DV-2027 Green Card Lottery Registration Delayed Until Mid-October
The U.S. Department of State has confirmed a delay in opening the DV-2027 Diversity Visa Lottery registration, which typically begins in the first week of October each year. For the first time in the program's history, applicants will be required to pay a $1 electronic registration fee starting October 16, 2025, marking a significant change to the green card lottery process.
The delay appears directly related to implementing the new payment system, as the fee requirement takes effect 30 days after the September 16, 2025 announcement. The State Department has not yet released official registration dates but confirmed "there will be changes to the DV entry process" this year.
Key Changes to the Green Card Lottery Program
Several major updates are affecting the 2027 diversity visa lottery cycle and future applicants:
- $1 Registration Fee: All DV-2027 applicants must pay a non-refundable $1 electronic fee when submitting entries (effective October 16, 2025)
- Delayed Opening: Registration expected to begin October 16, 2025, instead of the traditional early October start date
- Revenue Generation: The new fee is projected to generate approximately $25 million annually for operational costs, system upgrades, and security enhancements
- Cuban Nationals Ineligible: Cuban natives cannot apply for DV-2026 or future rounds due to exceeding 50,000 immigrants in the past five years
- Cost Distribution: The fee aims to distribute program costs across all registrants instead of burdening only lottery winners
The $1 registration fee is separate from the $330 diversity visa application fee that selected winners must pay later when applying for their green card. Registration fees are non-refundable regardless of lottery results and cannot be transferred between lottery years.
Who Is Affected by These Green Card Lottery Changes
The new requirements impact millions of potential applicants worldwide who hope to immigrate to the United States through the diversity visa program.
For First-Time Applicants
If you're planning to enter the green card lottery for the first time, you'll need to prepare for the $1 electronic payment in addition to meeting all eligibility requirements. Ensure you have a valid payment method ready before the registration period opens, and prepare your passport photo requirements in advance to avoid last-minute issues.
For Previous Lottery Participants
Even if you've entered the diversity visa lottery in previous years, you must pay the new $1 fee for DV-2027 and all future registrations. Past entries do not carry over, and you must submit a completely new application with payment for each lottery cycle.
For DV-2026 Winners
If you were selected in the DV-2026 lottery (results announced May 3, 2025), you have until September 30, 2026 to complete your visa process. The new $1 fee does not affect your application, but you must still pay the $330 diversity visa application fee and act quickly before your selection expires.
How to Register for DV-2027 Green Card Lottery - Step by Step
Follow these steps to successfully enter the 2027 diversity visa lottery when registration opens:
- Wait for Official Announcement: Monitor dvprogram.state.gov starting October 16, 2025 for the official registration opening (expected mid-October)
- Prepare Required Documents: Gather your passport, birth certificate, and digital passport photos meeting U.S. State Department specifications before registration opens
- Check Eligibility Requirements: Verify you were born in an eligible country (or can claim through spouse/parents) and meet education/work requirements
- Submit Entry on Official Website: Register ONLY at dvprogram.state.gov - never use third-party websites that charge excessive fees or make false promises
- Pay $1 Electronic Fee: Complete the non-refundable $1 payment at the time of submission using a valid payment method (entries without payment are invalid)
- Save Confirmation Number: Print and save your unique confirmation number - this is the ONLY way to check your results in May 2026
- Avoid Scams: Remember that the State Department never sends email, mail, or phone notifications about lottery results - check only on the official website
Important Dates and Timeline for Green Card Lottery
Mark these critical dates on your calendar to stay on track with the diversity visa lottery process:
- September 16, 2025: U.S. State Department announced new $1 registration fee requirement
- October 16, 2025: New registration fee takes effect; DV-2027 lottery registration expected to open
- Mid-November 2025: Expected closing date for DV-2027 registration (typically 30-40 days after opening)
- May 2026: DV-2027 lottery results announced via Entrant Status Check on dvprogram.state.gov
- September 30, 2026: Final deadline for DV-2026 winners to receive their diversity visa or green card status
- September 30, 2027: Final deadline for DV-2027 winners to complete their immigration process
Frequently Asked Questions About Green Card Lottery Updates
Why Is the DV-2027 Green Card Lottery Delayed?
The U.S. State Department delayed the DV-2027 registration to implement a new $1 electronic fee system, which takes effect October 16, 2025. The delay allows time to update the registration platform to accept payments and ensure all systems are functioning properly before millions of applicants submit entries.
Is the $1 Fee Refundable If I Don't Win the Lottery?
No, the $1 registration fee is completely non-refundable regardless of lottery results. Whether you win, lose, or decide not to proceed with your application, the fee cannot be refunded or transferred to future lottery years. The fee is separate from the $330 diversity visa application fee that winners pay later.
Can I Still Enter the Green Card Lottery for Free?
No, starting with DV-2027, all diversity visa lottery registrations require a $1 electronic fee. This is the first time in the program's history that entry has not been free. The fee covers operational costs including system upgrades, enhanced security reviews, and data management.
How Do I Avoid Green Card Lottery Scams?
Always register ONLY on the official U.S. State Department website at dvprogram.state.gov. Never pay more than $1 to enter the lottery, and never trust websites or services that guarantee selection or charge excessive fees. The government never notifies winners by email, mail, or phone - you must check results yourself using your confirmation number.
What Photo Requirements Do I Need for DV-2027?
Your diversity visa lottery application requires a recent digital photograph meeting strict U.S. State Department specifications: 2x2 inches (51x51mm), taken within the last 6 months, with a plain white or off-white background, and showing your full face with neutral expression. Incorrect photos are a leading cause of disqualification, so ensure your passport photo meets all technical requirements before submitting your entry.
What You Need to Know About the New Green Card Lottery System
The introduction of the $1 registration fee represents the first major structural change to the diversity visa lottery in years, affecting an estimated 25 million applicants annually. While the fee is minimal, it marks a shift toward cost-sharing across all participants rather than placing the financial burden solely on the small percentage of winners who pay $330 application fees.
If you're planning to enter the DV-2027 lottery, start preparing now by checking your eligibility, gathering required documents, and ensuring your visa application photos meet all specifications. VisaPics can help you create compliant passport photos for over 952 document types from 172 countries, ensuring your diversity visa lottery application isn't rejected due to photo errors. Registration is expected to open October 16, 2025, so bookmark dvprogram.state.gov and check daily for the official announcement.