Historic Changes to Green Card Lottery Program in 2025
The U.S. Department of State announced major changes to the Diversity Visa (DV) Lottery program in October 2025, marking the first time applicants must pay a fee simply to enter. The new $1 electronic registration fee became effective September 16, 2025, and applies to all DV-2027 lottery registrations starting October 16, 2025.
Additionally, the expected early October opening of the DV-2027 lottery registration has been delayed indefinitely, leaving millions of prospective applicants worldwide in uncertainty. The State Department has not confirmed the exact reason for the postponement, though immigration attorneys speculate it's related to implementing the new payment processing system.
New $1 Registration Fee: Key Changes and Requirements
For the first time in the Diversity Visa Lottery's history, all applicants must pay a non-refundable $1 fee to register for the DV-2027 program. This represents a fundamental shift in how the lottery is funded and managed.
- Effective Date: The final rule was published in the Federal Register on September 16, 2025, and takes effect October 16, 2025
- Payment Method: All payments must be made through the official U.S. government portal at dvprogram.state.gov during registration
- Non-Refundable: Registration fees will not be refunded regardless of lottery results, whether applicants are selected, or whether they proceed with visa applications
- Non-Transferable: Fees cannot be transferred between lottery years, meaning applicants must pay $1 for each year they wish to enter
- Existing Fee Unchanged: The $330 diversity visa application fee for selected winners remains the same
- Revenue Generation: With approximately 25 million annual registrants, the new fee is expected to generate around $25 million annually
The State Department emphasized that this change distributes operational costs more fairly across all registrants rather than charging only the 55,000 lottery winners. Previously, the entire program cost was borne by successful applicants through their $330 application fees.
Why the U.S. Introduced the Registration Fee
According to the Federal Register announcement, the $1 fee reflects actual operational costs of running the annual DV lottery program. The State Department aims to reduce fraudulent entries and more equitably distribute program expenses.
For Program Administration
The fee covers essential operational costs including annual system reviews and updates, data storage for millions of applications, automated randomized selection processes, and comprehensive security reviews. These functions require substantial investment in technology infrastructure and cybersecurity measures to protect applicant data.
For Fraud Prevention
Immigration experts believe the nominal fee will discourage duplicate entries and reduce fraudulent applications. While $1 may seem small, it creates a financial barrier against mass automated submissions and ensures more serious intent from applicants.
For Fair Cost Distribution
The new model ensures all 25 million annual registrants contribute to program costs, rather than only the 55,000 selected winners bearing the full administrative burden. This approach aligns with user-fee principles common in other government services.
DV-2027 Lottery Registration Delay: What We Know
The DV-2027 Diversity Visa Lottery registration was expected to open in early October 2025, following the typical pattern of previous years. However, as of October 13, 2025, the State Department has not announced an official opening date.
- Expected Opening: Early October 2025 (historically aligned with the start of the U.S. fiscal year)
- Current Status: Delayed past expected opening with no confirmed new date
- State Department Response: Officials stated "We will announce registration dates and other details when available" without providing specific reasons
- Likely Cause: Immigration attorneys speculate the delay relates to implementing the new $1 payment processing system globally
- Expected Duration: Registration typically runs 30-35 days (historically October to early November)
This marks the first time in the program's modern history that the registration period has been delayed past its expected October opening. The State Department indicated that detailed information will be published soon on its official website and in the Federal Register.
How to Register for the DV-2027 Green Card Lottery - Step by Step
Once registration opens, follow these essential steps to complete your application correctly and avoid common mistakes that lead to disqualification.
- Visit the Official Website: Go to dvprogram.state.gov (the only legitimate registration portal - beware of fraudulent sites charging excessive fees)
- Prepare Required Documents: Gather your passport, recent digital photo meeting strict specifications (2x2 inches, white background, specific head position), and birth certificates for yourself and family members
- Complete the Electronic Form: Fill out the DS-5501 entry form with accurate personal information, education/work history, and contact details
- Pay the $1 Registration Fee: Submit payment through the secure government portal using an accepted payment method (credit/debit card or other approved options)
- Save Your Confirmation Number: Print or screenshot your confirmation number immediately - this is the only way to check your results later, and you will not receive email notifications
- Verify Your Entry: Return to the website to confirm your entry was successfully submitted before the deadline closes
Important Dates and Timeline for DV-2027 Lottery
Mark these critical dates on your calendar to ensure you don't miss important deadlines in the green card lottery process.
