The amendments to the Diversity Visa (DV) Program regulations, published on March 11, 2026, introduce enhanced compliance requirements aimed at safeguarding the integrity of the application process. These regulatory changes impose stricter identity verification standards and clarify procedural obligations for applicants.

A principal modification is the mandatory requirement for applicants to possess and submit valid, unexpired passport information at the time of entry. Applicants are further required to upload a legible copy of the passport’s biographic and signature page, unless expressly exempted under the applicable provisions.

Most Important Points to Remember:

• Applicants shall possess a valid, unexpired passport at the time of submission.
• Applicants shall provide accurate passport details within the electronic entry form.
• Applicants shall upload a clear copy of the passport biographic page, where required.
• Applicants shall retain the confirmation number, which constitutes the sole means of verifying entry status.
• The Department of State shall not reissue or recover confirmation numbers under any circumstances.

These amendments further standardize regulatory terminology by mandating the use of “sex” in lieu of “gender” and “date of birth” in place of “age,” while incorporating the term “shall” to denote mandatory obligations.

Collectively, these revisions are intended to mitigate fraudulent submissions, including those initiated by unauthorized third parties, and to ensure that entries are submitted knowingly and voluntarily by eligible individuals.

Explore more on

2026-04737.pdf

DOS Publishes Final Rule on Amending Regulations for the DV Program

Green Card Through the Diversity Immigrant Visa Program | USCIS