Major Changes to Green Card Lottery Program in October 2025
The U.S. State Department announced significant corrections to the DV-2026 Diversity Visa Lottery results on October 4, 2025, reversing the selection status for Cuban nationals and warning UK applicants about potential errors. Additionally, a new $1 electronic registration fee will take effect on October 16, 2025, marking the first time applicants must pay to enter the annual green card lottery.
These changes affect thousands of applicants worldwide who applied for the Diversity Visa program. The State Department confirmed that Cuban natives are no longer eligible for DV-2026 because more than 50,000 Cubans immigrated to the United States in the previous five-year period, automatically disqualifying the country under program rules.
Key Changes to the Diversity Visa Lottery Program
The State Department has implemented several critical updates that affect both current DV-2026 selectees and future DV-2027 applicants:
- Cuba Declared Ineligible: Cuban natives initially selected for DV-2026 have been notified of their ineligibility due to immigration threshold violations
- UK Selection Warning: Entrants from Great Britain and dependent areas must immediately recheck their status on the official Entrant Status Check website
- New $1 Registration Fee: Effective October 16, 2025, all DV lottery registrations require a $1 electronic payment, published in the Federal Register on September 16, 2025
- DV-2027 Delays: The typical early October registration opening for DV-2027 has been postponed with no official date announced yet
- Existing $330 Visa Fee: Winners selected through the lottery still pay the standard $330 Diversity Visa application fee when applying for their immigrant visa
The State Department emphasized that these corrections resulted from system errors during the initial entry selection process. All affected individuals have been contacted directly through the official DV program notification system.
Who Is Affected by These Green Card Lottery Updates
The DV-2026 corrections and new fee structure impact multiple groups of applicants in different ways. Understanding your situation is crucial for taking appropriate next steps.
For Cuban Nationals Who Applied for DV-2026
If you were born in Cuba and received a selection notification for DV-2026, your selection has been revoked. The State Department has sent official notifications explaining that Cuban natives exceeded the 50,000 immigration threshold over the past five years, making the country ineligible. You will not be able to proceed with visa applications for the DV-2026 program year, which runs through September 30, 2026.
For United Kingdom and Dependent Territory Applicants
Entrants from Great Britain, including England, Scotland, and Wales, plus dependent territories, should immediately verify their selection status at dvprogram.state.gov. Some initial notifications may have contained errors, and the State Department is correcting these on a case-by-case basis. Use your original confirmation number to check your current eligibility status.
For Future DV-2027 Lottery Applicants
If you plan to register for the DV-2027 lottery expected to open in late October or early November 2025, prepare to pay the new $1 registration fee using electronic payment methods. This fee is non-refundable and separate from the $330 visa application fee paid only by selected winners. The registration period typically lasts approximately 30 days once opened.
How to Check Your DV-2026 Status - Step by Step
All DV-2026 entrants, especially those from Cuba and the UK, should verify their current selection status immediately:
- Locate Your Confirmation Number: Find the 16-character confirmation number you received when you submitted your DV-2026 entry between October 2023 and November 2023
- Visit the Official Website: Go to dvprogram.state.gov and click on "Entrant Status Check" (never use third-party websites that charge fees)
- Enter Required Information: Input your confirmation number, last name, and year of birth exactly as submitted on your original application
- Review Your Status: Check whether your status shows "Selected," "Not Selected," or "Ineligible" with explanatory details provided
- Save Documentation: Screenshot or print your current status for your records, especially if it differs from previous checks you performed
- Contact Embassy if Needed: If you believe your ineligibility determination is incorrect, contact the U.S. Embassy or Consulate in your country for guidance
Important Dates and Timeline for Green Card Lottery
Mark these critical dates on your calendar to stay current with Diversity Visa program deadlines and requirements:
- October 4, 2025: State Department announces DV-2026 eligibility corrections for Cuba and UK (already occurred)
- October 16, 2025: New $1 electronic registration fee takes effect for all future DV lottery entries
- Late October/Early November 2025: Expected opening of DV-2027 registration period (exact date pending State Department announcement)
- Through September 30, 2026: DV-2026 selected winners can apply for immigrant visas and must complete the process before this deadline
- May 3, 2026 (Estimated): Anticipated results announcement date for DV-2027 lottery winners based on historical patterns
Frequently Asked Questions
Why Were Cuban Nationals Declared Ineligible for DV-2026?
Under U.S. immigration law, countries that sent more than 50,000 immigrants to the United States in the previous five years are automatically ineligible for the Diversity Visa program. Recent data shows Cuban immigration exceeded this threshold, triggering the disqualification. This rule exists to ensure the program benefits countries with historically lower immigration rates to the U.S.
Can I Get a Refund if I'm Declared Ineligible After Selection?
No refunds are provided for DV-2026 because entry into the lottery was free. However, starting with DV-2027, the new $1 registration fee is also non-refundable regardless of selection outcome or eligibility changes. Once the fee is paid, it covers the administrative costs of processing your entry into the lottery system.
How Do I Know If the DV-2027 Registration Period Has Opened?
The State Department will announce the official opening date on travel.state.gov and dvprogram.state.gov. Registration typically opens in early October and closes in early November, giving applicants approximately 30 days to submit entries. Always use official government websites—never pay third-party services claiming to improve your chances, as all legitimate entries have equal probability of selection.
What Happens to My DV-2026 Application If I'm From the UK?
UK applicants should immediately check their status at dvprogram.state.gov using their confirmation number. The State Department is correcting errors on a case-by-case basis. If your selection was valid, you can proceed with your visa application. If there was an error and you're now marked as "Not Selected," you will not be able to continue with DV-2026 but can apply again for DV-2027.
Do I Need to Submit a Passport Photo When Registering for the Diversity Visa Lottery?
Yes, every DV lottery entry requires recent digital photographs for the principal applicant and all eligible family members. Your passport photo must meet strict U.S. visa photo requirements including specific dimensions, background color, head position, and facial expression. Using professional services like VisaPics ensures your passport photo meets all technical specifications, preventing application rejection due to photo errors.
What You Need to Know About the Green Card Lottery Changes
The October 2025 updates to the Diversity Visa program represent significant policy shifts affecting thousands of applicants. Cuban nationals must understand their DV-2026 ineligibility is final, while UK applicants need to verify their status immediately. The new $1 registration fee adds a financial requirement but remains far more affordable than other U.S. immigration pathways.
If you're planning to apply for DV-2027, prepare your documents now including valid passport photos that meet exact specifications. Ensure your passport photo complies with U.S. Department of State requirements before the registration period opens—rejected applications due to improper photos cannot be corrected after submission. Stay updated by monitoring dvprogram.state.gov for the official DV-2027 opening announcement expected later in October 2025.