Historic Change: First-Ever Registration Fee Introduced
The U.S. Department of State has announced a major policy shift for the Diversity Visa (DV) Lottery program, introducing a $1 electronic registration fee for the first time in the program's history. Starting October 16, 2025, all applicants entering the DV-2027 lottery must pay this non-refundable fee when submitting their entry through the official government website.
This marks a significant departure from previous years when the Green Card lottery was completely free to enter. The new fee rule will affect the DV-2027 registration period, which is expected to open in early October 2025 and continue through mid-November 2025.
Key Updates for DV-2027 Application Period
The upcoming DV-2027 lottery will provide 55,000 immigrant visas to individuals from countries with historically low rates of immigration to the United States. Here are the critical dates and requirements applicants need to know:
- Registration Period: Early October 2025 through November 2025 (exact dates to be announced)
- New Fee Implementation: October 16, 2025
- Results Announcement: Expected May 2026
- Visa Processing Period: October 2026 through September 2027
The $1 registration fee is collected only through the official website at dvprogram.state.gov and is separate from the existing $330 Diversity Visa application fee that applies only to selected applicants during the interview process.
Important Eligibility Changes and Warnings
Recent changes have affected eligibility for certain countries. Most notably, Cuban natives are not eligible for the DV-2026 program because more than 50,000 Cubans immigrated to the United States in the last five years. Applicants should verify their country's eligibility status before applying.
The State Department has also issued urgent warnings about fraudulent websites and services attempting to exploit the new fee structure. Officials emphasize that applicants must only use the official U.S. government website and should be wary of third-party sites charging higher fees or claiming to improve chances of selection.
Critical Anti-Fraud Reminders:
- Only use dvprogram.state.gov for registration
- The official fee is only $1 for registration
- No service can guarantee lottery selection
- Submitting multiple entries results in automatic disqualification
- The State Department never notifies winners by email or mail
Impact on Prospective Immigrants
While the new $1 fee represents the first cost barrier to entry, immigration experts note it remains one of the most accessible pathways to U.S. permanent residency. The fee is intended to help offset administrative costs while deterring fraudulent multiple entries.
For the current DV-2026 cycle, results became available on May 3, 2025, and selected applicants have until September 30, 2026, to complete their visa processing, though visa numbers may be exhausted before that deadline.
How to Prepare for DV-2027 Registration
Prospective applicants should prepare the following before the registration period opens:
- Recent digital photograph meeting specific requirements
- Valid passport information for the principal applicant and all family members
- Payment method for the $1 registration fee
- High school diploma or equivalent, or two years of qualifying work experience
Looking Ahead
The U.S. Department of State will publish detailed instructions and official dates in the Federal Register before the DV-2027 registration period opens. Applicants are encouraged to monitor the official website regularly and avoid relying on third-party services that may charge excessive fees or provide misleading information.
With approximately 55,000 diversity visas available annually and millions of applications received, preparation and adherence to official guidelines remain crucial for applicants hoping to secure one of the limited green cards through this program.