compared to other nations’ immigration programs. Canada’s Express Entry and Australia’s SkillSelect are merit-based systems emphasizing employment skills and occupational demands. The U.S. DV lottery, however, stands distinctively focused on cultural and demographic diversity rather than economic or occupational qualifications.