Diversity Visa Applicants Must Soon Submit Passport Scans Upfront for Enhanced Security
The U.S. Department of State has announced a major proposed change to the Diversity Visa (DV) Program, commonly known as the “Green Card Lottery.” The new measures are designed to significantly strengthen security checks, improve applicant verification, and crack down on widespread fraud within the program. If finalized, millions of future applicants worldwide will need to adjust their preparation strategy.
A Closer Look at the Proposed Passport Rule
The changes, which have been published in the Federal Register, center on requiring stronger identification documentation at the very start of the application process.
If the rule is approved, all applicants would be required to provide the following when submitting their initial entry:
- Valid Passport Details: Applicants must provide information from a valid, unexpired passport at the time of entry submission.
- Passport Scan: They must upload a scanned copy of the passport’s biographic (photo) and signature pages.
These steps are specifically intended to verify identities much earlier in the process. The State Department states this will effectively deter fraudulent activity, including applications submitted by unauthorized third parties and entries linked to sham marriages.
Why the Change Now?
The primary motivation behind this overhaul is to increase accuracy and combat manipulation.
The State Department notes that requiring passport documentation upfront will make it much harder for criminals and fraudulent actors to manipulate entries. This will also allow immigration officers to instantly confirm names, birth details, and nationalities, ultimately saving significant time and resources during the later, in-depth visa review stage.
Who is Exempt from the Passport Rule?
While the rule is mandatory for most, the proposal outlines a few narrow exemptions where a passport will not be required for application:
- Stateless Individuals: Persons who are not considered citizens of any country.
- Communist-Controlled Countries: Citizens of a country controlled by a communist government who cannot obtain a passport from that government.
- Special Waivers: Individuals who receive a specific waiver granted jointly by the Secretary of Homeland Security and the Secretary of State.
Minor Administrative Updates
Beyond the significant passport requirement, the proposed rule includes several small administrative changes for more precise recordkeeping, such as:
- Replacing the term “gender” with “sex” to align with a recent Executive Order.
- Using “date of birth” instead of “age” to ensure greater accuracy in official records.
The Diversity Visa Program: A Quick Reminder
The DV Program offers up to 55,000 immigrant visas each year to nationals from countries with historically low immigration rates to the United States. To qualify for the lottery, applicants must meet two criteria: be a native of an eligible country, and possess at least a high school education (or equivalent) or two years of qualifying work experience. Selection is random, but meeting these eligibility requirements is essential to proceed to the Green Card application.
Next Steps and Timeline for Applicants
The proposed rule is currently open for public comment until September 19, 2025.
If the changes are finalized and implemented, applicants for the upcoming DV Lottery cycles will need to have their passports secured before they submit their entry form. This represents a significant shift from the current system, where many winners only obtain a passport after they are selected in the lottery.
The Bottom Line: If you plan to enter the US Diversity Visa Lottery in the coming years, your first step should be securing a valid, unexpired passport to ensure you meet the likely new mandatory requirements.
