Diversity Visas Get Fraud-Proofing with Passport Scans and 'Sex' Fields
Published Date: 8/5/2025
Proposed Rule
Summary
The Diversity Visa Program is getting a makeover to stop fraud and make things clearer. Now, applicants must upload a valid passport scan or say why they don’t have one. These changes help consular officers do their job better and start soon, making the process safer and smoother for everyone involved.
Analyzed Economic Effects
1 provisions identified: 0 benefits, 1 costs, 0 mixed.
Passport scan required for DV applicants
If you apply to the Diversity Immigrant Visa Program, you must provide valid, unexpired passport information and upload a scan of the biographic and signature page to your electronic entry form, or else indicate that you are exempt from this requirement. This change is intended to improve vetting and reduce fraud in the DV Program.
Your PRIA Score
Personalized for You
How does this regulation affect your finances?
Sign up for a PRIA Policy Scan to see your personalized alignment score for this federal register document and every other regulation we track. We analyze your financial profile against policy provisions to show you exactly what matters to your wallet.
Key Dates
Related Federal Register Documents
2026-04931 — Schedule of Fees for Consular Services-Fee for Administrative Processing of Request for Certificate of Loss of Nationality of the United States
Good news for U.S. citizens and nationals who want to give up their citizenship! Starting April 13, 2026, the fee for processing a Certificate of Loss of Nationality drops from $2,350 to just $450. This big price cut makes it way easier and cheaper to handle this important paperwork at U.S. embassies and consulates.
2025-17851 — Schedule of Fees for Consular Services, Department of State and Overseas Embassies and Consulates-Visa Services Fee Changes
The Department of State is adding a $1 fee to enter the Diversity Visa lottery to share costs more fairly among all applicants. This means everyone who wants to try their luck at the visa lottery will pay a small fee upfront, instead of only winners paying later. The new fee will start when you register online, so get ready to pay a buck when you apply!
2025-14826 — Visas: Visa Bond Pilot Program
The Department of State is launching a 12-month pilot program where some travelers applying for B-1/B-2 visas from certain countries might need to pay a bond up to $15,000. This applies to visitors from places with high visa overstays or special citizenship rules. The goal? To make sure folks follow visa rules and keep travel safe and fair.
2026-09761 — Notice of Department of State Sanctions Action
The U.S. Department of State has officially removed Kyriaki Demetriou Kamperi from the special sanctions list, meaning her property and interests in the U.S. are no longer blocked. This change took effect on January 8, 2026, and signals a shift in how certain sanctions are applied. If you’re tracking sanctions or business ties, this update could impact financial dealings and legal status.
2026-09760 — Notice of Department of State Sanctions Action
The U.S. Department of State has removed KUZEY STAR SHIPYARD, a Turkish company linked to Russian activities, from the special sanctions list as of October 9, 2025. This means their property and interests in the U.S. are no longer blocked, easing financial and trade restrictions. If you’ve been watching this company, now’s the time to note the change and adjust plans accordingly!
2026-08656 — 60-Day Notice of Proposed Information Collection: Crisis Assistance Request Form, OMB Control No. 1405-0259
The Department of State wants to keep using the Crisis Assistance Request Form to help U.S. citizens, permanent residents, and their families during emergencies abroad. They’re asking for public feedback by July 6, 2026, before renewing approval to collect this info. Filling out the form takes about 5 minutes, and it’s totally voluntary with no cost involved.
Previous / Next Documents
Previous: 2025-14722 — Montana Regulatory Program
Montana wants to update its mining rules after passing a new law in 2025. These changes affect how mining damage is defined and let permit applicants submit their own water impact info if official data isn’t available. People can comment or ask for a hearing before the updates take effect, so stay tuned!
Next: 2025-14809 — Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants; Removal of Virginia Sneezeweed From the List of Endangered and Threatened Plants
Great news! Virginia sneezeweed is doing so well that the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service wants to take it off the endangered plants list. This means the plant is no longer in serious danger, and some special rules protecting it will be lifted soon. No big costs or delays—just a win for nature and everyone who loves wildflowers!