The U.S. government may soon require passport scans from every applicant entering the Diversity Visa lottery, a move that would significantly raise the documentation bar for millions of hopeful immigrants. A proposed rule from the State Department outlines strict new upload standards, changing how applicants prepare for one of the most competitive immigration programs in the world.
This update could eliminate entries before the selection process even begins. Understanding how and when this requirement takes effect is now essential for anyone planning to apply in the upcoming cycle.
Background on the Diversity Visa Lottery
The Diversity Visa (DV) Program was established by the U.S. Immigration Act of 1990 to diversify the immigrant population by selecting applicants from countries with historically low rates of immigration to the United States. Each year, up to 50,000 immigrant visas are made available through this lottery-based system.
Applicants must be born in an eligible country and meet basic education or work experience requirements. The process begins with an online entry form during a designated registration period, typically lasting about one month in the fall. Entries are submitted electronically through the U.S. Department of State’s official portal and are free of charge.
Following the close of registration, a computer-generated random drawing selects individuals who may proceed to the next stage. Selected applicants are then invited to apply for a visa, complete medical exams, and attend a consular interview. The number of selected entrants exceeds the number of available visas, so timely and complete submissions are critical for successful processing.
Proposed Change to Application Requirements
A new rule proposed by the U.S. Department of State would require all Diversity Visa lottery entrants to upload a scan of the photo and signature pages of their valid passport at the time of entry. This requirement would apply starting with the DV-2026 application cycle.
According to the proposal, applicants must submit the passport scans in JPEG format, and each file must be no larger than 5 megabytes. The scans must clearly show the passport holder’s information and be legible for processing. Entries submitted without a passport scan, with an expired passport, or with unreadable documents would be disqualified.
Currently, passport details are not required until after an applicant is selected. The proposed change shifts that requirement to the beginning of the process, increasing the level of documentation needed to enter the lottery.
Purpose of the Requirement
The State Department has stated that the proposed passport scan requirement is designed to improve the integrity of the Diversity Visa lottery by strengthening identity verification at the point of entry. Under the current system, applicants are not required to present official documentation until after selection, which leaves the entry process vulnerable to misuse.
One of the department’s key concerns is the exploitation of the system by third-party operators who submit entries on behalf of individuals, often without their knowledge or consent. These operators sometimes withhold confirmation information or demand payment after a successful selection.
By requiring a passport scan, the State Department aims to limit unauthorized submissions and ensure that each entry is tied to a verifiable identity. In addition to reducing fraud, the rule is expected to support broader national security objectives.
Verifying the applicant’s identity from the beginning would reduce the risk of processing ineligible or fraudulent cases later in the visa issuance process. The department considers the rule a necessary step to ensure the DV lottery is secure, fair, and properly regulated.
Who May Be Affected
The proposed passport scan requirement would apply to all individuals submitting entries for the Diversity Visa lottery. This includes first-time applicants and returning entrants from eligible countries. All applicants would need to hold a valid, unexpired passport at the time of entry and provide a digital scan that meets format and size specifications.
There are limited exceptions. Individuals who are stateless, unable to obtain a passport due to restrictive government policies, or those who qualify for a special waiver may be exempt from the scanning requirement. These exceptions would be reviewed on a case-by-case basis and require supporting documentation.
For most applicants, however, the new rule would increase the importance of early preparation. Any missing or invalid passport documentation at the time of submission would result in disqualification, eliminating the opportunity to be considered for selection.
Public Comment Period and Timeline
The proposed rule was published in the Federal Register in early August 2025. A 45-day public comment period is now open, allowing members of the public, legal experts, and advocacy groups to provide feedback on the regulation. Comments can be submitted online through the Federal Register website, where all public input will be reviewed before a final decision is made.
If the rule is approved without major revisions or delays, it is expected to take effect in time for the DV-2026 application cycle. The Diversity Visa lottery typically opens for entries in early October, and the U.S. State Department announces the exact start and end dates through travel.state.gov about one month in advance.
Applicants who plan to enter this year should begin preparing now, as the timing for finalizing the rule is aligned with the upcoming application window.
The State Department has not issued a definitive implementation date, but the structure of the proposal indicates an intent to enforce it quickly. Given the short timeline between the public comment period and the expected start of DV-2026 registration, the new requirement may be in place before applicants submit their entries.
Conclusion
The passport scan proposal represents a major procedural shift for the Diversity Visa lottery. It adds a new layer of documentation that applicants must prepare for in advance. Missing this step could result in automatic disqualification.
While the rule is not yet final, its impact could be significant. Applicants should treat the requirement as likely to take effect. Early preparation is the safest approach.