Green Card Lottery Faces Major Changes in 2025
The U.S. State Department announced significant updates to the Green Card Lottery program in November 2025, including the first-ever mandatory $1 entry fee and a delayed registration period for DV-2027. The changes affect an estimated 25 million applicants worldwide who compete annually for 55,000 diversity immigrant visas to the United States.
According to the Federal Register publication on September 16, 2025, the new $1 electronic registration fee aims to reduce fraudulent and speculative entries while fairly allocating program costs. The State Department has not yet announced the official DV-2027 registration start date as of November 17, 2025.
Key Changes to the Diversity Visa Lottery Program
Several critical updates are reshaping how applicants enter the diversity visa lottery system in 2025 and beyond.
- Historic $1 Entry Fee: For the first time in program history, all DV-2027 applicants must pay a mandatory $1 electronic registration fee at submission
- DV-2027 Registration Delayed: Registration postponed beyond the typical October start date with no official launch date announced as of November 2025
- Enhanced Fraud Detection: State Department implementing modernized portal with improved verification systems to detect duplicate and fraudulent entries
- Passport Verification Required: New passport checks during registration to verify applicant identity and reduce fraud
- DV-2026 Results Released: 129,516 winners selected from 19.9 million entries, with results available since May 3, 2025
- Increased Visa Fee: Winners must pay a $330 diversity visa application fee (in addition to the $1 entry fee)
The State Department emphasized that these changes strengthen program integrity while maintaining accessibility for legitimate applicants from countries with historically low immigration rates to the United States. Additionally, the modernized system will streamline application processing and improve security measures.
Who Is Affected by These Green Card Lottery Updates
The 2025 diversity visa lottery changes impact millions of prospective immigrants across six global regions. Understanding how these updates affect your specific situation is crucial for successful application.
For First-Time DV-2027 Applicants
If you're entering the green card lottery for the first time, prepare to pay the new $1 electronic registration fee through official payment channels on dvprogram.state.gov. Monitor the official State Department website closely for the registration opening announcement, expected in late 2025. Ensure you have a valid passport before registration, as the new system requires passport verification during entry submission.
For DV-2026 Winners (May 2025 Results)
The 129,516 DV-2026 selectees must complete their immigrant visa applications by September 30, 2026. Check your status immediately at dvprogram.state.gov using your confirmation number. Winners must pay a $330 visa application fee and undergo consular interviews before receiving their diversity immigrant visa.
For Countries with High Fraud Rates
Applicants from countries where visa fraud is prevalent will face enhanced scrutiny under the new verification systems. Ensure all passport photo requirements meet official standards and provide authentic documentation. The State Department's improved fraud detection specifically targets regions with high rates of duplicate entries and identity fraud.
How to Enter the DV-2027 Green Card Lottery - Step by Step
Follow these official steps to maximize your chances of successful diversity visa lottery registration when DV-2027 opens.
- Monitor Official Website: Check dvprogram.state.gov regularly for the DV-2027 registration opening announcement (expected late 2025)
- Verify Eligibility: Confirm you're from an eligible country and meet education/work experience requirements (high school diploma or 2 years qualifying work experience)
- Prepare Valid Passport: Obtain or renew your passport before registration, as the new system requires passport verification during entry
- Get Compliant Photos: Prepare recent digital photos meeting strict U.S. visa photo specifications (2x2 inches, white background, specific head positioning)
- Pay $1 Registration Fee: Complete payment through the official dvprogram.state.gov portal using secure electronic payment methods
- Submit During Window: Enter during the approximately 30-day registration period (historically October-November, but DV-2027 dates TBA)
- Save Confirmation Number: Store your unique confirmation number securely - this is the ONLY way to check your results
- Check Results in May: Return to dvprogram.state.gov in May 2026 to check if you were selected (no email notification sent)
Important Dates and Timeline for Diversity Visa Applicants
Mark these critical deadlines on your calendar to ensure you don't miss crucial green card lottery milestones.
- May 3, 2025: DV-2026 results released for 129,516 selectees (check through September 30, 2025)
- September 30, 2025: Final deadline for DV-2025 winners to receive visas or adjust status
- September 16, 2025: Federal Register published final rule establishing $1 diversity visa lottery entry fee
- Late 2025 (TBA): DV-2027 registration period expected to open with new $1 fee requirement
- November 2025 (estimated): DV-2027 registration closes after approximately 30-day window
- May 2026 (estimated): DV-2027 results expected to be released on dvprogram.state.gov
- October 1, 2025 - September 30, 2026: DV-2026 winners can apply for immigrant visas during this fiscal year
Frequently Asked Questions About the Green Card Lottery
Why Was the DV-2027 Green Card Lottery Delayed?
The State Department delayed DV-2027 registration to modernize the portal and implement enhanced verification systems that detect duplicate and fraudulent entries. The delay allows for critical system upgrades including passport verification, improved security measures, and integration of the new $1 payment processing system. No official launch date has been announced as of November 17, 2025.
How Much Does It Cost to Enter the Green Card Lottery Now?
Starting with DV-2027, applicants pay a mandatory $1 electronic registration fee at the time of entry submission. If selected as a winner, you must then pay an additional $330 diversity visa application fee to complete your immigrant visa application. The total cost for winners is $331 ($1 entry + $330 visa fee), plus any fees for required medical examinations and document translations.
How Do I Know If I Won the Diversity Visa Lottery?
The ONLY official way to check diversity visa lottery results is by visiting dvprogram.state.gov and entering your unique confirmation number from your original entry. The State Department never sends emails, letters, phone calls, or text messages to notify winners. Beware of scams - any unsolicited communication claiming you won is fraudulent and should be reported to the Federal Trade Commission.
Can I Still Enter If I Already Submitted for Previous Years?
Yes, you must submit a new entry for each year's diversity visa lottery program. Previous entries (DV-2025, DV-2026, etc.) do not carry over or increase your chances in future lotteries. Each year's program is completely separate, with random selection from that year's qualified entries only.
What Countries Are Eligible for the DV-2027 Green Card Lottery?
Most countries worldwide are eligible except those that sent more than 50,000 immigrants to the U.S. in the past five years. Typically ineligible countries include Bangladesh, Brazil, Canada, China (mainland), Colombia, Dominican Republic, El Salvador, Haiti, Honduras, India, Jamaica, Mexico, Nigeria, Pakistan, Philippines, South Korea, United Kingdom, and Vietnam. Check the official State Department list when DV-2027 opens for the current year's eligibility.
Are There Scams Related to the Green Card Lottery?
Yes, diversity visa lottery scams are widespread. The U.S. State Department warned in November 2025 about fraudulent claims that DV-2027 entry is already open. Red flags include unsolicited emails claiming you won, requests for payment outside dvprogram.state.gov, promises of guaranteed selection, and demands for "release fees" to claim your win. Only use the official website dvprogram.state.gov and never pay fees through Western Union, PayPal, or to named individuals.
What You Need to Know Before Applying
The diversity visa lottery remains one of the most accessible pathways to U.S. permanent residence, with 55,000 immigrant visas available annually to qualified applicants from eligible countries. However, the new $1 fee and enhanced verification systems for DV-2027 require applicants to be more prepared than ever before with valid passports and compliant documentation.
Before the DV-2027 registration opens in late 2025, ensure your passport photo meets requirements specified by the State Department, as photo errors are among the most common reasons for disqualification. Monitor dvprogram.state.gov weekly for the official registration announcement, and never trust third-party websites claiming to improve your chances or offering early registration. Additionally, check our comprehensive visa photo specifications guide to ensure your application photos comply with all technical requirements for successful submission.