Green Card Lottery Introduces Historic Changes for 2025
The U.S. Department of State has confirmed major changes to the Diversity Visa Lottery program for 2025, marking the first time in the program's history that applicants will be required to pay a registration fee. The DV-2027 program will now charge a $1 electronic registration fee starting October 16, 2025, affecting an estimated 25 million annual applicants worldwide.
Additionally, the State Department has proposed a new passport upload requirement designed to combat fraud and duplicate entries. These changes come as registration for DV-2027 has been delayed beyond the traditional early October start date, with official dates yet to be announced.
Key Changes to the Green Card Lottery Program
The Diversity Visa program is undergoing its most significant transformation in recent years. Here's what applicants need to know:
- $1 Registration Fee: All DV-2027 applicants must pay $1 when submitting their entry, effective October 16, 2025 (final rule published September 16, 2025)
- Passport Upload Requirement: Proposed rule requires applicants to upload a scan of their valid, unexpired passport's biographic and signature pages during registration
- Registration Delay: DV-2027 registration has been postponed from the usual early October start date, with the State Department promising to announce dates "in the coming months"
- 55,000 Visas Available: The annual cap remains unchanged at 55,000 immigrant visas distributed through random selection
- Fraud Prevention Focus: New requirements aim to prevent duplicate submissions, mass entries by brokers, and unauthorized registrations
- Enhanced Vetting: Passport information will include unique serial number, holder name, issuing country, and expiration date for identity verification
The existing $330 visa application fee for selected winners remains unchanged and is separate from the new $1 registration fee. The new fee is expected to generate approximately $25 million annually to help cover program administration costs.
Who Is Affected by These Green Card Lottery Changes
These updates will impact millions of diversity visa applicants worldwide. Here's how different groups are affected:
For First-Time Green Card Lottery Applicants
If you're planning to enter the DV lottery for the first time, you'll need to budget for the $1 registration fee and ensure you have a valid, unexpired passport before registration opens. The passport requirement (if finalized) means you cannot apply without proper travel documentation, unlike previous years where passport information wasn't mandatory at the entry stage.
For Previous DV Lottery Participants
If you've entered the green card lottery in prior years without being selected, you'll notice the new payment requirement and must provide passport details during registration. The $1 fee applies to every entry, so if you plan to enter multiple years, factor this recurring cost into your immigration planning.
For Immigration Consultants and Sponsors
Third-party services that previously submitted mass entries will face higher barriers due to the cumulative $1 fee per applicant and passport verification requirements. The State Department has emphasized that these changes specifically target fraudulent broker services that submit entries without applicants' knowledge or consent.
How to Register for the DV-2027 Green Card Lottery - Step by Step
When registration opens, follow these steps to submit your diversity visa lottery entry:
- Wait for Official Announcement: Monitor the U.S. State Department website at travel.state.gov for the official registration period dates (expected October-November 2025)
- Prepare Your Valid Passport: Ensure you have an unexpired passport and can scan the biographic and signature pages clearly (if passport requirement is finalized)
- Gather Required Documents: Collect recent passport photos that meet U.S. visa photo requirements, birth certificates, and education/work experience documentation
- Visit the Official Portal: Go directly to dvprogram.state.gov (the only legitimate DV lottery website) and complete the electronic entry form
- Pay the $1 Registration Fee: Submit payment electronically through the official portal when you click "submit" on your completed application
- Save Your Confirmation Number: Print or screenshot your unique confirmation number - this is the only way to check your results later
- Check Results in May: Winners are typically announced in early May each year through the official website using your confirmation number
Important Dates and Timeline for DV-2027
Mark these critical dates on your calendar for the Green Card Lottery program:
- September 16, 2025: Final rule published establishing $1 registration fee for DV-2027
- October 16, 2025: New $1 electronic registration fee takes effect
- October-November 2025 (TBD): Expected DV-2027 registration period (exact dates to be announced)
- May 2026 (Estimated): DV-2027 lottery results announcement at 12:00 p.m. EDT
- October 1, 2026 - September 30, 2027: Fiscal year 2027 visa application and interview period for selected winners
Frequently Asked Questions About Green Card Lottery Changes
Why Is the U.S. Charging a Fee for the Diversity Visa Lottery?
The $1 registration fee helps cover program administration costs by distributing expenses across all 25 million annual applicants rather than only the 55,000 winners. The fee also serves as a fraud deterrent, making mass submissions by unauthorized brokers financially prohibitive and reducing duplicate or automated entries.
Do I Need a Passport to Enter the Green Card Lottery Now?
The passport upload requirement is currently a proposed rule, not yet finalized as of November 2025. If approved, you'll need a valid, unexpired passport to register for DV-2027, and must upload scans of the biographic and signature pages. The State Department aims to prevent fraud cases where people are entered without their knowledge.
When Will DV-2027 Registration Open?
The State Department has confirmed a delay from the usual early October opening but has not announced specific dates. According to the November 2025 Visa Bulletin, "Dates for the DV-2027 program registration period will be widely publicized in the coming months." Applicants should regularly check travel.state.gov for official announcements.
How Can I Avoid Green Card Lottery Scams?
Only use the official U.S. State Department website at dvprogram.state.gov to submit your entry. Be wary of third parties claiming to increase your chances, charging excessive fees beyond the $1 official fee, or stating they're affiliated with the government. The State Department does not use agents and never contacts winners by phone, email, or mail.
What You Need to Know About the Green Card Lottery Updates
The 2025 changes to the Diversity Visa Lottery represent the program's most significant modernization in years, with the $1 registration fee and proposed passport verification requirement aimed at reducing fraud while maintaining access to 55,000 annual green card opportunities. The delayed registration timeline means applicants should stay vigilant for official announcements expected in the coming months.
If you're planning to apply for DV-2027, start preparing now by ensuring your passport is valid and your passport photo meets all U.S. visa photo specifications. Remember to only use the official State Department website, never pay more than the $1 registration fee at entry (plus the $330 fee only if selected), and save your confirmation number to check results in May 2026. For assistance with visa photo requirements for your green card lottery application, professional photo services can ensure your documentation meets all official specifications before registration opens.