The Visa Lottery now demands scanned passports for entry. The U.S. Department of State published this update in the Federal Register. Applicants must now submit a valid, unexpired passport, along with a scanned copy of its biographical page and a signature matching the electronic form. This change aims to stop the rise in fake entries, especially those filed by third parties.
These added steps will reduce fraud, ensure authenticity, and speed up processing for serious candidates. Applicants should prepare these documents ahead of time to avoid rejection.
What the New Passport-Scan Requirement Means for Visa Lottery Applicants
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A valid, unexpired passport is mandatory at submission time.
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You must scan and upload the passport’s bio page.
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The signature must match the one on your electronic application.
These measures help verify identity. They also deter agents who file fake entries using stolen data.
Passport-Scanning Demands and Visa Lottery Transparency
This new requirement increases transparency in the Visa Lottery process. The Department of State cited a marked increase in fraudulent applications. Many of these came from paid “agents.” A physical or scanned passport makes impersonation much harder.
In future announcements, expect guidance on accepted file formats and size limits. Watch the State Department’s official news pages for those specs.
Understanding the Visa Lottery Timeline and Process
“Visa Lottery” applicants need to understand key deadlines and steps:
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Entry period: The program begins two years before the visa year. For instance, the DV-2026 lottery opened in fall 2024.
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Drawing: The lottery was drawn in early 2025.
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Selection: Only those selected may proceed to visa interviews.
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Interview and vetting: Selected participants must pass a U.S. consular interview and meet eligibility rules.
This long-lead time gives applicants time to gather documents, including passports, education records, and more.
Eligibility Rules Remain Strict
The Visa Lottery maintains strict eligibility rules to ensure fairness and integrity. Countries with high immigration numbers to the U.S. remain excluded each year. For the DV-2026 program, Bangladesh, China, Cuba, the Dominican Republic, Nigeria, Pakistan, and the Philippines are not eligible to apply.
The U.S. Department of State determines eligibility annually based on immigration statistics from the past five years. Even slight changes in migration trends can affect a country’s status. Taiwan and the Macau Special Administrative Region continue to qualify, as they are considered separately for immigration purposes.
Applicants from eligible countries should act quickly during the short registration window. Waiting until the last days to submit increases the risk of errors or technical issues. In addition to nationality requirements, participants must meet specific education or work experience criteria. This usually means a high school diploma or its equivalent, or two years of work experience in a job that meets U.S. Department of Labor standards.
Failing to meet these conditions leads to automatic disqualification, even if the applicant’s name is drawn in the lottery. To avoid setbacks, applicants must prepare all required documents before starting the process.
Document Preparation Checklist
| Document | Why It Matters |
|---|---|
| Valid passport | Proves identity and nationality under the new passport scanning requirement. |
| Scanned bio page | Allows authorities to verify the applicant’s legitimacy before processing the case. |
| Matching signature | Confirms that the electronic entry belongs to the same individual named in the passport. |
| Education or work records | Demonstrates eligibility through academic qualifications or qualifying job experience. |
| Interview appointment | Scheduled only for selected applicants after the complete dossier passes initial vetting. |
A well-organized application reduces the risk of delays and mistakes. Keeping digital and printed copies of each document helps applicants respond quickly to any request from the U.S. Embassy or consulate.
Why the Passport-Scanning Rule Matters
The new passport-scanning requirement significantly improves trust in the Visa Lottery process. By making applicants provide a valid passport and a scanned copy of the biographical page, the rule gives visa officers a stronger way to confirm identity before scheduling interviews. This step reduces the risk of false entries and makes it harder for fraudulent agents to exploit the system.
It also prevents criminals from submitting large numbers of fake applications using stolen passports, altered details, or entirely false identities. With this safeguard, the application pool contains more genuine candidates, which allows honest participants to compete on merit.
This policy strengthens the program’s credibility and ensures the Visa Lottery continues to fulfill its original goal—offering equal opportunity to eligible individuals from countries with low immigration rates to the United States, rather than enabling abuse or manipulation. It creates a fairer environment where every valid application receives the same consideration and where fraud is detected before it damages the process.
Steps to Follow for Your Visa Lottery Application
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Check your passport’s validity: Ensure it is unexpired and will remain valid throughout the application and interview stages. A soon-to-expire passport may cause delays or rejection.
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Scan the bio page with care: Include your photograph, full name, date of birth, passport number, and issue/expiry dates. Make sure the scan is sharp, legible, and in an accepted file format.
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Scan your signature separately: Your signature must exactly match the one on your electronic entry form to avoid disqualification.
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Submit your entry on time: Enter during the official registration period, which usually runs from early October to early November. Late entries are not accepted.
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Secure your confirmation number: Store it in multiple safe places. This number is essential for checking your application status.
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Track your selection status: Regularly check the U.S. State Department’s official Diversity Visa Program website for lottery results and updates.
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Gather additional documents early: If selected, you will need to prepare education certificates, work experience proof, and other required materials before your interview.
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Attend the interview prepared: Bring original documents, respond truthfully, and follow all instructions from the U.S. consular officer to complete your case successfully.
Why Maple Crest Immigration Law Can Help You
Maple Crest Immigration Law specializes in guiding individuals through the Visa Lottery process. We offer:
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Personalized document reviews to ensure your passport scan, signature, and other files meet U.S. standards.
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Timely reminders about upcoming submission windows.
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Coaching for your visa interview.
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Advice on how to avoid fraudulent agents and navigate the system safely.
Let Maple Crest help you enter the Visa Lottery correctly the first time. We protect your application and your peace of mind.
Trust Maple Crest Immigration Law. Let us review your scanned passport and sign your form correctly. Let us guide you through the Visa Lottery process from start to finish. Contact Maple Crest today for expert support. Don’t risk rejection. Start now.
