Green Card Lottery Registration Delayed for First Time in Program History
The U.S. Department of State has confirmed an unprecedented delay in opening registration for the DV-2027 green card lottery, which typically begins in the first week of October each year. As of October 13, 2025, no official start date has been announced, though a State Department spokesperson confirmed that "the Diversity Immigrant Visa (DV) 2027 program will be announced soon."
This delay coincides with the implementation of a historic new $1 registration fee that takes effect October 16, 2025—the first time in the program's 30-year history that applicants must pay to enter the diversity visa lottery. The registration window is now expected to open in late October or November 2025.
Key Changes to Green Card Lottery for DV-2027
The 2027 diversity visa lottery brings several significant changes that all applicants need to know before applying:
- $1 Registration Fee: All applicants must pay a non-refundable $1 electronic fee at the time of registration, starting October 16, 2025
- Delayed Registration Period: Registration opening delayed from typical early October date to late October or November 2025
- Process Changes Announced: State Department confirmed "upcoming entry process changes" but has not yet released specific details
- No Refunds: The $1 fee is non-refundable regardless of lottery results or whether applicants proceed with visa applications
- Electronic Payment Only: Fees must be collected electronically at the time of filing the DV application through the official website
- Non-Transferable: Registration fees cannot be transferred between lottery years if not selected
The final rule establishing this fee was published in the Federal Register on September 16, 2025, with an effective date of the same day. The State Department estimates this change will generate approximately $25 million annually from an estimated 25 million registrants worldwide.
Who Is Affected by Green Card Lottery Changes
These changes impact millions of diversity visa lottery applicants worldwide. Here's what different groups need to know:
For First-Time Green Card Lottery Applicants
If you're applying for the first time, you'll need to budget for the new $1 registration fee in addition to preparing your application materials. Make sure you have a valid payment method ready when registration opens, and ensure your passport photo meets all official requirements before the deadline.
For Previous DV Lottery Participants
Even if you've applied in previous years at no cost, you must now pay the $1 fee for DV-2027. Previous registration confirmations or fees cannot be transferred to this year's lottery, so you'll need to submit a completely new application with payment.
For DV-2026 Lottery Winners Currently Processing
If you were selected in the DV-2026 lottery, these changes do not affect your case. You can continue processing your application and must complete your visa interview or adjustment of status by September 30, 2026. You can check your DV-2026 status at dvprogram.state.gov through at least September 30, 2026.
How to Register for DV-2027 Green Card Lottery - Step by Step
Follow these steps to successfully register when the DV-2027 lottery opens in late October 2025:
- Monitor the Official Website: Check dvprogram.state.gov regularly for the announcement of DV-2027 registration dates (expected late October 2025)
- Prepare Your Digital Photo: Take or obtain a compliant passport-style photo that meets all diversity visa photo requirements—incorrect photos are the #1 reason for disqualification
- Gather Required Information: Collect your passport details, birth certificate information, education documents, and spouse/children information if applicable
- Prepare Payment Method: Have a valid credit card, debit card, or electronic payment method ready to pay the non-refundable $1 registration fee
- Complete Registration Online: Submit your entry through the official website only (dvprogram.state.gov) during the registration period—never use third-party websites
- Pay the $1 Fee: Complete the electronic payment immediately upon submission to finalize your registration
- Save Your Confirmation Number: Print or screenshot your confirmation number—this is the only way to check your results in May 2027
Important Dates and Timeline for DV-2027
Mark these critical dates on your calendar to ensure you don't miss important deadlines:
- September 16, 2025: Federal Register published final rule establishing $1 registration fee
- October 16, 2025: New $1 registration fee takes effect for all DV lottery applications
- Late October/November 2025: DV-2027 registration period expected to open (exact dates to be announced)
- 60-Day Registration Window: Registration typically remains open for approximately 60 days once it begins
- May 2027: DV-2027 lottery results expected to be announced (check dvprogram.state.gov with your confirmation number)
- September 30, 2028: Final deadline for all DV-2027 selectees to complete visa processing and obtain green cards
Frequently Asked Questions About Green Card Lottery Updates
Why Was the $1 Fee Introduced for the Diversity Visa Lottery?
The State Department introduced the fee to cover operational costs including annual system updates, data storage, automated randomized selection of winners, and associated security reviews. Previously, only the small percentage of successful registrants paid fees ($330 visa application fee), while the costs of running the lottery for all 25 million annual applicants were borne by taxpayers. The fee also helps reduce fraud by discouraging scammers from submitting thousands of fake entries.
Can I Get a Refund of My $1 Registration Fee if I'm Not Selected?
No, the $1 registration fee is completely non-refundable. Whether you are selected or not, and whether you proceed with a visa application or not, the fee will not be refunded. Additionally, fees cannot be transferred between lottery years, so you must pay $1 each time you apply.
Why Is the DV-2027 Lottery Registration Delayed?
The State Department has not officially disclosed the reason for the delay. However, immigration experts speculate it may be due to technical updates needed to implement the new $1 fee payment system, or it could be related to the "upcoming entry process changes" mentioned by State Department officials. The delay is unprecedented in the program's history.
How Do I Avoid Green Card Lottery Scams?
Only use the official government website at dvprogram.state.gov to register—this is completely free except for the $1 registration fee. Never pay hundreds of dollars to third-party websites claiming to increase your chances. The lottery selection is completely random, and no service can improve your odds. Beware of emails or calls claiming you've won—the only way to check results is through the official website with your confirmation number.
What You Need to Know About the Green Card Lottery
The diversity visa lottery remains one of the most accessible pathways to U.S. permanent residence, offering 55,000 immigrant visas annually to applicants from countries with low immigration rates to the United States. Despite the new $1 fee and registration delay, the program continues as required by law, and millions of hopeful immigrants worldwide will apply when registration opens.
If you're planning to enter the DV-2027 lottery, start preparing now by ensuring your passport photo meets all official requirements—improper photos are the leading cause of disqualification. Additionally, make sure your passport is current, as future lottery cycles may require a valid passport at the time of registration. Visit VisaPics for compliant diversity visa lottery photos that meet all U.S. Department of State specifications, so you can focus on your application without worrying about photo rejection.