Green Card Lottery 2027 Registration Delayed With New Fee Structure
The U.S. Department of State has officially delayed the DV-2027 Green Card lottery registration beyond its traditional early October opening date, marking an unusual departure from the program's typical timeline. As of November 1, 2025, the State Department has not announced specific registration dates, stating only that dates will be "widely publicized in the coming months" on travel.state.gov and in the Federal Register.
For the first time in the program's history, applicants will be required to pay a $1 electronic registration fee when the DV-2027 lottery opens. This mandatory fee, which took effect on September 16, 2025, represents a significant shift from the previously free entry process and is expected to generate approximately $25 million annually to cover operational costs.
Key Changes to the 2027 Diversity Visa Lottery
The DV-2027 program introduces several important modifications that applicants need to understand before registration opens:
- $1 Registration Fee: All entries must include a $1 electronic payment submitted at the time of application submission via the official State Department website
- Delayed Opening: Registration has been postponed from the expected early October 2025 date, with no confirmed opening timeline as of November 2025
- 55,000 Visas Available: The program will offer up to 55,000 immigrant visas to qualifying applicants from eligible countries worldwide
- Payment Processing System: Immigration experts believe the delay relates to implementing the new electronic payment infrastructure to handle the $1 fee globally
- No Passport Requirement Yet: A proposed rule requiring passport uploads has been delayed and will not take effect for DV-2027 registration
The State Department confirmed that "the Diversity Visa program is established by statute, and the Department of State will continue to implement the program as required by law," emphasizing that despite the delay, the program will proceed as mandated by Congress. Additionally, officials noted that "this year, there will be changes to the DV entry process" beyond just the registration fee.
Who Is Affected By These Green Card Lottery Changes
These delays and fee changes impact millions of prospective applicants worldwide who rely on the Diversity Visa lottery as their primary pathway to U.S. permanent residency. Understanding how these changes affect different groups is essential for proper preparation.
For First-Time Applicants
If you're planning to enter the Green Card lottery for the first time, you'll need to prepare payment methods that work with U.S. government systems, as the $1 fee will be mandatory. You should also ensure your passport photo meets official U.S. visa photo requirements, as photo quality remains a common reason for application rejection, even with the fee in place.
For Previous Lottery Participants
Veterans of the DV lottery process should note that the $1 fee represents a fundamental change to the application procedure you're familiar with. Additionally, the delayed timeline means you'll need to monitor official State Department channels more closely than in previous years when October openings were predictable.
For DV-2026 Winners Currently Processing
If you were selected in the DV-2026 lottery (results announced May 3, 2025), these DV-2027 changes do not affect your current application. Continue processing your case according to the instructions in your selection notification, as your visa numbers remain valid through September 30, 2026.
How to Prepare for DV-2027 Registration - Step by Step
While registration dates remain unannounced, you can take these preparatory steps now to ensure you're ready when the window opens:
- Verify Eligibility: Confirm your country of birth qualifies for the DV program (check the official State Department list of eligible countries, as some high-immigration nations are excluded)
- Prepare Payment Method: Ensure you have a valid credit or debit card that works for international transactions to pay the $1 registration fee
- Get Compliant Photos: Obtain recent passport-style photos that meet strict U.S. visa photo specifications (2x2 inches, white background, specific head positioning) for yourself and all family members
- Gather Required Documents: Collect passport information, birth certificates, marriage certificates (if applicable), and educational documentation proving high school completion or equivalent work experience
- Monitor Official Channels: Bookmark dvprogram.state.gov and check regularly for the official registration announcement, as the State Department will not send individual notifications
Important Dates and Timeline for DV-2027 Lottery
Understanding the expected timeline helps you plan accordingly, even as specific dates remain pending official announcement:
- September 16, 2025: $1 electronic registration fee rule published in Federal Register and took effect immediately
- October 2025 (Expected but Delayed): Traditional opening date for DV lottery registration did not occur as anticipated
- November 2025 - January 2026 (Estimated): Registration period expected to open and run for approximately 30-60 days once announced
- May 2026 (Estimated): Results typically announced approximately 6-7 months after registration closes via dvprogram.state.gov
- October 2026 - September 2027: Selected winners process applications and receive visas during this fiscal year period
Frequently Asked Questions About the Green Card Lottery Delay
Why Was the DV-2027 Lottery Registration Delayed?
The U.S. State Department has not provided an official reason for the delay beyond stating that registration dates will be announced "in the coming months." Immigration attorneys speculate the delay relates to implementing the new $1 electronic payment processing system worldwide, which requires significant technical infrastructure. The State Department confirmed "there will be changes to the DV entry process" this year, suggesting additional modifications beyond the fee.
Can I Still Enter the Green Card Lottery for Free?
No, the DV-2027 lottery will be the first to require a mandatory $1 electronic registration fee paid at the time of entry submission. This represents a permanent change to the program, and the fee is expected to continue for all future lottery cycles. However, $1 remains significantly more affordable than most other immigration application fees.
What Happens If I Don't Have Proper Photos When Registration Opens?
Photo quality is one of the most common reasons for DV lottery application disqualification, even among otherwise eligible applicants. If registration opens and you don't have compliant photos ready, you risk submitting poor-quality images that could lead to automatic rejection. Professional passport photo services like VisaPics ensure your photos meet all technical specifications including exact dimensions, background color, head position, and lighting requirements for U.S. diversity visa applications.
What You Need to Know About the DV-2027 Lottery
The delayed DV-2027 Green Card lottery registration, combined with the new $1 fee requirement, signals important changes to the Diversity Visa program that applicants worldwide must navigate carefully. While the State Department has confirmed the program will proceed as required by law, the lack of specific timeline information means prospective applicants must remain vigilant and monitor official channels for announcements.
To maximize your chances of success when registration opens, prepare all required documents now, ensure your passport photos meet strict U.S. specifications, and have your payment method ready for the $1 fee. Visit VisaPics to create compliant diversity visa photos that meet all official requirements, and bookmark dvprogram.state.gov to receive immediate notification when the registration period officially opens.