Historic Delay Affects DV-2027 Green Card Lottery Registration
The DV-2027 Green Card Lottery registration has been unexpectedly delayed, marking the first time in the program's history that the application period did not open during the first week of October. The U.S. Department of State confirmed on October 6, 2025 that an announcement for the DV-2027 program is forthcoming, but a definitive registration date has not yet been set.
This unprecedented delay affects millions of prospective applicants worldwide who typically submit entries for the annual diversity visa lottery. The State Department spokesperson did not confirm specific reasons for the postponement, though experts point to recent policy changes and potential technical updates to the registration system as likely factors.
Major Changes Coming to Diversity Visa Lottery Program
The DV-2027 lottery cycle introduces several significant updates that applicants need to know:
- New $1 Registration Fee: Effective October 16, 2025, all applicants must pay a $1 electronic registration fee when submitting their lottery entry—the first fee ever required just to enter
- Non-Refundable Payment: The $1 fee will not be refunded, even if applicants are not selected or decide not to pursue their visa application later
- Expected November Start: Registration is now anticipated to begin in mid-October to November 2025, with the Berlin-based emigration counseling center The American Dream suggesting a November start
- 55,000 Green Cards Available: The program will allocate 55,000 diversity visas for fiscal year 2027, distributed among eligible countries worldwide
- Proposed Passport Requirement: A rule requiring valid passport uploads during registration was proposed August 5, 2025, but will not be implemented for DV-2027 due to insufficient finalization time
The $1 registration fee, published in the Federal Register on September 16, 2025, aims to distribute operational costs more broadly across the estimated 25 million annual registrants. This change is expected to generate approximately $25 million annually to cover program administrative expenses while reducing fraudulent or duplicate entries.
Who Is Affected by These Green Card Lottery Changes
The DV-2027 lottery updates impact various groups of prospective immigrants differently. Understanding how these changes affect your specific situation is crucial for successful application.
For First-Time Applicants
If you're applying to the diversity visa lottery for the first time, you must now budget for the $1 registration fee in addition to preparing your application materials. Ensure you have a valid credit or debit card ready for payment, and verify that you meet all education and work experience requirements before the registration period opens.
For Repeat Applicants
Previous lottery participants should note that unlike prior years when registration was completely free, you'll now pay $1 per entry. Remember that only one entry per person is permitted—submitting multiple entries will result in disqualification, and your $1 fee will not be refunded.
For DV-2026 Selectees Currently Processing
If you were selected in the DV-2026 lottery, these changes do not affect your current application. Continue processing your case as normal, but remember that all diversity visa processing must be completed by September 30, 2026, the end of fiscal year 2026.
How to Prepare for DV-2027 Lottery Registration - Step by Step
Take these actions now to ensure you're ready when registration opens:
- Monitor Official Website Daily: Check dvprogram.state.gov regularly for the official registration announcement, as the State Department will post exact dates there first
- Prepare Digital Photo: Ensure your passport photo meets strict U.S. diversity visa requirements—photos must be recent (within 6 months), have white background, and meet specific dimension requirements
- Gather Required Information: Compile your full name, date of birth, country of birth, education details, and current address before registration opens to avoid rushing
- Set Up Payment Method: Have a valid credit card, debit card, or other electronic payment method ready to pay the $1 registration fee during application submission
- Verify Eligibility: Confirm your country of birth is eligible for DV-2027 (some countries with high U.S. immigration rates are excluded) and that you meet education or work experience requirements
- Review Photo Specifications: Double-check that your passport photo specifications are correct, as photo rejections are the leading cause of disqualification in the diversity visa program
Important Dates and Timeline for DV-2027
Mark these critical dates on your calendar to avoid missing application deadlines:
- September 16, 2025: Final rule establishing $1 registration fee published in Federal Register and became effective immediately
- October 16, 2025: $1 registration fee requirement officially takes effect for all new lottery entries
- October-November 2025: Expected registration period opening (exact dates to be announced by State Department)
- November 2025 (anticipated): Registration period closes approximately 30 days after opening (typically early November based on historical patterns)
- May 2026: DV-2027 lottery results expected to be announced, with winners able to check status using confirmation numbers
- October 2026 - September 2027: Diversity visa interview processing period for selected applicants at U.S. embassies and consulates worldwide
Frequently Asked Questions About Green Card Lottery Updates
Why Is the DV-2027 Lottery Registration Delayed?
The U.S. State Department has not officially confirmed specific reasons for the delay, but immigration experts believe it relates to implementing the new $1 registration fee system and potential technical updates to the online application portal. This is the first delay of its kind in the diversity visa program's history, making it an unusual development that caught many applicants by surprise.
Will the $1 Fee Be Refunded If I'm Not Selected?
No, the $1 electronic registration fee is non-refundable under all circumstances. You will not receive a refund if you are not selected in the lottery, if you decide not to pursue your application after selection, or if your entry is disqualified for any reason. The fee is charged simply for submitting your lottery entry.
Do I Need a Passport to Apply for DV-2027?
Not for DV-2027. While the Trump administration proposed a rule on August 5, 2025, requiring all applicants to upload a valid passport scan during registration, this requirement will not be implemented for the 2027 lottery cycle due to insufficient time for finalization. However, this passport requirement may be enforced for future lottery years, so monitor official announcements carefully.
How Much Does the Complete Green Card Lottery Process Cost?
The total cost includes the $1 registration fee (new for DV-2027), plus a $330 visa application fee that only selected winners must pay when applying for their immigrant visa. Additionally, you'll need to budget for required medical examinations, passport photos that meet diversity visa specifications, and potential travel costs to attend your visa interview at a U.S. embassy or consulate.
What You Need to Know About the DV-2027 Green Card Lottery
The DV-2027 diversity visa lottery represents a significant shift in how the U.S. administers its annual green card program, with the introduction of a registration fee and unprecedented delays. Prospective applicants should prepare now by gathering required documents and ensuring their passport photo meets all official specifications to avoid common disqualification issues.
Stay vigilant by checking the official State Department website at dvprogram.state.gov daily for registration announcements. When preparing your application, ensure your passport photo meets requirements by using professional visa photo services like VisaPics, which guarantee compliance with U.S. diversity visa photo specifications. The $1 fee and stricter documentation requirements make it more important than ever to submit a complete, accurate application the first time.