- September 16, 2025: Final rule establishing $1 registration fee published in Federal Register and takes effect immediately
- October 16, 2025: New $1 registration fee requirement begins for all DV-2027 applicants
- October 2025 (TBD): DV-2027 lottery registration expected to open (delayed, awaiting State Department announcement)
- November 2025 (TBD): Registration period expected to close approximately 30-35 days after opening
- May 2026 (Estimated): DV-2027 lottery results typically announced in early May following the registration year
- October 1, 2026 - September 30, 2027: Fiscal year window for DV-2027 visa interviews and processing for selected winners
Who Is Affected by These Green Card Lottery Changes
The new fee and registration delay impact millions of prospective immigrants from eligible countries worldwide. Understanding how these changes affect your specific situation helps you prepare accordingly.
For First-Time Lottery Applicants
If you're applying for the Diversity Visa Lottery for the first time, budget for the $1 registration fee and be prepared to act quickly once registration opens. Ensure you have compliant passport photos ready before the registration period begins, as photo rejections are the leading cause of disqualification. Moreover, familiarize yourself with the official dvprogram.state.gov website to avoid fraudulent third-party services.
For Repeat Applicants
If you've applied in previous years without success, the new $1 fee adds a modest annual cost to your green card pursuit. However, remember that each year represents a fresh opportunity with the same odds as other applicants. Additionally, you must pay the fee each year you wish to enter, as fees are non-refundable and non-transferable between lottery cycles.
For Budget-Conscious Applicants
While $1 is relatively small, families entering multiple members must multiply this cost accordingly. Furthermore, the $330 application fee for selected winners remains unchanged, so budget at least $331 total per person if selected. Consider that these fees are separate from visa application costs, medical examinations, and potential relocation expenses once approved.
Frequently Asked Questions About Green Card Lottery Updates
When Will the DV-2027 Lottery Registration Actually Open?
The U.S. State Department has not announced an official opening date as of October 2025. Immigration officials stated that registration dates will be announced "when available" on the official website at dvprogram.state.gov and in the Federal Register. Based on previous years, expect a 30-35 day registration window once it opens, so monitor the official website regularly for updates.
Is the $1 Registration Fee Refundable If I'm Not Selected?
No, the $1 registration fee is completely non-refundable under all circumstances. According to the Federal Register final rule effective September 16, 2025, fees will not be refunded regardless of lottery results, whether you're selected or not selected, or whether you choose to proceed with a visa application after selection. The fee also cannot be transferred to future lottery years.
How Do I Know If a Green Card Lottery Website Is Legitimate?
The only official website for Diversity Visa Lottery registration is dvprogram.state.gov, operated by the U.S. Department of State. Be extremely cautious of websites charging excessive fees (hundreds of dollars) or claiming to increase your chances of selection. The lottery is completely random, and no service can improve your odds - any such claims are fraudulent.
What Photo Requirements Must I Meet for My DV Lottery Application?
Your digital photo must be 2x2 inches (51x51mm) with your head positioned between 1-1.375 inches (22-35mm) from the bottom of your chin to the top of your head. The photo must have a plain white or off-white background, be taken within the last six months, and show your full face with a neutral expression. Photo errors are the #1 reason for application disqualification, so ensure your passport photo meets all specifications before submitting.
Can I Still Apply If I Applied for DV-2026 Last Year?
Yes, absolutely! Each Diversity Visa Lottery year is completely independent. If you applied for DV-2026 (or any previous year) and were not selected, you can and should apply again for DV-2027. Your previous applications have no bearing on your current year's chances - every applicant has equal odds regardless of application history.
Do All Family Members Need to Pay the $1 Registration Fee?
No, only the primary applicant pays the $1 registration fee. However, you must list all eligible family members (spouse and unmarried children under 21) on your single application. If selected, each family member proceeding with immigration will need to pay the $330 diversity visa application fee separately during the interview process.
What You Need to Know: Key Takeaways
The introduction of the $1 registration fee represents the first fundamental change to the Diversity Visa Lottery's cost structure, affecting an estimated 25 million annual applicants worldwide. While the fee is nominal, it signals the State Department's commitment to reducing fraudulent entries and fairly distributing operational costs across all participants rather than only successful winners.
If you're planning to apply for the DV-2027 lottery, monitor the official dvprogram.state.gov website closely for the registration opening announcement, which has been delayed past its typical early October timeframe. Prepare your documentation in advance, including compliant passport photos that meet strict specifications, to ensure your application is submitted correctly once registration opens. Remember that proper photo requirements are critical - ensure your passport photo meets all U.S. government standards to avoid automatic disqualification, and consider using professional visa photo services like VisaPics to guarantee compliance with all technical specifications.