DV-2026: WEST AFRICA FEATURES STRONGLY IN THE U.S. DIVERSITY VISA LOTTERY

The U.S. Department of State has released the country-by-country breakdown of prospective DV-2026 applicants.

A total of 20,822,624 qualified entries were submitted, with approximately 129,516 prospective applicants registered, including selectees and their spouses and children.

Several West African countries recorded notable numbers:

🇹🇬 Togo — 2,473
🇬🇭 Ghana — 1,642
🇱🇷 Liberia — 1,593
🇧🇯 Benin — 1,064
🇬🇳 Guinea — 1,051
🇨🇮 Côte d’Ivoire — 926
🇸🇱 Sierra Leone — 639
🇸🇳 Senegal — 478
🇲🇱 Mali — 268
🇧🇫 Burkina Faso — 252
🇲🇷 Mauritania — 261
🇬🇲 The Gambia — 198
🇳🇪 Niger — 109

Note: Being selected for the Diversity Visa program does not guarantee a U.S. visa. Applicants must still meet the eligibility requirements and complete the required immigration process.

DV-2026 eligibility ends on September 30, 2026. Those selected must obtain their visa or complete adjustment of status by that date.

There is also a major new development: As of August 31, 2026, the U.S. Department of State says it has paused the issuance of Diversity Visas. Applicants can still submit applications and attend scheduled interviews, but no DV visas are currently being issued while the review is underway.

If you were selected for DV-2026, this is definitely a time to pay attention to official updates.
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