Green Card Lottery Registration Delayed Until December 2025
The U.S. Department of State has announced a significant delay to the DV-2027 Green Card Lottery registration, which may not open until December 2025 or January 2026 instead of the traditional early October window. This delay comes as the State Department implements system upgrades, enhanced security measures, and introduces a historic $1 registration fee for the first time in the program's 30+ year history.
The announcement has created uncertainty for millions of potential applicants worldwide who typically begin preparing their applications in September. Immigration attorneys warn that the registration period may be shortened to just 2-3 weeks instead of the typical 30-35 days, requiring applicants to act quickly once the window opens.
Historic $1 Entry Fee Now Required for All Applicants
Starting with the DV-2027 lottery, all applicants must pay a $1 non-refundable electronic registration fee when submitting their entries. This marks the first time in the Diversity Visa Program's history that an entry fee has been required.
- Effective Date: The new fee rule was published in the Federal Register on September 16, 2025, and took effect immediately
- Revenue Impact: Expected to generate approximately $25 million annually for DV lottery operational costs
- System Upgrades: Funding will support enhanced data collection, security reviews, and modernized application systems
- Non-Refundable: The $1 fee is charged regardless of whether you win the lottery or are selected
- Payment Method: Applicants must pay electronically through the official dvprogram.state.gov website
- Additional Costs: Lottery winners still must pay the standard $330 Diversity Visa application fee if selected
The State Department emphasized that this fee will help modernize the lottery system and implement stronger anti-fraud measures. However, immigration advocates have raised concerns about how this may impact applicants from lower-income countries who have historically relied on the free entry process.
Who Is Affected by These Changes
These updates impact anyone planning to apply for the DV-2027 Green Card Lottery and current lottery winners from previous years. Understanding your timeline is critical for successful application.
For DV-2027 Prospective Applicants
If you're planning to enter the DV-2027 lottery, you must monitor the official State Department website at dvprogram.state.gov for the announcement of registration dates, which could come in late November or early December 2025. Budget for the new $1 entry fee plus potential passport photo costs, as strict photo requirements must be met for your application to be accepted.
For DV-2026 Winners
If you were selected in the DV-2026 lottery, you have until September 30, 2026 to complete your visa application and interview process. The State Department selected 129,516 winners for DV-2026, and any selectees who don't receive visas by the deadline will derive no further benefit from their selection.
For DV-2025 Selectees
The DV-2025 program has officially ended as of September 30, 2025. If you were a DV-2025 selectee but did not receive your visa or adjustment of status by this date, you cannot use that selection any longer and must enter future lotteries if eligible.
How to Apply for DV-2027 Green Card Lottery - Step by Step
Follow these steps to successfully submit your DV-2027 application when registration opens:
- Monitor Official Announcements: Check dvprogram.state.gov regularly starting in late November 2025 for the registration opening date
- Prepare Required Documents: Gather your passport, birth certificate, and recent digital photos that meet strict U.S. passport photo requirements (2x2 inches, white background, taken within 6 months)
- Verify Your Eligibility: Confirm that your country of birth is eligible for DV-2027 (countries with high immigration rates to the U.S. are excluded annually)
- Complete Online Form: Fill out the Electronic Diversity Visa Entry Form (DS-5501) on the official website with accurate personal information
- Pay $1 Entry Fee: Submit your non-refundable $1 registration fee through the secure payment system on dvprogram.state.gov
- Upload Compliant Photos: Ensure your passport photo meets requirements using professional photo services like VisaPics to avoid automatic disqualification
- Save Confirmation Number: Print and save your unique confirmation number - this is the ONLY way to check if you've won
- Submit Before Deadline: Complete your entry before the registration period closes (likely just 2-3 weeks after opening)
Important Dates and Timeline for DV-2027
Mark these critical dates in your calendar to avoid missing application windows:
- Late November - Early December 2025: State Department expected to announce official DV-2027 registration dates
- December 2025 - January 2026: DV-2027 registration period opens (estimated 2-3 week window instead of traditional 30-35 days)
- May 2026: DV-2027 lottery results announced - check using your confirmation number at dvprogram.state.gov
- October 2026: First diversity visas become available to DV-2027 winners for interviews and processing
- September 30, 2027: Final deadline for DV-2027 winners to receive visas - no extensions granted after this date
Frequently Asked Questions
Why Was the DV-2027 Lottery Delayed?
The State Department delayed DV-2027 registration to implement system upgrades, enhanced security measures, and integrate the new $1 electronic fee payment system. The delay allows time to modernize the application platform and strengthen anti-fraud protections. Immigration experts also speculate that budget constraints and staffing challenges contributed to the postponement.
Can I Still Enter for Free or Must I Pay $1?
No, the free entry period has ended. Starting with DV-2027, all applicants must pay a mandatory $1 non-refundable entry fee when submitting their applications. This applies to every applicant regardless of country, age, or circumstances. If you win the lottery, you'll still need to pay the additional $330 Diversity Visa application fee.
What Happens If My Photo Doesn't Meet Requirements?
Photo rejections are the leading cause of DV lottery disqualifications. If your passport photo doesn't meet strict U.S. requirements (white background, 2x2 inches, recent within 6 months, proper head size and positioning), your entire application will be automatically rejected with no refund of your $1 fee. Using professional passport photo services ensures your photo meets all technical specifications before submission.
How Do I Check If I Won the DV-2027 Lottery?
Results will be available in May 2026 at dvprogram.state.gov using your unique confirmation number. The State Department does NOT send emails, letters, or phone calls to winners. You must proactively check your status online. Beware of scams claiming you've won - only information from the official website is legitimate.
What You Need to Know About DV-2027 Changes
The introduction of the $1 entry fee and shortened registration window represent the most significant changes to the Diversity Visa Program in decades. Applicants must act quickly when registration opens in December 2025 or January 2026, as the traditional 30-35 day window may be reduced to just 2-3 weeks. Additionally, with approximately 15-20 million entries expected and only 55,000 visas available annually, competition remains fierce.
To maximize your chances of success, ensure your passport photo meets all requirements by using professional services that guarantee compliance with U.S. visa photo specifications. Check the official State Department website regularly for registration announcements, prepare your documents in advance, and be ready to submit immediately when the window opens. Don't let photo errors or missed deadlines cost you this valuable immigration opportunity.
--- **Sources:** - [U.S. Department of State - Update on Diversity Visa Program 2025](https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/News/visas-news/update-on-dv-program-2025.html) - [Boundless - U.S. Introduces $1 Fee for Diversity Visa Lottery Registration](https://www.boundless.com/blog/us-state-department-introduces-1-dollar-fee-for-dv-lottery-registration) - [Electronic Diversity Visa Program](https://dvprogram.state.gov/) - [USA.gov - Diversity Visa Lottery Results](https://www.usa.gov/dv-lottery-results)