Historic $1 Fee Introduced for Green Card Lottery Registration
The U.S. Department of State announced a groundbreaking change to the Diversity Visa (DV) Lottery program in September 2025, introducing a $1 electronic registration fee beginning October 16, 2025. This marks the first time in the program's history that applicants must pay a fee simply to enter the annual green card lottery, affecting millions of prospective immigrants worldwide.
The new fee applies to the DV-2027 registration cycle and all future lottery years. According to the State Department, this change aims to "more fairly allocate the costs of managing the random selection process to those who register," shifting administrative costs from taxpayers to actual participants.
DV-2027 Registration Delayed Beyond Expected October Opening
In an unexpected development, the registration period for DV-2027 has been delayed past its anticipated early October 2025 opening date. As of October 21, 2025, the State Department has not announced official registration dates, leaving thousands of applicants in limbo.
A State Department spokesperson confirmed that "dates for the DV-2027 program registration period will be widely publicized in the coming months" through the official website at travel.state.gov and in the Federal Register. Industry experts initially expected registration to open around October 2-16, 2025 and close in early November 2025, following historical patterns.
Key Changes to the Diversity Visa Lottery Program
Here are the most significant updates affecting green card lottery applicants in 2025:
- $1 Registration Fee: All DV-2027 applicants must pay $1 when submitting electronic entries through the official government portal
- Non-Refundable Payment: Registration fees cannot be refunded regardless of lottery results or application status
- No Fee Transfers: Fees paid for one lottery year cannot be transferred to future registration periods
- Additional Fees Unchanged: The $330 DV application fee for selected winners remains the same
- Payment Required Upfront: Applicants must pay the $1 fee at the time of initial registration submission
- Electronic Payment Only: Payments must be processed through the authorized U.S. government portal
The registration fee represents a significant policy shift for the program, which has offered free entry since its inception in 1990. While $1 may seem nominal, it ensures that only serious applicants participate and helps fund the lottery's administrative infrastructure.
Who Is Affected by These Green Card Lottery Changes
The new fee and registration delays impact several groups of prospective immigrants. Understanding how these changes affect your specific situation is crucial for proper visa application planning.
For First-Time DV Lottery Applicants
If you're planning to apply for the green card lottery for the first time, you'll need to prepare payment information before registration opens. Ensure you have a valid payment method accepted by U.S. government portals, such as a credit or debit card. Monitor the official State Department website daily for registration opening announcements to avoid missing the narrow application window.
For Previous DV Lottery Participants
Even if you've applied in previous years, the new $1 fee requirement means you'll need to update your application process. Previous free entries do not exempt you from paying the registration fee. Additionally, if you're selected from DV-2026 results (announced May 3, 2025), you have until September 30, 2026, to complete your visa application process.
For Countries with Changing Eligibility Status
Cuban nationals are currently ineligible for DV-2026 because more than 50,000 Cubans immigrated to the United States in the previous five years. If you're from a country with fluctuating immigration numbers, verify your eligibility before paying the registration fee, as it's non-refundable even if you're later deemed ineligible.
How to Apply for the Green Card Lottery - Step by Step
Follow these essential steps to successfully register for the Diversity Visa Lottery when DV-2027 opens:
- Monitor Official Announcements: Check travel.state.gov regularly for the official DV-2027 registration opening date (expected late October or early November 2025)
- Prepare Required Documents: Gather a recent digital passport photo that meets strict U.S. visa photo requirements, including proper background, dimensions, and head positioning
- Complete Online Entry Form: Visit the official Electronic Diversity Visa Entry Form at dvprogram.state.gov when registration opens
- Pay $1 Registration Fee: Submit payment through the authorized government portal using a valid credit or debit card at the time of entry
- Save Confirmation Number: Print and securely store your confirmation number - this is the only way to check your lottery results later
- Submit One Entry Only: Multiple entries will disqualify you from the lottery, so submit only one application per person
- Check Results in May: Winners are typically announced in May of the following year through the Entrant Status Check at dvprogram.state.gov
Important Dates and Timeline for DV Programs
Keep these critical dates in mind for current and upcoming Diversity Visa Lottery cycles:
- May 3, 2025: DV-2026 results announced and available through Entrant Status Check
- October 1, 2025 - September 30, 2026: DV-2026 winners can apply for immigrant visas during this fiscal year window
- October 16, 2025 (earliest): $1 registration fee requirement takes effect for DV-2027
- Late October/Early November 2025: Expected DV-2027 registration period (dates not yet officially announced)
- May 2026 (estimated): DV-2027 lottery results expected to be announced
- September 30, 2026: Final deadline for DV-2026 selectees to complete visa processing
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the $1 Green Card Lottery Fee Refundable?
No, the $1 registration fee is completely non-refundable. You will not receive a refund even if you are not selected in the lottery, decide not to proceed with your application, or are found ineligible after registration. The fee cannot be transferred to future lottery years.
How Many Green Cards Are Available Through the DV Lottery?
The Diversity Visa Lottery makes up to 55,000 green cards available each fiscal year. However, for DV-2026, approximately 129,516 selectees (including spouses and children) were registered, meaning selection does not guarantee a green card. Visas are processed on a first-come, first-served basis until the 55,000 limit is reached.
What Photo Requirements Must I Meet for the Green Card Lottery?
Your digital passport photo must meet strict U.S. specifications: taken within the last six months, 2x2 inches (51x51mm), white or off-white background, full face view with neutral expression, and specific head height requirements. Using a professional passport photo service like VisaPics ensures your photo meets all technical requirements and won't cause application rejection.
Can I Still Apply If the DV-2027 Registration Is Delayed?
Yes, you can still apply once registration officially opens. The delay simply means the application window will open later than historically expected. Continue monitoring travel.state.gov for the official announcement, as the registration period typically lasts only 30-60 days once it begins.
What Happens If I'm Selected in the DV Lottery?
If selected, you'll be notified through the Entrant Status Check system (not by email or mail). You must then complete Form DS-260, pay the $330 visa application fee, attend a visa interview at a U.S. embassy or consulate, and provide required documentation including police certificates, medical examinations, and proof of education or work experience.
What You Need to Know About Green Card Lottery Changes
The introduction of the $1 registration fee and DV-2027 delays represent significant shifts in the Diversity Visa Lottery program. While the fee is modest, it marks a fundamental change in how the program operates, potentially reducing frivolous entries and ensuring more serious applicants participate. The delayed registration timeline emphasizes the importance of monitoring official government sources rather than relying on historical patterns.
For prospective applicants, proper preparation is essential for success in this competitive program. Ensure your passport photo meets all U.S. visa photo requirements before registration opens, as photo rejections are a leading cause of disqualification. Consider using professional services to guarantee compliance with technical specifications. Stay informed through official State Department channels, prepare your payment method in advance, and be ready to submit your application as soon as the registration window opens to maximize your chances of securing one of the 55,000 available green cards.