Green Card Lottery 2025: DV-2027 Registration Delayed
The Green Card Lottery registration for DV-2027 remains delayed as of December 2025, marking a historic shift in the Diversity Visa program. The U.S. State Department has introduced a mandatory $1 registration fee for the first time in the program's 30-year history, fundamentally changing how millions worldwide apply for American permanent residency.
Meanwhile, current DV-2026 selectees have received updated cutoff numbers in the December 2025 Visa Bulletin. With approximately 52,000 diversity visas available this fiscal year, understanding these changes is critical for anyone pursuing the American dream through the lottery system.
Key Changes to the Green Card Lottery Program
The State Department announced significant updates affecting both current and future diversity visa applicants.
- New $1 Registration Fee: Published in the Federal Register on September 16, 2025, this non-refundable fee applies to all DV-2027 entries
- DV-2027 Registration Delayed: The traditional October start date has been pushed back, with experts expecting registration to open between December 2025 and January 2026
- Reduced Visa Availability: NACARA and NDAA amendments have decreased annual diversity visas from 55,000 to approximately 52,000
- Shorter Entry Period Expected: Immigration attorneys anticipate a condensed 2-3 week registration window instead of the typical month-long period
- Enhanced Fraud Prevention: The fee aims to reduce fraudulent and duplicate entries that have historically plagued the system
The State Department estimates the new fee will generate approximately $25 million annually, shifting costs from successful applicants to all registrants. However, the $330 Diversity Visa application fee remains unchanged for lottery winners.
December 2025 DV-2026 Cutoff Numbers Released
Current green card lottery selectees should check whether their case numbers qualify for processing under the latest visa bulletin.
Regional Cutoff Numbers for December 2025
- Africa: 17,500 (Algeria: 17,250; Egypt: 16,000)
- Asia: 10,000 (Nepal: 6,000)
- Europe: 7,750
- North America (Bahamas): 20
- Oceania: 1,100
- South America & Caribbean: 1,850
If your DV lottery rank number falls below your region's cutoff, you may proceed with visa processing. Numbers exceeding these thresholds must wait for future bulletin updates as cutoffs typically advance each month.
Who Is Affected by These Green Card Lottery Changes
These updates impact different groups of immigration hopefuls in distinct ways.
For DV-2026 Selectees
Current lottery winners must complete their applications before September 30, 2026. Approximately 129,516 selectees were chosen from over 20.8 million entries, but only about 52,000 visas will be issued. Ensure your passport photo meets requirements before your interview appointment.
For DV-2027 Hopeful Applicants
Those planning to enter the upcoming lottery must prepare a valid payment method for the $1 fee. Registration will require electronic payment at submission time—there is no option to pay later or in person.
For UK/Great Britain Applicants
The State Department discovered that some DV-2026 entrants from Great Britain and its dependent areas received incorrectly reported selection status. Affected applicants should recheck their status immediately through the official Entrant Status Check portal.
How to Apply for the DV-2027 Green Card Lottery
Follow these steps when registration opens to ensure a valid entry.
- Visit the Official Portal Only: Go to dvprogram.state.gov—never use third-party websites or services claiming to submit entries on your behalf
- Prepare Your Photo: Submit a recent photo meeting strict U.S. visa photo specifications (2x2 inches, white background, specific head positioning)
- Complete the DS-5501 Form: Provide accurate personal information including name, birthdate, country of eligibility, and education/work history
- Pay the $1 Fee: Have a valid credit or debit card ready for the non-refundable electronic payment
- Save Your Confirmation Number: Store this number securely—it's the only way to check your lottery results, and the State Department cannot recover lost confirmation numbers
Important Green Card Lottery Dates and Timeline
Mark these critical deadlines for both current selectees and future applicants.
- December 2025 - January 2026: Expected DV-2027 registration window (exact dates pending State Department announcement)
- May 2026: Anticipated DV-2027 lottery results availability
- September 30, 2026: Absolute deadline for DV-2026 visa issuance—no extensions granted
- October 1, 2026 - September 30, 2027: DV-2027 visa application period for selected winners
Frequently Asked Questions About the Green Card Lottery
Why Is the DV-2027 Green Card Lottery Registration Delayed?
The State Department is implementing the new $1 electronic registration fee system, which requires technical updates to process payments worldwide. The department stated it will announce registration dates "as soon as practicable" and urged applicants to monitor only the official website for updates.
Is the $1 Green Card Lottery Fee Refundable?
No. The $1 registration fee is non-refundable regardless of outcome. Whether you're selected, not selected, or disqualified, the fee will not be returned. This applies to all entries submitted for the DV-2027 program and beyond.
How Do I Check My DV-2026 Lottery Results?
Visit dvprogram.state.gov/ESC/ and enter your confirmation number. Results for DV-2026 remain available until September 30, 2026. The State Department never sends emails, letters, or phone calls about selection—any such communication is fraudulent.
What Photo Requirements Apply to the Diversity Visa Lottery?
Your photo must be recent (within 6 months), 2x2 inches (51x51mm), with a white or off-white background. Your head must be centered and sized correctly, taking up 50-69% of the frame height. Using VisaPics ensures your green card lottery photo meets all State Department specifications.
What You Need to Know About the Green Card Lottery
The DV-2027 Green Card Lottery introduces the first-ever registration fee while maintaining the program's fundamental purpose: providing approximately 52,000 immigrant visas annually to diversify the U.S. immigrant population. Prospective applicants should prepare their documents, valid payment method, and compliant photos before registration opens.
For current DV-2026 selectees, time is running out to complete the visa process. Check the monthly visa bulletin for cutoff number updates and ensure all required documentation—including properly formatted passport photos—is ready for your consular interview. Monitor only the official State Department website at travel.state.gov for trusted announcements about both programs.