Green Card Lottery Faces Historic Changes in 2025
The U.S. State Department announced sweeping changes to the Diversity Visa Lottery program in November 2025, marking the most significant overhaul in the program's history. For the first time ever, applicants must pay a $1 registration fee to enter the DV-2027 green card lottery, while the traditional October registration opening has been postponed with no confirmed start date.
The delay affects millions of hopeful immigrants worldwide who typically register during the early October window. Meanwhile, 129,516 DV-2026 winners face a critical September 30, 2026 deadline to complete their visa applications or risk losing their opportunity for permanent U.S. residency.
Major Green Card Lottery Updates for DV-2027
The State Department confirmed multiple changes affecting both current winners and future applicants. Here's what changed:
- Registration Delayed: DV-2027 application period postponed beyond traditional October 2 opening date with no confirmed timeline announced
- New $1 Entry Fee: First-ever registration fee implemented via Federal Register publication on September 16, 2025, effective immediately
- 129,516 DV-2026 Winners Selected: Results announced May 3, 2025, with winners able to apply from October 1, 2025 through September 30, 2026
- System Upgrades Planned: Delay allows for enhanced security measures and improved fraud prevention in the diversity visa application system
- 55,000 Green Cards Available: Annual allocation remains unchanged for the DV-2026 fiscal year lottery program
According to the official State Department announcement, these changes aim to "distribute operational costs more broadly, reduce fraudulent or duplicate entries, and more fairly share the costs of administering the lottery." The $1 fee is non-refundable and must be paid electronically at the time of submission.
Who Is Affected by These Green Card Lottery Changes
These updates impact three distinct groups of diversity visa applicants differently. Understanding your category is crucial for taking the right next steps.
For DV-2026 Winners (Current Winners)
If you checked your status on May 3, 2025 and were selected, you must submit your immigrant visa application between October 1, 2025 and September 30, 2026. Missing this deadline means permanently losing your green card opportunity, regardless of your lottery selection. You'll also need a compliant passport photo that meets all U.S. visa photo requirements for your application.
For DV-2027 Applicants (Waiting to Register)
If you're planning to enter the DV-2027 lottery, you'll need to monitor travel.state.gov closely for the registration announcement. Budget for the new $1 electronic fee in addition to eventual visa processing costs. The registration window typically lasts approximately 30 days once opened, so prepare your documents now to avoid rushing.
For Immigration Consultants and Organizations
Service providers must update their fee structures to account for the $1 registration charge and educate clients about the delayed timeline. Organizations should warn applicants about increased scam risks during uncertain waiting periods when fraudulent services often multiply.
How to Check DV-2026 Lottery Results - Step by Step
The State Department provides only one legitimate way to verify your diversity visa lottery selection status. Follow these exact steps:
- Visit the Official Portal: Go directly to dvprogram.state.gov - never click links from emails or social media claiming to have your results
- Enter Your Confirmation Number: Input the unique confirmation number you received when you submitted your DV-2026 entry between October 2-November 7, 2024
- Provide Authentication Details: Enter your last name and year of birth exactly as they appeared on your lottery entry application
- Review Your Status: The system displays whether you were selected, not selected, or if your entry was disqualified due to technical errors
- Save Your Selection Letter: If selected, immediately download and save your official selection notice with your case number for visa processing
Important Dates and Timeline for Green Card Lottery
Mark these critical deadlines on your calendar to avoid missing your green card opportunity:
- May 3, 2025: DV-2026 lottery results released at 12:00 PM EST on official State Department portal
- October 1, 2025 - September 30, 2026: DV-2026 winners must submit and complete immigrant visa applications during this window
- Late 2025 (To Be Announced): DV-2027 registration period expected to open with 30-day application window and mandatory $1 fee
- May 2026 (Expected): DV-2027 lottery results anticipated to be announced following historical patterns
- October 1, 2026 - September 30, 2027: DV-2027 winners will apply for immigrant visas regardless of registration delay
Frequently Asked Questions About the Green Card Lottery
Why Is the DV-2027 Green Card Lottery Registration Delayed?
The State Department is implementing system upgrades to accommodate the new $1 registration fee and enhanced security measures. Additionally, the federal government shutdown in early October 2025 contributed to the postponement. The department promises to announce the start date "as soon as practicable" on travel.state.gov.
Do I Need to Pay the $1 Fee for DV-2026 if I Already Won?
No, the $1 registration fee only applies to future DV-2027 lottery entries. DV-2026 winners who registered between October 2-November 7, 2024 do not pay this fee. However, you will still need to pay standard visa processing fees when submitting your immigrant visa application before September 30, 2026.
How Will I Know When DV-2027 Registration Opens?
The U.S. Department of State will announce the registration dates through official channels at travel.state.gov and in the Federal Register. Never trust third-party websites, emails, or text messages claiming early registration access. The announcement will be "widely publicized" and completely free to access on government websites.
What You Need to Know About the Green Card Lottery Changes
The diversity visa lottery program remains one of the most accessible pathways to U.S. permanent residency, despite the new $1 fee and registration delays. For DV-2026 winners, acting before the September 30, 2026 deadline is absolutely critical—thousands lose their green card opportunity every year by missing this cutoff. For prospective DV-2027 applicants, patience and vigilance are essential as you wait for the State Department's registration announcement.
Whether you're a current lottery winner or planning to apply for DV-2027, ensure your passport photo meets requirements before starting any visa application. Visit VisaPics to verify your photo complies with all U.S. diversity visa specifications, including the strict 2x2 inch format, white background, and proper head positioning requirements that cause many applications to be rejected each year.