The Diversity Visa 2026 (DV-2026) program continues to offer immigration opportunities to individuals from countries with historically low rates of immigration to the United States. The U.S. Department of State has released updated cutoff numbers in the January Visa Bulletin, covering visa availability for January and February 2026.
This article explains the DV-2026 annual visa limits, regional cutoff numbers, and critical deadlines applicants must know to avoid missing their opportunity.
Overview of the Diversity Visa 2026 Program
Under Section 203(c) of the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA), up to 55,000 U.S. diversity immigrant visas are made available each fiscal year. However, legislative amendments and special programs reduce the actual number of visas available under the Diversity Visa 2026.
DV-2026 Annual Visa Limit Explained
- Originally allocated visas per year: 55,000
- Visas reserved under NACARA and other legislative provisions reduce availability
- Due to amendments under the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for FY 2024, the DV-2026 annual limit is expected to be approximately 52,000 visas
- No single country may receive more than 7% of the total diversity visas in one year
- Diversity visas are distributed across six geographic regions
Diversity Visa 2026 Cutoff Numbers for January
For January 2026, diversity immigrant visas are available to qualified DV-2026 applicants with regional rank numbers below the cutoff listed.
DV-2026 January Cutoff Numbers by Region
| Region | Cutoff Number | Exceptions |
| Africa | 35,000 | Algeria: 20,000 Egypt: 16,000 |
| Asia | 15,000 | Nepal: 6,000 |
| Europe | 8,500 | |
| North America (Bahamas) | 20 | |
| Oceania | 1,100 | |
| South America & Caribbean | 1,850 |
Diversity Visa 2026 Cutoff Numbers for February
For February 2026, higher cutoff numbers indicate increased visa availability across most regions.
DV-2026 February Cutoff Numbers by Region
| Region | Cutoff Number | Exceptions |
| Africa | 45,000 | Algeria: 37,000 Egypt: 21,000 |
| Asia | 30,000 | Nepal: 6,500 |
| Europe | 11,000 | |
| North America (Bahamas) | 25 | |
| Oceania | 1,175 | |
| South America & Caribbean | 2,000 |
Important: Visas are available only to applicants whose DV regional lottery rank numbers are below the stated cutoff numbers.
Diversity Visa 2026 Deadline: Don’t Miss It
Entitlement to immigrant status under the Diversity Visa 2026 program is strictly limited to the fiscal year.
- Final date to issue DV-2026 visas: September 30, 2026
- DV visas cannot be issued after this date
- Spouses and children included as derivatives must also receive visas before September 30, 2026
- Visa availability near the end of the fiscal year cannot be guaranteed, as numbers may be exhausted earlier
Furthermore, the applicants are strongly advised to act quickly once their case becomes current. This means though the Diversity Visa 2026 program remains a valuable pathway to U.S. permanent residence, limited visa numbers and strict deadlines mean applicants must stay informed and proactive. Monitoring cutoff numbers in each Visa Bulletin and preparing early can significantly improve your chances of success.
Who can apply for the Diversity Visa Lottery?
There are certain eligibility criteria to apply for the Diversity Visa lottery program, which are as follows:
- The applicant is a citizen of a country that has a low migration rate to the US, or your spouse comes from such a country;
- The applicant has a minimum of 12 years of successful qualification from school or work experience.