The applicant journey provides a comprehensive overview of the entire experience of a new gTLD applicant, from initial application submission to potential delegation. The process is intricate and multi-staged, encompassing technical, financial, and operational evaluations. This robust application process exists to ensure the Internet remains secure, stable, and resilient as the Domain Name System (DNS) expands, while fostering innovation, competition, and consumer trust.
- During the Pre-Submission stage, applicants assemble documentation and plans required to respond to application questions.
- In the Application Submission stage, applicants submit responses to organization, financial and application questions and pay a gTLD evaluation fee.
- During Pre-Evaluation, ICANN publishes public application information on Reveal Day, then opens the String Replacement Period for eligible applicants. On String Confirmation Day ICANN publishes the final list of applied-for strings. Finally, the Prioritization Draw establishes the order in which applications are processed.
- Immediately after String Confirmation day, the Community Input, Objections, and Appeals period begins where the general public and specific groups with standing can provide feedback about specific applications.
- In the String Evaluation stage, ICANN evaluates the applied-for string and their allocatable variant strings to ensure they are technically sound, safe, and compliant with policy.
- If applied-for strings are found to be in contention, Contention Set Resolution will occur, where ICANN facilitates resolution of contention between applications for strings which are identical or a variant of another applied-for string or similar visually, aurally, or in meaning.
- During the Applicant and Application Evaluation stage, ICANN evaluates applicant and application information from an operational and financial standpoint.
- Contracting is where successful applicants sign a Registry Agreement.
- And finally, the Onboarding and Delegation stage is when New contracted parties complete onboarding to ICANN systems and processes and technical testing before the gTLD is operational.
This applicant journey is designed to equip prospective applicants with essential information about each stage, including submission, pre-evaluation, community input, evaluation, string contention, dispute resolution, and contracting. By offering a clear roadmap, this journey guides applicants through the complexities of the application process, ensuring they are prepared for every step toward securing a new gTLD.
For more information about the New gTLD Program: 2026 Round Applicant Journey, please see section Module 1 of the Applicant Guidebook and refer to 2026 Round Resources to help guide you through each step of the applicant journey.