Green Card Lottery December 2025: Latest Updates and Changes
Green card lottery updates for December 2025 bring significant news for both current DV-2026 selectees and hopeful DV-2027 applicants. The U.S. Department of State has released the latest visa bulletin cutoff numbers while confirming the historic delay of DV-2027 registration.
With over 20.8 million entries for DV-2026 and approximately 129,516 selectees competing for roughly 52,000 available visas, understanding these updates is crucial for anyone pursuing the American dream through the diversity visa program.
December 2025 DV-2026 Cutoff Numbers Released
The State Department's December 2025 visa bulletin confirms the following regional cutoff numbers for diversity visa applicants.
- Africa: 17,500 (with Algeria at 14,500 and Egypt at 16,000)
- Asia: 10,000 (with Nepal at 6,000)
- Europe: 7,750
- Oceania: 1,100
- South America & Caribbean: 1,850
These numbers determine which DV-2026 selectees can proceed with their green card applications. Only applicants with case numbers below these cutoffs are currently eligible to schedule interviews.
Additionally, January 2026 projections show Africa jumping significantly from 17,500 to 35,000, signaling faster visa number movement for African applicants.
DV-2027 Registration Delayed: New $1 Fee Coming
The State Department announced on November 5, 2025, that DV-2027 registration has been postponed from its traditional October start date.
- Expected Opening: Between December 2025 and January 2026
- New Requirement: Mandatory $1 electronic registration fee (first in 30 years)
- Registration Period: Potentially shorter 2-3 week window instead of typical 30 days
- Payment Method: Credit card or electronic payment through U.S. Treasury system
- Annual Revenue: Approximately $25 million from estimated 25 million entries
The fee aims to reduce fraudulent multiple entries and fund system upgrades. The $330 Diversity Visa application fee for selected winners remains unchanged.
Who Is Affected by These Green Card Lottery Updates
These changes impact millions of hopeful immigrants worldwide, from current DV-2026 winners to prospective DV-2027 applicants.
For DV-2026 Selectees
If you were selected in the DV-2026 lottery, monitor the monthly visa bulletins carefully. Your case number must fall below your region's cutoff to proceed with visa processing. All visas must be issued by September 30, 2026.
For Prospective DV-2027 Applicants
Prepare for the new registration process with the $1 fee requirement. Have your passport photo ready that meets State Department specifications. The shorter registration window means you must act quickly when it opens.
For Immigration Attorneys and Consultants
Advise clients about the delayed timeline and new payment infrastructure. The modernized portal will include enhanced identity verification and fraud prevention measures.
How to Check Your DV-2026 Lottery Status
Follow these steps to verify your selection status for the current diversity visa cycle.
- Visit the Official Portal: Go to dvprogram.state.gov/ESC/ (the only legitimate source)
- Enter Your Confirmation Number: Use the number from your original entry submission
- Provide Personal Details: Enter your last name and year of birth as registered
- Review Your Status: Check if you've been selected and your case number
- Save Your Results: Download or screenshot your confirmation for your records
Important Dates and Timeline for Green Card Lottery
Mark these critical deadlines for both current and upcoming diversity visa cycles.
- Now - September 30, 2026: DV-2026 status check available at dvprogram.state.gov
- December 2025 - January 2026: Expected DV-2027 registration opening
- October 1, 2026 - September 30, 2027: DV-2027 visa application period
- May 2027 (Expected): DV-2027 lottery results announcement
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is the DV-2027 lottery registration delayed?
The State Department is implementing system upgrades including the new $1 fee payment infrastructure, enhanced identity verification, and stronger fraud prevention measures. This marks the first fee requirement in the program's 30-year history.
How do I pay the $1 green card lottery fee?
The fee will be paid electronically through the U.S. Treasury system at the time of registration. Applicants will need a credit card or electronic payment method. The fee is non-refundable regardless of selection outcome.
Can I still check my DV-2026 status?
Yes, the Entrant Status Check for DV-2026 remains open until September 30, 2026. Visit dvprogram.state.gov/ESC/ with your confirmation number. Remember, the State Department never sends emails or letters to notify winners.
What photo do I need for the diversity visa lottery?
Your photo must meet strict State Department specifications: 600x600 pixels minimum, recent (within 6 months), neutral expression, white or off-white background. Using a professional passport photo service ensures compliance with all requirements.
What You Need to Know About Green Card Lottery Updates
The December 2025 green card lottery updates signal important changes for diversity visa applicants worldwide. DV-2026 winners should monitor cutoff numbers closely, while prospective DV-2027 applicants must prepare for the new $1 fee and potentially shorter registration window.
Ensure your application materials are ready, including a compliant passport photo that meets all specifications. Stay vigilant against scam websites and only use the official dvprogram.state.gov portal for registration and status checks. With proper preparation, you can navigate these changes successfully in your pursuit of a U.S. green card.
Sources: - [Visa Bulletin For December 2025 - U.S. State Department](https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/legal/visa-law0/visa-bulletin/2026/visa-bulletin-for-december-2025.html) - [Changes to Entry Period for 2027 Diversity Visa Program](https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/News/visas-news/changes-to-2027-dv-program-entry-period.html) - [DV Lottery Official Portal - State Department](https://dvprogram.state.gov/) - [Check the Diversity Visa Lottery Results - USAGov](https://www.usa.gov/dv-lottery-results) - [U.S. Introduces $1 Fee for Diversity Visa Lottery - Boundless](https://www.boundless.com/blog/us-state-department-introduces-1-dollar-fee-for-dv-lottery-registration)