Green Card Lottery 2025: Major Changes Announced by State Department
The U.S. Department of State announced on November 5, 2025, that the DV-2027 Diversity Visa Lottery registration period has been indefinitely delayed and will introduce a historic $1 entry fee for the first time in the program's 30-year history. The registration period, typically opening in early October, has been postponed while the State Department implements unspecified changes to the entry process. The department stated that dates for the DV-2027 program will be "widely publicized in the coming months."
This marks a significant shift in the Green Card Lottery program, which annually provides up to 55,000 immigrant visas to applicants from countries with low rates of immigration to the United States. The delay affects millions of prospective applicants worldwide who were preparing to submit entries during the traditional October-November registration window.
Key Changes to the 2025 Green Card Lottery Program
The State Department has introduced several critical updates that will affect all future diversity visa applicants:
- $1 Registration Fee: A final rule published in the Federal Register on September 16, 2025, establishes a mandatory $1 electronic entry fee, expected to generate approximately $25 million annually for program operations
- Indefinite Registration Delay: The DV-2027 registration period has been postponed beyond the traditional October 2025 start date with no specific opening date announced
- Enhanced Fraud Prevention: New vetting measures proposed on August 5, 2025, aim to combat fraud and improve application integrity throughout the diversity visa process
- Reduced Visa Allocation: The number of available diversity visas has been reduced to approximately 51,600 for 2025 and 2026, down from the traditional 55,000 annual allocation
- Non-Refundable Payment: The new $1 fee will be non-refundable under any circumstances and must be paid electronically at the time of application submission
The visa application period for individuals selected in the DV-2027 lottery will remain unchanged, running from October 1, 2026, to September 30, 2027. Results for selected applicants are expected to be available between May and September 2026 through the official Entry Status Check portal.
Who Is Affected By These Green Card Lottery Changes
The DV-2027 lottery delay and new registration fee impact millions of prospective immigrants from eligible countries worldwide. The changes affect both first-time applicants and those who have previously participated in the diversity visa program.
For First-Time Applicants
If you're planning to enter the Green Card Lottery for the first time, you'll need to wait for the State Department's official announcement before submitting your application. Prepare your documents now, including a compliant passport photo that meets strict U.S. visa photo requirements. The new $1 fee means you'll need a valid payment method for electronic submission.
For Previous Lottery Participants
Past entries do not carry over to new lottery cycles, so you must submit a fresh application for DV-2027 when registration opens. Even if you've entered multiple times before, the new $1 fee will apply to your DV-2027 entry. Monitor the official dvprogram.state.gov website for the announcement rather than relying on third-party services.
For DV-2026 Selectees
If you were selected in the DV-2026 lottery announced on May 3, 2025, these changes do not affect your application timeline. You have until September 30, 2026, to complete your visa application process. Ensure your passport photo and all supporting documents meet current requirements before your consular interview.
How to Apply for the DV-2027 Green Card Lottery - Step by Step
When registration opens, follow these official steps to submit your diversity visa lottery entry correctly:
- Wait for Official Announcement: Monitor dvprogram.state.gov for the State Department's announcement of the DV-2027 registration period opening date
- Gather Required Documents: Prepare a digital passport-style photo meeting strict specifications (2x2 inches, white background, recent photo taken within 6 months) and passport information for yourself and family members
- Complete Online Form: Access the official Electronic Diversity Visa Entry Form at dvprogram.state.gov during the registration period only (typically a 30-day window)
- Pay $1 Entry Fee: Submit the mandatory $1 non-refundable fee electronically using a valid credit or debit card at the time of application
- Save Confirmation Number: Print and securely store your unique confirmation number, which is the only way to check your entry status later
- Check Results in May 2026: Return to dvprogram.state.gov between May and September 2026 to check if you were selected using your confirmation number
Important Dates and Timeline for DV-2027
Mark these critical dates and periods in your calendar for the DV-2027 Green Card Lottery cycle:
- Late 2025 (TBA): DV-2027 registration period opens for approximately 30 days (exact dates to be announced by State Department)
- May - September 2026: Results announcement period when selected applicants can check their status through the Entry Status Check system
- October 1, 2026: Visa application period begins for DV-2027 selectees to submit formal immigrant visa applications
- September 30, 2027: Final deadline for DV-2027 selectees to complete their visa processing and enter the United States
- Current Status: DV-2026 results were announced on May 3, 2025, with approximately 129,516 selectees (including spouses and children) chosen
Frequently Asked Questions About the Green Card Lottery
Why Is the DV-2027 Green Card Lottery Delayed?
The U.S. State Department is implementing unspecified changes to the Diversity Visa entry process, causing the delay beyond the traditional October 2025 start date. The department has committed to announcing registration dates "as soon as practicable" and will widely publicize them through official channels. The delay may be related to enhanced fraud prevention measures and the integration of the new $1 fee payment system.
How Much Does It Cost to Enter the Green Card Lottery?
Starting with DV-2027, there is a mandatory $1 entry fee that must be paid electronically when you submit your application. This fee is non-refundable regardless of whether you are selected. Previous diversity visa lotteries were completely free to enter. If you are selected, additional fees apply for visa processing, medical examinations, and related services.
Can Third-Party Services Increase My Chances of Winning?
No. The State Department explicitly warns that no individual or service can increase your chances of selection in the diversity visa lottery. Selection is completely random using computer-generated processes. Be extremely cautious of scams claiming the DV-2027 registration is already open or offering guaranteed selection for a fee.
What Are the Photo Requirements for Green Card Lottery?
Your diversity visa lottery photo must be a recent digital image (taken within 6 months) in passport photo format: 2x2 inches (51x51mm) with your head centered, facing the camera directly against a plain white or off-white background. The photo must show your full face with a neutral expression and both eyes open. Photos that don't meet exact specifications will result in automatic disqualification.
Do I Need a Passport to Enter the DV Lottery?
Currently, you do not need a valid passport to submit your diversity visa lottery entry, though you must provide passport information if available. However, the State Department issued a public notice in 2025 accepting comments about potentially restoring the passport requirement for future lottery cycles. If selected, you will definitely need a valid passport for your visa interview.
What You Need to Know About the 2025 Green Card Lottery
The DV-2027 Diversity Visa Lottery represents a turning point in U.S. immigration policy with the introduction of the first-ever entry fee and enhanced fraud prevention measures. Prospective applicants should monitor the official State Department website at dvprogram.state.gov exclusively for the registration opening announcement. Be extremely vigilant about scams claiming early registration or guaranteed selection.
When registration opens, ensure you have compliant passport photos ready that meet exact U.S. visa photo specifications to avoid disqualification. VisaPics offers professional passport photo services that guarantee compliance with all diversity visa photo requirements, saving you time and reducing the risk of rejection. Remember that only entries submitted through the official government portal during the designated registration period will be considered valid.