Green Card Lottery Registration Delayed for DV-2027 Program
The DV-2027 Green Card Lottery registration has been delayed past its expected early October 2025 opening date, according to the U.S. Department of State. The annual Diversity Visa program, which offers 55,000 immigrant visas to applicants from countries with historically low immigration rates to the United States, typically opens in the first week of October. As of October 27, 2025, registration has not yet begun, and the State Department has not provided a specific reason for the delay.
The Department of State confirmed that "Dates for the DV-2027 program registration period will be widely publicized in the coming months" through their official website at travel.state.gov and in the Federal Register. Immigration experts believe the delay is likely related to implementing a new electronic payment processing system for the recently introduced $1 registration fee.
Major Changes to Green Card Lottery Application Process
The DV-2027 lottery cycle introduces several significant changes that applicants need to know before submitting their entries:
- New $1 Registration Fee: All applicants must pay a mandatory $1 electronic fee when submitting their lottery entry, effective September 16, 2025
- Registration Delay: Opening delayed from early October to an unspecified date in late 2025 or early 2026
- Electronic Payment Required: Fee must be paid through an authorized U.S. government payment portal at time of submission
- No Passport Requirement Yet: Proposed passport mandate will not be implemented for DV-2027 despite being published for public comment
- Existing $330 Fee Remains: Winners selected in the lottery still pay the standard $330 Diversity Visa application processing fee
The final rule establishing the $1 registration fee was published in the Federal Register on September 16, 2025, under docket number DOS-2025-0302. The State Department estimates this fee will generate approximately $25 million in annual revenue to offset the operational costs of administering the lottery program.
Who Is Affected by the DV-2027 Lottery Changes
These changes impact millions of prospective applicants worldwide who hope to immigrate to the United States through the Diversity Visa program. Understanding how these updates affect different groups is crucial for successful application.
For First-Time Green Card Lottery Applicants
If you're applying for the first time, you'll need to prepare a valid payment method that works with U.S. government payment systems before registration opens. Additionally, ensure your passport photo meets the strict U.S. visa photo requirements, including specific dimensions, background color, and recent photo date. The $1 fee is non-refundable, so review all requirements carefully before submitting.
For Previous DV Lottery Participants
Unlike previous years when registration was completely free, you must now budget for the $1 registration fee plus payment processing costs. The delayed opening means you have additional time to prepare compliant documentation and photos. Remember that being selected in previous lottery cycles does not affect your eligibility to apply for DV-2027.
For Immigration Consultants and Legal Representatives
Attorneys and immigration consultants assisting clients with DV lottery applications need to inform applicants about the new fee structure and delayed timeline. You should also warn clients about increased scam activity during registration periods and emphasize that the official government website (dvprogram.state.gov) is the only legitimate application portal.
How to Prepare for DV-2027 Registration - Step by Step
Follow these essential steps to ensure you're ready when DV-2027 registration opens:
- Monitor Official Announcements: Check travel.state.gov regularly for the official registration opening date announcement
- Prepare Payment Method: Set up a credit card, debit card, or other electronic payment method that works for U.S. government transactions
- Get Compliant Photos: Obtain recent passport-style photos that meet all U.S. Department of State specifications, including proper background, lighting, and dimensions
- Gather Required Documents: Compile your passport information, birth certificate details, and educational/work experience documentation
- Verify Eligibility: Confirm your country of birth is eligible for DV-2027 and you meet education or work experience requirements
- Create Account Information: Prepare secure email address and password information for your lottery application account
Important Dates and Timeline for DV-2027
Here are the key dates to remember for the DV-2027 Green Card Lottery program:
- September 16, 2025: New $1 registration fee rule takes effect (published in Federal Register)
- Early October 2025 (Expected): Original anticipated opening date - delayed without specific new date announced
- Late 2025 or Early 2026 (Estimated): Likely registration opening based on State Department statements about "coming months"
- 30-60 Day Window: Expected registration period duration once opened (historically runs about one month)
- May 2026 (Estimated): Lottery results typically announced approximately 6-7 months after registration closes
- October 1, 2026 - September 30, 2027: Fiscal year during which DV-2027 visas will be issued to selected winners
Frequently Asked Questions About DV-2027 Green Card Lottery
Why Is There Now a $1 Fee for the Green Card Lottery?
The U.S. Department of State introduced the $1 registration fee to "more fairly place the burden of the lottery registration on individuals seeking the benefit" rather than charging only the small percentage of winners. The fee covers operational costs including annual system updates, data storage, automated randomized selection, and security reviews. Previously, only selected winners paid fees, but now all approximately 25 million annual applicants share the administrative costs.
Do I Still Need to Pay the $330 Fee If I'm Selected?
Yes, the $330 Diversity Visa application fee remains in place and is separate from the new $1 registration fee. If your lottery entry is selected, you must pay the $330 fee when you submit your formal visa application. The $1 fee only covers the cost to enter the lottery itself, not the visa processing costs.
What Photo Requirements Must I Meet for DV-2027?
Your green card lottery photo must meet strict U.S. Department of State specifications: taken within the last 6 months, 2x2 inches (51x51mm) in size, color photo with white or off-white background, full face visible with neutral expression, and no glasses or headwear unless for religious purposes. Photo quality is a common reason for application rejection, so consider using professional passport photo services that guarantee compliance with U.S. visa photo requirements to avoid disqualification.
Can I Apply for DV-2027 If I Applied for DV-2026?
Absolutely. Each Diversity Visa lottery cycle is completely independent, and applying in previous years does not affect your eligibility for DV-2027. You can apply every year as long as you meet the basic eligibility requirements (country of birth and education/work experience). However, you can only submit one entry per person per lottery cycle - multiple entries will disqualify you.
Will I Need a Passport to Register for DV-2027?
No, you will not need a passport for DV-2027 registration. While the Trump administration proposed a rule on August 5, 2025, requiring all DV lottery applicants to have a passport, the finalization process takes time. The proposed rule had a public comment period that closed September 19, 2025, but will not be implemented for the DV-2027 cycle. However, if selected, you will eventually need a valid passport for visa processing.
What You Need to Know Before Applying
The DV-2027 Green Card Lottery represents a significant opportunity for foreign nationals seeking permanent residence in the United States, but the new $1 fee and delayed registration require applicants to stay informed. The State Department has been clear that registration dates will be announced on their official website, so avoid scam websites claiming to have "insider information" or charging excessive fees for simple registration assistance.
Start preparing now by gathering required documentation and ensuring your passport photo meets all requirements for U.S. visa applications. When registration opens, you'll have approximately 30 days to submit your entry, so having everything ready in advance ensures you don't miss the deadline. Check our detailed visa photo specifications guide to understand exactly what the State Department requires for compliant photos, as photo quality issues are among the most common reasons for application rejection.