Diversity Visa news spreads quickly on social media. Before acting on a registration announcement or a “you won” message, use the U.S. Department of State’s official sources. This is especially important when dates are changing or not yet confirmed.
Start with the actual government websites
The U.S. Department of State publishes official Diversity Visa instructions, registration windows, and eligibility rules. The online DV entry and Entrant Status Check portal is dvprogram.state.gov. The Department of State also publishes guidance at travel.state.gov.
Whenever you see a social post announcing the next lottery date, visit the published DV instructions for that specific program year. Do not assume last year's registration dates will repeat. This article intentionally does not assert a current DV registration opening date.
Understand registration versus selection
Entering the lottery, being selected, applying for an immigrant visa, and being issued a visa are different steps. Selection does not guarantee that a visa will be issued. Applicants who are selected must satisfy applicable eligibility requirements, submit the requested documents and application, and complete the official process.
Five warning signs of a scam
- Someone promises they can increase your odds of selection.
- A social media account claims that payment is required to register for the lottery.
- You receive an email or message stating that you have won and asking for money.
- A third party refuses to give you your entry confirmation number.
- A website looks official but does not use the genuine U.S. government address.
The State Department says the DV registration itself is free and warns that it does not notify winners by email or letter. Entrants check status using the official Entrant Status Check system. Be cautious even if a message displays a government seal or an American flag.
Keep your own information under your control
Complete your own entry whenever possible and keep your confirmation number securely. If someone helps you, verify all personal information before submitting and retain the confirmation details. Follow photo and household-member instructions from the official program-year guidance; errors can make an entry ineligible.
Does it link directly to the Department of State? Does it name the exact DV program year? Are the dates clearly stated in the current official instructions? If any answer is no, describe the announcement as unconfirmed.
What if a video or post announces “DV registration is open”?
Do not share the claim immediately. Open the government's DV instructions page, verify the year and start/end times, and use those dates in your own post. If the dates are not officially published, say that verification is pending. This protects your audience and your credibility.
Official sources
- Department of State: DV instructions
- Department of State: Fraud warning
- Official DV entry and status portal
Information only; not legal or immigration advice. Always verify the latest requirements on official government websites.