Green Card Lottery Updates November 2025
The green card lottery program has undergone historic changes in November 2025, with the U.S. Department of State announcing a delay in DV-2027 registration and introducing a mandatory $1 electronic registration fee for the first time in the program's 30-year history. These updates affect millions of hopeful immigrants worldwide who plan to apply for the Diversity Visa lottery.
On November 5, 2025, the State Department confirmed that the DV-2027 registration period has been postponed while implementing "changes to the DV entry process." The program has not been cancelled—only delayed to accommodate system modernization and enhanced fraud detection measures.
Key Green Card Lottery Changes for 2025
Here are the most significant updates to the Diversity Visa lottery program:
- $1 Registration Fee: First-ever mandatory fee, non-refundable, payable at time of entry
- DV-2027 Delay: Registration postponed from traditional October opening
- Passport Requirement: Proposed rule requiring valid passport upload during registration
- Enhanced Fraud Detection: New systems to prevent duplicate and fraudulent entries
- Portal Modernization: Technical infrastructure updates for payment processing
The introduction of the electronic payment system represents a fundamental shift in how the program operates. Additionally, the proposed passport requirement aims to curb fraud, though this rule is not yet finalized.
Who Is Affected by These Changes
These green card lottery updates impact different groups of applicants in various ways. Understanding your specific situation will help you prepare effectively.
For DV-2026 Selectees
If you were among the 129,516 winners selected for DV-2026, you can check your status until September 30, 2026. Your immigrant visa application period runs from October 1, 2025 through September 30, 2026. Ensure your passport photo meets requirements before your interview.
For DV-2027 Applicants
You must wait for the State Department to announce new registration dates. Prepare your $1 payment method and ensure you have a valid passport. Monitor the official DV website at dvprogram.state.gov for announcements.
For First-Time Applicants
Research eligibility requirements now while waiting for registration to open. Your country must be eligible, and you need either a high school diploma or two years of qualifying work experience. Use this time to prepare proper visa photo specifications.
How to Check DV-2026 Lottery Results
Follow these steps to verify your selection status:
- Visit Official Site: Go to dvprogram.state.gov/ESC
- Enter Confirmation Number: Input the number from your original 2024 registration
- Provide Personal Details: Enter your name and birth year exactly as submitted
- Review Your Status: System will display if you were selected or not
- Save Documentation: Print your selection letter and case number immediately
Important Dates and Timeline
Mark these critical deadlines for the green card lottery program:
- Now - September 30, 2026: DV-2026 results available for status check
- October 1, 2025 - September 30, 2026: DV-2026 visa application period
- December 2025 - January 2026: Expected DV-2027 registration window (estimated)
- Coming Months: Official DV-2027 dates to be announced by State Department
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Green Card Lottery Cancelled?
No, the Diversity Visa lottery has not been cancelled. The State Department confirmed the DV-2027 program is only postponed while implementing system changes. Registration dates will be announced in the coming months.
Why Is There a $1 Fee for the Green Card Lottery?
The State Department introduced the $1 electronic registration fee to help fund system modernization and reduce fraudulent entries. This is the first fee in the program's 30-year history and is non-refundable regardless of selection outcome.
What Are My Chances of Winning the DV Lottery?
For DV-2026, approximately 20.8 million qualified entries were received, with 129,516 selectees chosen. This means roughly 0.25% selection rate—less than one percent. Africa and Europe historically account for the majority of selectees.
Do I Need a Passport to Apply for the Green Card Lottery?
A proposed rule would require applicants to upload a valid, unexpired passport scan during DV-2027 registration. This requirement is not yet finalized but is expected to reduce fraud. Having a passport ready is strongly recommended.
What You Need to Know
The November 2025 green card lottery updates represent the most significant changes to the Diversity Visa program since its inception. The $1 registration fee, combined with the registration delay and proposed passport requirement, signals a new era of enhanced security and modernization for the DV lottery.
If you're planning to apply for DV-2027, use this waiting period to gather required documents and ensure your photo meets strict visa application requirements. For DV-2026 selectees, act quickly—prepare your passport photos and documentation now to maximize your chances during the visa application period. Monitor official State Department announcements at dvprogram.state.gov for the latest updates.
Sources: - [U.S. Department of State - Update on DV Program 2025](https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/News/visas-news/update-on-dv-program-2025.html) - [BAL Immigration News - November 2025 Visa Bulletin](https://www.bal.com/immigration-news/united-states-november-2025-visa-bulletin-dates-for-filing-chart-show-no-movement-diversity-visa-lottery-2026-updates/) - [Electronic Diversity Visa Program](https://dvprogram.state.gov/) - [USAGov - DV Lottery Results](https://www.usa.gov/dv-lottery-results)