KATHMANDU, OCTOBER 2
The U.S. State Department has officially opened the application period for the 2026 Diversity Visa (DV) program.
The application period will run from noon Eastern Standard Time (EST) on October 2, 2024 (9:45 PM local time in Nepal, Ashwin 16, 2081 B.S.), until noon EST on November 5, 2024 (10:45 PM local time, Kartik 20, 2081 B.S.).
Individuals interested in applying for the DV program are encouraged to submit their applications early to avoid last-minute technical issues. Applications are to be submitted exclusively through the official DV program website during the registration period, and no fee is required to apply, the US Embassy in Kathmandu said.
The U.S. Embassy strongly recommended that applicants complete their applications without the assistance of consultants, urging those who need help to seek assistance from trusted family members or friends. However, applicants remain fully responsible for the accuracy of their own entries.
"Each applicant is allowed to submit only one application; multiple entries will result in automatic disqualification. Additionally, all applicants must include their spouse and all unmarried children under the age of 21, including stepchildren and adopted children, in their application. Submissions without all required family members listed will be considered invalid."
Applicants are required to submit a recent photo as part of their entry. Photos reused from previous years or those that do not meet the program's specifications will result in disqualification. It is also important to note that glasses are not permitted in the photo. While a valid passport was previously required at the time of DV entry, this is no longer the case for the 2026 program, the US Embassy added.
Once the application is submitted, applicants should print and save their confirmation number, which is the only method for checking the status of their entry. Starting on May 3, 2025 (Baisakh 20, 2082 B.S.), applicants can check if they were selected by entering their confirmation number on the official website. No email notifications will be sent to selected applicants, and it is crucial to keep the confirmation number secure. Selection in the lottery does not guarantee a visa; selected applicants will be invited for an interview where a consular officer will assess their qualifications under U.S. immigration law, it further added.
