The United States government has officially released the list of African countries whose citizens were selected for the 2026 Diversity Visa (DV-2026) programme, popularly known as the US Green Card Lottery.
The programme recorded more than 20 million qualified entries during the application period, with about 129,516 prospective applicants, including selected applicants and their eligible spouses and children, registered for further processing.
The number of selectees exceeds the available visa quota because some applicants may withdraw, fail to meet the requirements or otherwise become ineligible during the processing period.
16 West African Countries on the List
According to the released breakdown, citizens from 16 West African countries were among those registered as selectees.
The figures include the principal applicants as well as their spouses and children.
The countries and corresponding numbers are:
- Algeria — 5,457
- Benin — 1,064
- Burkina Faso — 252
- Cabo Verde — 35
- Côte d’Ivoire — 926
- The Gambia — 198
- Ghana — 1,642
- Guinea — 1,051
- Guinea-Bissau — 10
- Liberia — 1,593
- Mali — 268
- Mauritania — 261
- Niger — 109
- Senegal — 478
- Sierra Leone — 639
- Togo — 2,473
Over 20 Million Entries Received
The DV-2026 programme received 20,822,624 qualified entries during the registration window, which ran from October 2, 2024, to November 7, 2024.
The Diversity Visa programme makes a limited number of immigrant visas available annually to nationals of countries with historically low rates of immigration to the United States.
While the programme is generally authorised to issue up to 55,000 visas annually, the number available for DV-2026 is lower due to statutory reductions.
Requirements for Selected Applicants
Being selected in the Diversity Visa Lottery does not automatically guarantee a US immigrant visa.
Principal applicants must meet the programme’s eligibility requirements, including having at least a high school education or its equivalent, or qualifying work experience.
Those relying on work experience must have at least two years of experience within the previous five years in an occupation that requires a minimum of two years of training or experience.
Applicants who are already legally residing in the United States may be able to apply for adjustment of status through US Citizenship and Immigration Services instead of completing immigrant visa processing at a US embassy or consulate abroad.
DV-2026 Deadline
Selected applicants have been advised to complete their visa processing or adjustment of status before the end of the DV-2026 programme.
All eligible selectees, including accompanying or following spouses and children, must receive their visas or adjustment of status by September 30, 2026.
Applicants who fail to obtain the required visa or status adjustment by the deadline will lose the benefits of their DV-2026 selection, and the deadline cannot be extended.
Those interested in the next Diversity Visa programme have also been advised to monitor official US Department of State announcements for information about the DV-2027 registration period.
