US Clarifies Death Impact on Diversity Visa Lottery Cases

The US Department of State has issued guidance regarding the Diversity Visa (DV) program, specifically addressing the implications of a selectee's death prior to traveling to the United States or completing their immigration process. According to the DV-2026 Plain Language Instructions and FAQs, if a selectee dies at any point before entering the US or adjusting their immigration status, the DV case is automatically closed.

This closure also affects derivative beneficiaries, such as a spouse and children linked to the deceased selectee's case, who will lose all entitlement to apply for a Diversity Visa. Any visas previously issued to these family members will be revoked.

This rule applies regardless of the stage of the application process at the time of death, emphasizing that no exceptions will be made. The Diversity Visa program, also known as the Green Card Lottery, offers nationals from countries with low immigration rates to the US a chance for permanent residency, impacting many families who plan around this opportunity.