The United States has opened its doors for Kenyans to apply for the 2026 Diversity Visa (DV) lottery, a programme offering up to 55,000 visas to foreign nationals worldwide.
The application period, which began on October 2, 2024, will remain open until November 5, 2024, giving Kenyans a golden opportunity to seek permanent residency in the US. This will offer nearly 4,000 lucky Kenyans the opportunity to migrate to the US.
With the US looking to attract people from countries with historically low immigration rates, Kenya remains eligible for participation. This programme, however, excludes countries like India, Bangladesh, and Brazil, where immigration to the US has surged in recent years.
The DV lottery is not just a random selection. Applicants must meet strict criteria, including educational or work experience requirements. Once selected, candidates will undergo interviews to determine if they are eligible for permanent residency.
The US Department of State stresses the importance of accuracy throughout the process, with even the smallest mistake potentially disqualifying an application.
One of the most critical rules of the programme is that only one entry per person is allowed. Submitting more than one application leads to automatic disqualification. It’s a high-stakes opportunity where applicants must play by the rules to have a shot at winning.
Kenyans who wish to participate need to keep their confirmation numbers safe, as this will be their ticket to check their application status. Results for the 2026 DV lottery will be released in 2025, and the confirmation number will be required until September 30, 2026. This small detail could make the difference between being considered or forgotten.
Though applying for the DV lottery is free, selected applicants face additional costs. The visa application fee stands at $330, a non-refundable payment that must be made before attending the mandatory interview. Medical examinations and other documentation, including certified records, may also carry extra expenses.
According to the US State Department, only electronic applications can be submitted through https://dvprogram.state.gov.
And according to the State Department, applicants will be able to use their confirmation number to see if their entry was selected via the online Entrant Status Check website at https://dvprogram.state.gov/ starting May 3, 2025.
“Successful entrants will receive instructions at that time on how to apply for immigrant visas for themselves and their eligible family members. Confirmation of visa interview appointments will also be made through Entrant Status,” notes the State Department.
The US has allocated the visas across six geographic regions, ensuring that no region receives more than its fair share. For Kenyans, the regional distribution could mean a greater chance of success, especially as the programme aims to balance immigration rates across the globe.
Despite the long odds and the high stakes, the programme offers a lifeline to those dreaming of a new start in America. It’s not merely a lottery; it’s a potential pathway to a green card, an opportunity that many Kenyans may not have had through other channels.
While many might feel daunted by the process, the opportunity is real, and the reward—permanent residency in the US—could transform the lives of the selected few.
For Kenyans eyeing a future in the US, this is a moment to act. With the application deadline approaching in November, time is running out to submit entries for the chance to win big in the 2026 Diversity Visa lottery.
