Historic Change: Green Card Lottery No Longer Free
The U.S. Department of State published a final rule on September 16, 2025, requiring all Diversity Visa (DV) lottery applicants to pay a $1 electronic registration fee starting with the DV-2027 cycle. This marks the first time in the program's history that the Green Card lottery will not be completely free to enter.
The new fee takes effect for DV-2027 registration, which was expected to open in early October 2025 but has been delayed. The State Department has not yet announced official opening dates for the registration period.
Key Changes to the Diversity Visa Lottery Program
Several important updates affect prospective applicants for the upcoming lottery cycle:
- New $1 Entry Fee: Every applicant must pay $1 when submitting their electronic entry on the official government website
- Implementation Date: The new fee structure becomes effective October 16, 2025 for the DV-2027 program cycle
- Additional to Existing Fees: The $1 charge is separate from the $330 Diversity Visa application fee that selected winners pay later
- Electronic Payment Required: Fees will be collected through an authorized U.S. government payment portal at the time of registration
- Registration Delayed: DV-2027 registration has been postponed past the typical early October start date with no confirmed opening announced
- Revenue Projection: The State Department estimates the new fee will generate approximately $25 million annually from 25 million registrations
The registration delay is believed to be linked to implementing the technical infrastructure needed to collect the new $1 fee electronically. Immigration attorneys also speculate that recent government operations may have contributed to the postponement.
Who Is Affected by These Green Card Lottery Changes
These updates impact millions of prospective immigrants worldwide who rely on the Diversity Visa program. Understanding how these changes affect different groups is essential for proper preparation.
For First-Time DV Lottery Applicants
If you're planning to enter the Green Card lottery for the first time, you'll need to budget for the $1 entry fee when registration opens. This fee is non-refundable regardless of whether you're selected. Additionally, ensure you have a valid payment method accepted by the U.S. government portal before registration begins.
For Previous DV Lottery Participants
Veterans of the lottery process must adapt to the new payment requirement during registration. Unlike previous years when entry was completely free, you'll now need to complete an electronic payment as part of the submission process. The overall process remains similar, but allow extra time for payment processing.
For DV-2026 Winners Currently Applying
If you were selected in the DV-2026 lottery (results announced May 3, 2025), these changes do not affect you. Your application deadline runs through September 30, 2026, and you only need to pay the standard $330 diversity visa application fee. The new $1 registration fee only applies to future lottery cycles.
How to Register for the DV-2027 Lottery - Step by Step
When registration opens, follow these steps to submit your Green Card lottery entry with the new fee requirement:
- Monitor Official Announcements: Check travel.state.gov regularly for the confirmed DV-2027 registration opening date (expected late October or early November 2025)
- Gather Required Documents: Prepare a recent digital passport photo that meets strict U.S. visa photo requirements - VisaPics can help ensure your photo meets all specifications
- Prepare Payment Method: Have a valid credit card, debit card, or other accepted electronic payment method ready for the $1 registration fee
- Complete Electronic Entry: Fill out the official DV entry form at dvprogram.state.gov with accurate personal information, education, and work history
- Submit Payment and Entry: Pay the $1 non-refundable fee electronically and submit your application before the registration deadline (typically early November)
- Save Confirmation Number: Print or screenshot your unique confirmation number immediately - you'll need this to check your results in May 2026
- Avoid Scams: Never pay anyone to submit your entry or check results - the only official website is dvprogram.state.gov
Important Dates and Timeline for Green Card Lottery
Keep these critical dates in mind for the Diversity Visa program:
- September 16, 2025: New $1 registration fee rule published in Federal Register and became effective
- October 16, 2025: Official implementation date for the new fee structure
- Late October/Early November 2025: Expected opening of DV-2027 registration period (awaiting State Department announcement)
- Early November 2025: Registration deadline (typically 30 days after opening, exact date TBD)
- May 2026: DV-2027 lottery results announcement date (selected applicants can check results online)
- October 1, 2026 - September 30, 2027: Visa application window for DV-2027 winners
Frequently Asked Questions About Green Card Lottery Updates
Why Is the State Department Charging a $1 Fee for DV Lottery Registration?
The State Department introduced the fee to make the Diversity Visa program more self-sustaining and to distribute costs across all participants rather than only selected winners. The government estimates this will generate $25 million annually to offset program administration costs. Previously, only the small percentage of selected applicants paid fees, while the government absorbed the cost of processing millions of entries.
Can I Get a Refund If I'm Not Selected in the Green Card Lottery?
No, the $1 registration fee is non-refundable regardless of lottery results. This fee covers the administrative cost of processing your entry. If you're selected, you'll pay an additional $330 diversity visa application fee when applying for your immigrant visa. Make sure your passport photo meets all requirements before paying the fee to avoid wasted applications.
When Will DV-2027 Registration Actually Open?
The State Department has not announced official dates yet, but registration typically opens in early October and closes in early November. The delay is likely due to implementing the new payment system. Monitor the official website at travel.state.gov for announcements, as registration periods are usually only 30 days long and missing the window means waiting another year.
What Happens to People Who Already Entered DV-2026?
DV-2026 participants are unaffected by the new fee. Results were announced on May 3, 2025, and winners have until September 30, 2026 to complete their visa applications. The $1 registration fee only applies to DV-2027 and future lottery cycles. If you entered DV-2026, check your results at dvprogram.state.gov using your confirmation number.
Are There Any Other Changes to Diversity Visa Eligibility Requirements?
No, eligibility requirements remain unchanged. Applicants must be from eligible countries, have at least a high school education or two years of qualifying work experience, and meet health and security requirements. The program continues to offer 55,000 immigrant visas annually through random selection from approximately 125,000 initial selectees.
What You Need to Know About Green Card Lottery Updates
The introduction of a $1 registration fee represents the most significant change to the Diversity Visa lottery in years, ending decades of free entry. While the fee is minimal, it reflects the State Department's move toward cost recovery and may help reduce fraudulent entries. The delayed DV-2027 registration is expected to open soon, so prospective applicants should prepare their documents and payment methods now.
Success in the Green Card lottery starts with proper preparation, particularly ensuring your passport photo meets strict U.S. visa photo specifications - incorrect photos are a leading cause of application rejection. Whether you're a first-time applicant or a lottery veteran, stay informed through official government channels and avoid third-party services promising guaranteed selection. Check the official State Department website regularly for DV-2027 registration dates and submit your entry as soon as the window opens.