The start and finish dates for the DV-2026 entry period were incorrect in the public notification.
The entrance period for the DV-2026 program year was listed as starting on October 4, 2023, and ending on November 7, 2023, in Public Notice 12558, issued on October 1, 2024, 89 FR 79997. These dates are not accurate. The DV-2026 Program’s admissions period will run from October 2, 2024, until November 7, 2024.
Furthermore, the dates have been changed in Frequently Asked Questions #9 and #19.
Additionally, the material in the DV-2026 instructions and on Travel.state.gov has been updated; please refer to the attached link
Instructions for Diversity Visas (state.gov).
Below is the updated text.
Time of Entry
For the DV-2026 program, applicants must electronically submit their entries at dvprogram.state.gov between Wednesday, October 2, 2024, at 12:00 p.m. (noon), Eastern Daylight Time (EDT) (GMT–4), and Thursday, November 7, 2024, at 12:00 p.m. (noon), Eastern Standard Time (EST) (GMT–5). Avoid waiting until the final week of the registration session to register, since high demand may cause difficulties on the website. There will be no acceptance of paper entries or late entries. Only one entry per individual is permitted by law throughout each entry time. To identify numerous entries, the Department of State employs advanced technology. If an individual submits more than one entry, all of their entries will be disqualified.
At what time may I send in my entry?
The DV-2026 admission period will begin on Wednesday, October 2, 2024, at 12:00 p.m. (noon), Eastern Daylight Time (EDT) (GMT–4), and end on Thursday, November 7, 2024, at 12:00 p.m. (noon), Eastern Standard Time (EST) (GMT–5). Millions of entries are submitted annually. 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.
During the registration period, we strongly advise you to arrive early. 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.
For operations at specific airports, this rule modifies, suspends, or eliminates Standard Instrument Approach Procedures (SIAPs), together with related Takeoff Minimums and Obstacle Departure Procedures. Changes in the National Airspace System, such as the commissioning of new navigational facilities, the addition of new obstacles, or modifications to air traffic needs, necessitate these regulatory actions, as does the adoption of new or updated criteria. These modifications are intended to support safe aircraft operations under instrument flight rules at the impacted airports and to ensure the efficient and safe utilization of navigable airspace.
Can I submit my entry again if the E-DV system rejects it?
As long as your entry is finished by 12:00 p.m. (noon) Eastern Standard Time (EST) (GMT-5) on Thursday, November 7, 2024, you are welcome to submit it again. If the E-DV system rejects your first submission, you won’t be fined for submitting a duplicate entry. You might not get the rejection notification right away because of how erratic the internet can be. Until a completed application is received and a confirmation message is given, you are free to attempt to submit an application as many times as required. Your entry is complete once you receive a confirmation notification; you shouldn’t submit any more entries after that.
This regulation will go into force on December 16, 2024. The amendatory provisions specify the date of compliance for each SIAP, related Takeoff Minimums, and ODP.
As of December 16, 2024, the Director of the Federal Register has authorized the incorporation by reference of specific publications mentioned in the regulations.