U.S. Advances Passport Rule Overhaul for Diversity Visa Entries

Key Point 

• The State Department proposes requiring DV applicants to upload a valid passport scan with their entry to curb fraud and boost program integrity 

New DV Visa Proposal Would Mandate Passport Uploads to Combat Fraud 

On August 5, 2025, the U.S. Department of State published a proposed rule to amend regulations governing the Diversity Immigrant Visa Program (DV Program), aiming to strengthen program integrity and reduce fraud. The proposal would require DV entrants to upload a valid, unexpired passport scan, specifically the biographic and signature page, at the time of electronic entry, unless they qualify for an exemption. 

Key Proposed Changes 

• Passport Documentation: Entrants must submit a scan of the biographic and signature page of a valid passport or indicate exemption status. 
• Regulatory Language Updates: 
  • Use of “shall” to standardize consular guidance. 
  • Replacement of “gender” with “sex” in accordance with Executive Order 14168. 
  • Substitution of “age” with “date of birth” in 22 CFR 42.33(h)(1)(i) to reflect data collection practices. 

Public Comment Period 

The proposed rule is open for public comment until September 19, 2025, at midnight EDT. Comments must be submitted via the Federal eRulemaking Portal at regulations.gov. Comments sent by email or mail will not be considered. 

This proposal builds on prior efforts to tighten entry requirements and improve vetting procedures in the DV Program, which annually allocates up to 55,000 immigrant visas through a randomized selection process. 

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