Public Notice 12558, published on October 1, 2024, 89 FR 79997, incorrectly listed the entry period for the DV-2026 program year as beginning on October 4, 2023 and ending on November 7, 2023. These dates are incorrect. The entry period for the DV-2026 Program began on October 2, 2024, and will end on November 7, 2024.
In addition, Frequently Asked Questions #9 and #19 have been updated to reflect the correct dates.
The information listed on Travel.state.gov and in the DV-2026 instructions have also been corrected; please see the attached link. Diversity Visa Instructions (state.gov)
The corrected language is below.
Entry Period
Applicants must submit entries for the DV–2026 program electronically at dvprogram.state.gov between 12:00 p.m. (noon), Eastern Daylight Time (EDT) (GMT–4), Wednesday, October 2, 2024, and 12:00 p.m. (noon), Eastern Standard Time (EST) (GMT–5), Thursday, November 7, 2024. Do not wait until the last week of the registration period to enter as heavy demand may result in website delays. No late entries or paper entries will be accepted. The law allows only one entry per person during each entry period. The Department of State uses sophisticated technology to detect multiple entries. Submission of more than one entry for a person will disqualify all entries for that person.
9. When can I submit my entry?
The DV–2026 entry period will run from 12:00 p.m. (noon), Eastern Daylight Time (EDT) (GMT–4), Wednesday, October 2, 2024, until 12:00 p.m. (noon), Eastern Standard Time (EST) (GMT–5), Thursday, November 7, 2024. Each year, millions of people submit entries. Restricting the entry period to these dates ensures selectees receive notification in a timely manner and gives both the visa applicants and our embassies and consulates time to prepare and complete cases for visa issuance.
We strongly encourage you to enter early during the registration period. Excessive demand at end of the registration period may slow the processing system. We cannot accept entries after noon EST on Thursday, November 7, 2024.
19. If the E-DV system rejects my entry, can I resubmit my entry?
Yes, you can resubmit your entry as long as your submission is completed by 12:00 p.m. (noon) Eastern Standard Time (EST) (GMT-5) on Thursday, November 7, 2024. You will not be penalized for submitting a duplicate entry if the E-DV system rejects your initial entry. Given the unpredictable nature of the internet, you may not receive the rejection notice immediately. You can try to submit an application as many times as is necessary until a complete application is received and the confirmation notice sent. Once you receive a confirmation notice, your entry is complete, and you should NOT submit any additional entries.
