Historic $1 Registration Fee Introduced for Green Card Lottery
The U.S. Department of State announced on September 16, 2025, that all Diversity Visa Lottery applicants must pay a $1 electronic registration fee starting October 16, 2025. This marks the first time in the program's history that applicants must pay simply to enter the annual green card lottery, affecting an estimated 25 million registrants worldwide.
The new fee applies to the DV-2027 lottery registration period, which is expected to open on October 16, 2025, representing a slight delay from the typical early October timeline. Previously, the Diversity Visa program was completely free to enter, with fees only required if an applicant was selected and chose to proceed with their visa application.
Key Changes to Diversity Visa Lottery Program
The State Department has implemented several significant changes that all prospective applicants need to understand before registering.
- $1 Registration Fee: Every entrant must pay $1 USD at the time of online registration through the official government portal at dvprogram.state.gov
- Non-Refundable Payment: The fee will not be refunded under any circumstances, even if your entry is invalid, not selected, or you decide not to proceed
- Annual Fee Requirement: The $1 fee cannot be transferred to future lottery years; applicants must pay again for each year's registration
- Delayed Opening Date: DV-2027 registration begins October 16, 2025, instead of the traditional October 1-3 opening window
- Existing Visa Fee Unchanged: The $330 Diversity Visa application fee for selected winners remains the same and is paid separately
The State Department projects this change will generate approximately $25 million annually in new revenue. These funds will cover program operational costs, including system upgrades, enhanced data collection, and security reviews to combat fraud.
Who Is Affected by the New Green Card Lottery Fee
The $1 registration fee impacts all prospective Diversity Visa applicants worldwide, regardless of their country of origin or immigration status.
For First-Time Applicants
If you're entering the green card lottery for the first time, you'll need to budget for the $1 registration fee plus have a valid payment method accepted by the U.S. government portal. The fee must be paid electronically during the registration window, so ensure you have access to a debit or credit card before the October 16, 2025 opening date.
For Annual Repeat Applicants
If you've applied to the Diversity Visa lottery in previous years, this represents a new cost you haven't encountered before. You must pay the $1 fee each time you register, meaning if you apply annually for five years, you'll pay $5 total in registration fees alone, regardless of whether you're ever selected.
For Family Members
Each family member does not need to pay a separate registration fee. One principal applicant can include their spouse and unmarried children under 21 on a single registration, requiring only one $1 payment for the entire family entry.
How to Register for DV-2027 Green Card Lottery - Step by Step
Follow these steps to successfully submit your Diversity Visa lottery entry for DV-2027.
- Wait for Official Opening: Registration opens October 16, 2025 at noon EDT on the official website dvprogram.state.gov (do not use third-party sites)
- Gather Required Documents: Prepare a recent passport-style photo meeting strict U.S. diversity visa photo requirements, passport information, and education/work experience documentation
- Complete Online Form: Fill out the Electronic Diversity Visa Entry Form (E-DV) with accurate personal information, including birth date, country of birth, and education level
- Pay $1 Registration Fee: Submit payment using an accepted electronic payment method through the secure government portal during form submission
- Save Confirmation Number: Print or screenshot your unique confirmation number immediately - this is the only way to check your lottery results in May 2026
- Submit Before Deadline: Complete registration before the closing date, typically in early November (exact date to be announced with registration opening)
Important Dates and Timeline for DV-2027
Mark these critical dates on your calendar to ensure you don't miss any deadlines.
- October 16, 2025: DV-2027 registration period opens at noon EDT with new $1 fee requirement
- Early November 2025: Registration period closes (exact date to be announced, historically around November 7-8)
- May 2026: DV-2027 lottery results announced via Entrant Status Check at dvprogram.state.gov/ESC
- October 1, 2026 - September 30, 2027: Fiscal Year 2027 visa interview and processing period for selected winners
- September 30, 2027: Final deadline for DV-2027 winners to complete all processing and receive immigrant visas
Frequently Asked Questions About Green Card Lottery Changes
Why Did the U.S. Government Add a Registration Fee?
The State Department introduced the $1 fee to generate revenue from all 25 million annual applicants rather than only the 55,000 lottery winners. This broader funding base will cover program operational costs, including technology upgrades and enhanced security measures to prevent fraud. The fee helps ensure the program's sustainability while keeping costs relatively low for applicants.
Can I Get a Refund If I'm Not Selected?
No, the $1 registration fee is completely non-refundable under all circumstances. Whether you are not selected, your entry is found invalid, you make a mistake on your application, or you simply change your mind, the State Department will not issue refunds. This policy applies even if technical issues prevent you from completing your registration.
Do I Still Need to Pay the $330 Visa Fee If Selected?
Yes, the $1 registration fee is separate from and in addition to the existing $330 Diversity Visa application fee. If you're selected in the lottery and choose to proceed with your green card application, you'll need to pay the $330 fee plus additional costs for medical examinations, police certificates, and passport photos that meet specific requirements for your visa interview.
How Do I Check My DV-2027 Lottery Results?
Results will be available in May 2026 exclusively through the official Entrant Status Check website at dvprogram.state.gov/ESC. You must enter your confirmation number from your registration to check your status. The State Department will not send notification letters by mail or email, making your confirmation number absolutely critical to save.
What You Need to Know About the Green Card Lottery Changes
The introduction of the $1 registration fee represents the most significant change to the Diversity Visa program in recent years, but the overall application process remains accessible to millions worldwide. While this adds a new cost, the fee is minimal compared to other immigration pathways and still offers one of the most affordable routes to U.S. permanent residency.
If you're planning to apply for the DV-2027 lottery, ensure your passport photo meets all official requirements before the October 16 registration opening. VisaPics can help you create compliant diversity visa photos that meet strict U.S. State Department specifications, including exact dimensions, background color, and facial positioning requirements. Don't let an incorrect photo disqualify your entry - prepare early and give yourself the best chance at winning the green card lottery.