If number isn’t selected immediately could it be selected later?

[EternalForeigner 58]

There’s little official clarity in this but if an applicant’s number isn’t selected in May, there are some who advise checking again each month or so after because it could be selected if some other selectees falter or something to that effect. 
 

Is it actually a thing that other unselected numbers may be chosen later? Or if a number isn’t selected then that’s it it’s done for the year?

[JeanneAdil 6,886]

No, if your were not among those selected as USCIS overselects as some do not qualify so extras are already there and no new drawing will take place

so they already have the over 55,000 selected

 

Here's why the DOS over-selects:

• Ineligibility:

  Some winners may not meet the requirements for a DV, such as not having the necessary education or work experience, or having criminal records. 

   
• Failure to pursue the process:

  Some winners may not be able to obtain the required documentation or financial resources in time, or they may simply choose not to pursue the visa process. 

   
• Time limitations:

  The DV program has a time window for processing applications, and the DOS needs to ensure all visas are issued before the end of the fiscal year. 

Edited 14 hours ago by JeanneAdil

[Sm1smom 257]

17 hours ago, EternalForeigner said:

There’s little official clarity in this but if an applicant’s number isn’t selected in May, there are some who advise checking again each month or so after because it could be selected if some other selectees falter or something to that effect. 
 

Is it actually a thing that other unselected numbers may be chosen later? Or if a number isn’t selected then that’s it it’s done for the year?

This has happened a couple of times in the past, it is not often, and I doubt additional selectees will be selected for DV 2026. Nonetheless, you may still want to keep your confirmation number and check again a couple of months down the road (not every month checking though). 

[Sm1smom 257]

9 hours ago, JeanneAdil said:

No, if your were not among those selected as USCIS overselects as some do not qualify so extras are already there and no new drawing will take place

so they already have the over 55,000 selected

 

USCIS does not play any role in DV selection process, this is all done by the KCC.