Proposed Diversity Visa Rule Could Require Passport Scans for Entry
The U.S. government is proposing new rules for the Diversity Visa (DV) Program that would require applicants to upload a passport scan when entering the lottery.
The rule is part of a larger effort to reduce fraud and ensure that only eligible individuals apply. If finalized, it would take effect for the 2026 DV Program, which typically opens for entries each October.
What’s Changing?
Under the proposed rule, all DV lottery applicants would need to:
Provide a valid, unexpired passport number
Upload a scan of the passport’s photo and signature page
Currently, no passport is required to enter the lottery.
There would be limited exceptions for individuals who are stateless, unable to get a passport from a communist-controlled country, or have an official waiver from the U.S. government.
Why the Change?
In a Federal Register notice scheduled to publish August 8, the U.S. State Department says the change is designed to:
Reduce identity fraud
Prevent unauthorized third-party entries
Strengthen national security screening
According to the government, the new requirement is meant to curb abuse, including schemes in which fraud rings have allegedly entered individuals into the lottery without consent and then demanded money once they were selected.
What Applicants Need to Know
You must have a passport before applying — not after selection.
The passport must be valid and unexpired.
The scan or photo of the passport must clearly show the photo and signature pages.
File format must be JPEG and under 5 MB.
Failure to upload a valid scan or submitting an expired passport will result in disqualification.
When Can I Apply?
The registration period for the 2026 green card lottery is expected to open in October 2025. Exact dates will be announced on travel.state.gov about a month before the window opens.
The program is free to enter and open to nationals of countries with low rates of immigration to the U.S. If selected, applicants can pursue a green card during fiscal year 2026.
What Happens Next?
This is a proposed rule, not yet final. The public has 45 days to submit comments. The rule is likely to be finalized in time for the next DV lottery cycle in fall 2025.
Have Immigration Questions?
Our federal immigration attorney Seth Finberg handles H-1B, EB-1, EB-2 NIW, O-1, EB-5, E-2, and removal defense cases nationwide.
