DV-2027 Green Card Lottery Registration Officially Delayed
The U.S. State Department has confirmed that the DV-2027 Green Card Lottery registration will not open in early October 2025 as traditionally scheduled. This marks a significant departure from the typical timeline, with no definitive registration date announced as of October 10, 2025. The Department stated that an announcement is "forthcoming" and will be published on travel.state.gov and in the Federal Register.
The delay affects millions of prospective applicants worldwide hoping to secure one of the 55,000 diversity immigrant visas available through the annual lottery program. Additionally, the State Department has indicated there will be "changes to the DV entry process," though specific details have not yet been disclosed.
Historic $1 Registration Fee Now Required for Green Card Lottery
For the first time in the program's history, applicants must now pay a $1 electronic registration fee when submitting their DV lottery entry. This represents a fundamental change to what has always been a completely free registration process.
The final rule establishing this fee was published in the Federal Register on September 16, 2025, and took effect immediately. The fee will be collected electronically at the time of application submission through the official dvprogram.state.gov website.
Key Changes and Updates for DV-2027 Lottery Applicants
Several important changes are being implemented for the upcoming DV-2027 registration period:
- Registration Delay: No confirmed opening date yet; typically begins first week of October but delayed for DV-2027
- New $1 Fee: Electronic payment required at time of entry submission (effective September 16, 2025)
- Process Changes: State Department confirmed "changes to the DV entry process" without providing specifics
- Passport Requirement Postponed: Proposed mandatory passport rule will NOT be implemented for DV-2027
- 55,000 Visas Available: Total number of diversity immigrant visas remains unchanged
- Photo Requirements: Strict digital photo specifications continue to apply for all applicants
The postponement of the passport requirement is particularly significant. While the Trump administration proposed a rule in August 2025 requiring all applicants to submit a valid, unexpired passport, the public comment period that closed on September 19, 2025 has delayed implementation until a future lottery cycle.
Who Is Affected by the Green Card Lottery Delay
The delay and new fee structure impact different groups of applicants in various ways. Understanding these effects is crucial for planning your application strategy.
For First-Time DV Lottery Applicants
If you're applying for the first time, the $1 fee is minimal but represents a barrier that didn't previously exist. You'll need access to electronic payment methods to complete your registration. Monitor the official State Department website daily for the registration opening announcement, as the window may open with short notice.
For Previous Lottery Participants
Those who have entered in previous years should note that each lottery cycle is independent—previous entries do not carry forward. You must submit a completely new application for DV-2027, including the new $1 fee. Your previous experience with photo requirements will be valuable, as digital photo specifications remain strict.
For Immigration Consultants and Legal Representatives
Legal professionals and consultants must update their client advisories regarding the fee requirement and delayed timeline. The State Department has warned about scam websites charging excessive fees—the official registration is only $1, with no additional legitimate fees required during the entry phase.
How to Register for the DV-2027 Green Card Lottery - Step by Step
Follow these steps to complete your diversity visa lottery application when registration opens:
- Monitor Official Website: Check dvprogram.state.gov daily for registration opening announcement (bookmark the site)
- Prepare Required Documents: Gather passport information, birth certificates, marriage certificates if applicable, and children's documents
- Obtain Compliant Photo: Get a recent digital photo meeting strict U.S. visa photo specifications (2x2 inches, white background, specific head positioning)
- Complete Online Form: Fill out the Electronic Diversity Visa Entry Form (DS-5501) with accurate personal information
- Pay $1 Registration Fee: Submit electronic payment through the official portal using a valid payment method
- Save Confirmation Number: Print and store your unique confirmation number—this is essential for checking results in May 2026
- Verify Information: Double-check all entries before submission as corrections cannot be made after filing
- Submit Only Once: Multiple entries result in automatic disqualification from the lottery
Important Dates and Timeline for DV-2027 Program
Here's the expected timeline for the DV-2027 diversity visa lottery process:
- September 16, 2025: $1 registration fee rule published and takes effect immediately
- October 2025 (Date TBD): DV-2027 registration period expected to open (delayed from typical early October date)
- November 2025 (Estimated): Registration period expected to close after approximately 30-day window
- May 2026: Lottery results announced via Entrant Status Check tool on dvprogram.state.gov
- October 2026 - September 2027: Visa interview processing and immigrant visa issuance for selected applicants
- September 30, 2027: Final deadline for all DV-2027 visa issuance and green card adjustments
Frequently Asked Questions About Green Card Lottery Updates
Why Was the DV-2027 Lottery Registration Delayed?
The State Department has not provided a specific reason for the delay beyond confirming "changes to the DV entry process." The delay coincides with the implementation of the new $1 registration fee and proposed passport requirements. Officials have stated that the program will continue as required by law, with an announcement forthcoming on the official website.
How Much Does It Cost to Enter the Green Card Lottery Now?
The official cost to enter the DV-2027 lottery is exactly $1, paid electronically during registration. Any website or service charging more than this amount is not the official government portal. The only legitimate registration site is dvprogram.state.gov, operated by the U.S. Department of State. Beware of scam sites charging hundreds of dollars for "assistance."
Do I Need a Passport to Apply for DV-2027?
No, a passport is not required for the DV-2027 lottery registration. While the Trump administration proposed a mandatory passport requirement in August 2025, this rule will not be implemented this year due to the time needed for finalization. However, if selected, you will eventually need a passport for visa processing and travel to the United States.
What Happens If I Submit Multiple Entries?
Submitting more than one entry will result in automatic disqualification. The State Department's system detects duplicate entries and removes all applications from the same person. You are only allowed one entry per lottery cycle, though your spouse may submit a separate entry if they meet eligibility requirements.
Can I Still Check My DV-2026 Lottery Results?
Yes, DV-2026 lottery results remain available through the Entrant Status Check tool until at least September 30, 2026. If you entered the DV-2026 lottery (registration was October 2-November 7, 2024), you can still check your status. Results were first made available on May 3, 2025.
What You Need to Know About the Green Card Lottery Delay
The DV-2027 diversity visa lottery represents a historic shift with the introduction of the $1 registration fee and delayed timeline. While the fee is minimal, it marks the first time the program is no longer completely free. Prospective applicants should monitor dvprogram.state.gov daily for the official registration opening announcement.
Preparation is key to success in the diversity visa lottery. Ensure your passport photo meets all requirements by using professional visa photo services like VisaPics that guarantee compliance with U.S. Department of State specifications. With only 55,000 green cards available and millions of applicants worldwide, having a compliant photo and error-free application maximizes your chances of selection. Remember to save your confirmation number immediately after submission—it's your only way to check results in May 2026.