Major Green Card Lottery Updates for October 2025
The U.S. State Department has delayed the Diversity Visa (DV) 2027 Green Card Lottery registration past its expected October 2025 opening date, leaving millions of prospective applicants worldwide waiting for confirmation. In a significant policy change, the Department has introduced a mandatory $1 electronic registration fee that will apply to all DV-2027 and future lottery entries, marking the first time the program has charged applicants since its inception in 1990.
Meanwhile, the State Department issued corrected results for the DV-2026 lottery in early October 2025, affecting entrants from Cuba and Great Britain after technical errors in the selection system. The corrections came months after approximately 129,516 selectees were originally notified on May 3, 2025.
Key Changes to the Green Card Lottery Program
The Diversity Visa program is experiencing its most significant updates in years. Here's what has changed:
- New $1 Registration Fee: Effective October 16, 2025, all DV lottery entries require a $1 electronic payment at submission, published in the Federal Register on September 16, 2025
- DV-2027 Registration Delayed: The expected early October 2025 opening has been postponed with no confirmed date, though State Department promises dates will be "widely publicized in coming months"
- DV-2026 Results Corrected: Cuban nationals incorrectly notified as winners due to technical error; Cuba was ineligible for DV-2026 program participation
- UK Territory Adjustments: Great Britain and dependent territories also affected by October 2025 corrections to DV-2026 selections
- 129,516 Total Selectees: DV-2026 selected 129,516 prospective applicants (including spouses and children) from 20,822,624 qualified entries submitted during October 2-November 7, 2024
Immigration attorneys speculate the DV-2027 delay may be related to implementing the new fee structure and payment system. However, the State Department has not confirmed the specific reason for postponing the registration period beyond expected timelines.
Who Is Affected by These Green Card Lottery Updates
The changes impact different groups of diversity visa applicants in significant ways. Understanding how these updates affect your specific situation is crucial for proper planning.
For DV-2027 Prospective Applicants
If you plan to enter the DV-2027 lottery, you must wait for the State Department's official announcement of registration dates before submitting your application. When registration opens, you'll need to pay the new $1 fee electronically at the time of submission. No applications can be accepted until the official registration period begins, which will be announced via the State Department website and Federal Register.
For DV-2026 Winners
If you were selected in the May 3, 2025 results announcement, verify your status wasn't affected by the October corrections. Cuban nationals who received initial selection notices should check their status again, as those selections were reversed due to Cuba's ineligibility. You can apply for your immigrant visa between October 1, 2025 and September 30, 2026 if your selection remains valid.
For Cuban and UK Nationals
Cuban nationals are ineligible for the DV-2026 program due to historically high immigration rates to the United States. If you received an initial selection notice, it was issued in error and your selection is invalid. UK nationals should verify their selection status wasn't impacted by the technical corrections announced in October 2025.
How to Prepare for DV-2027 Registration - Step by Step
Follow these steps to ensure you're ready when DV-2027 registration officially opens:
- Monitor Official Channels: Check the State Department's Diversity Visa website regularly at dvprogram.state.gov for the official announcement of registration dates
- Prepare Required Documents: Gather your passport, birth certificate, and recent digital photos that meet U.S. visa photo requirements before registration opens
- Ensure Photo Compliance: Your passport photo must meet strict specifications including 2x2 inches (51x51mm), white background, and specific head position requirements - consider using VisaPics to ensure your photo meets all technical requirements
- Set Up Payment Method: Prepare a payment method for the $1 electronic registration fee, which must be paid at the time of application submission
- Review Eligibility Requirements: Confirm your country of birth is eligible and you meet education or work experience requirements (high school diploma or 2 years work experience in qualifying occupation)
- Complete Application Immediately: When registration opens, submit your entry as early as possible during the registration period to avoid last-minute technical issues
Important Dates and Timeline for Green Card Lottery
Mark these critical dates on your calendar to stay informed about the Diversity Visa program:
- September 16, 2025: Federal Register published final rule establishing $1 registration fee for DV lottery entries
- October 2025: State Department issued corrected DV-2026 results affecting Cuban and UK entrants
- October 16, 2025: New $1 registration fee takes effect for all future DV lottery applications
- Coming Months (Late 2025): DV-2027 registration period expected to open with approximately 37-day window for submissions
- October 1, 2025 - September 30, 2026: DV-2026 winners can apply for immigrant visas during this fiscal year window
- May 2026 (Estimated): DV-2027 results expected to be announced approximately 6 months after registration closes
Frequently Asked Questions About Green Card Lottery Updates
Why Was the DV-2027 Registration Delayed?
The State Department has not officially confirmed the reason for delaying the DV-2027 registration past its expected October 2025 opening. Immigration experts speculate the delay relates to implementing the new $1 electronic payment system and updating the application infrastructure. The Department stated that registration dates will be "widely publicized in the coming months" through official channels including the Federal Register and dvprogram.state.gov website.
How Does the New $1 Registration Fee Work?
Starting October 16, 2025, all Diversity Visa lottery applicants must pay a $1 electronic registration fee at the time of application submission. This fee is non-refundable and applies to DV-2027 and all subsequent lottery years. The fee must be paid electronically through the official DV lottery website and cannot be waived or paid by alternative methods.
What Should DV-2026 Cuban Selectees Do After the Correction?
If you are a Cuban national who received an initial DV-2026 selection notice, your selection was issued due to a technical error and is invalid. Cuba was ineligible for the DV-2026 program based on immigration statistics. You should not proceed with visa application or pay any processing fees, as your selection will not be honored by U.S. embassies or consulates.
Can I Still Enter the Green Card Lottery for Free?
No, the free entry period for the Diversity Visa lottery has ended. Beginning with DV-2027 and all future lottery years, applicants must pay the mandatory $1 electronic registration fee at the time of submission. This represents the first time the DV program has charged an application fee since the lottery's creation in 1990.
How Many People Are Selected in the Green Card Lottery?
The DV-2026 lottery selected approximately 129,516 prospective applicants, including selectees, spouses, and children. These selectees were chosen from 20,822,624 qualified entries submitted during the October 2-November 7, 2024 registration period. Not all selectees will receive green cards, as more winners are selected than available visas to account for those who don't complete the process.
What You Need to Know About Green Card Lottery Changes
The Diversity Visa program is undergoing significant changes with the introduction of the $1 registration fee and delayed DV-2027 opening. If you plan to apply for the green card lottery, monitor official State Department channels closely for the announcement of registration dates. DV-2026 winners should verify their selection wasn't affected by October corrections and prepare to apply for immigrant visas during the October 2025-September 2026 window.
When preparing your DV lottery application, ensure your passport photo meets all U.S. visa photo requirements including exact dimensions, white background, and proper head positioning. Even minor photo errors can result in disqualification, so consider using professional visa photo services to guarantee compliance with specifications. Whether you're a first-time applicant or reapplying after previous attempts, staying informed about these updates will help you navigate the changing landscape of U.S. immigration opportunities.