How to Check Your DV Lottery Results
Complete walkthrough on using the Entrant Status Check (ESC) portal on dvprogram.state.gov.
Results Open Annually in May
Entrant Status Check for the DV-2026 program opened in May 2025 and remains open until September 30, 2026. For DV-2027, results open in May 2026.
1. When Are Results Released?
Results are published on the first Tuesday or Saturday in May (at noon Eastern Time). The official selection list is updated exclusively through the online Entrant Status Check (ESC) on dvprogram.state.gov.
2. How to Check Your Entrant Status
- Visit dvprogram.state.gov and click the blue "Check Status" button.
- Click "Continue" on the welcome page.
- Enter your 16-character Confirmation Number (e.g.
20261A2B3C4D5E6F). - Enter your Last / Family Name only (do not include first or middle names).
- Enter your Year of Birth as four digits (e.g.
1992). - Complete the visual CAPTCHA verification code and click "Submit".
3. Understanding Your Result Letter
"You have been randomly selected for further processing in the Diversity Immigrant Visa Program..."
Congratulations! This letter contains your official Case Number (e.g., 2026AS00004521). Immediately save this letter and proceed to our DS-260 Guide.
"Based on the information provided, the Entry HAS NOT BEEN SELECTED..."
Your entry was not chosen in the primary drawing. Keep your number saved until the end of the fiscal year (September 30), as additional selections occasionally take place.
4. How to Recover a Lost Confirmation Number
If you misplaced your confirmation number, click the "Forgot Confirmation Number" link on the ESC portal. The system will prompt you for:
- Program Year (e.g. 2026 or 2027)
- Primary Entrant Full Legal Name
- Date of Birth (Month, Day, Year)
- The exact Email Address used when submitting the entry
If the information matches State Department records, your confirmation number will be displayed on the screen.
5. Common Confusing Characters
Many applicants receive an "Invalid Confirmation Number" error due to typographical confusion. The State Department warns of these common substitutions:
| Character | Common Confusion | Resolution Advice |
|---|---|---|
| 0 (Zero) vs O (Letter) | Typing number 0 instead of letter O | Swap '0' with 'O' and re-attempt. |
| 1 (One) vs I (Letter) | Typing uppercase 'I' instead of digit '1' | In many fonts, '1' and 'I' appear identical. Try both. |
| 8 (Eight) vs B (Letter) | Misreading blurred printouts | Replace '8' with 'B' or vice versa. |
Regulatory Notice & Official Links
This guide is prepared based on Title 22 of the Code of Federal Regulations (22 C.F.R. § 42.33) and Foreign Affairs Manual (9 FAM 502.6). Always verify instructions on the official U.S. Department of State portal: dvprogram.state.gov .