Historic Changes Coming to Green Card Lottery in 2025
The U.S. State Department announced major changes to the Diversity Visa (DV) Lottery program on September 16, 2025, marking the first time in the program's history that applicants will pay a registration fee. Starting with DV-2027, all entries will require a $1 non-refundable payment, and new passport verification requirements will take effect to combat fraud.
Additionally, the Department confirmed on November 5, 2025, that DV-2027 registration remains delayed beyond its typical October opening. Meanwhile, DV-2026 lottery results were released on May 3, 2025, affecting approximately 129,516 selectees worldwide.
Key Changes for DV-2027 Diversity Visa Lottery
The State Department implemented several significant policy updates that will affect millions of annual applicants:
- $1 Registration Fee: First-ever entry fee for the Green Card Lottery, taking effect for DV-2027 cycle starting in fall 2025
- Delayed Registration: DV-2027 entry period has not yet opened as of November 2025, despite typical early October start dates
- Passport Verification Required: New rule requires valid, unexpired passport information and biographical page scans for all applicants
- Enhanced Fraud Prevention: Fee structure designed to reduce fraudulent and duplicate entries among 25 million annual registrants
- Revenue Generation: Expected to generate $25 million annually to cover program operational costs
- Same Visa Allocation: 50,000-55,000 green cards will still be randomly awarded to winners from eligible countries
The $1 fee is separate from the existing $330 Diversity Visa application fee that selected winners pay later. This means applicants pay $1 to enter the lottery, and only winners who proceed with their applications pay the additional $330 processing fee.
Who Is Affected by These Green Card Lottery Changes
These policy updates impact different groups of immigration hopefuls in distinct ways. Understanding your category helps you prepare properly.
For DV-2027 First-Time Applicants
If you're planning to enter the Green Card Lottery for the first time, you'll need a valid passport before registration opens. You must also have a compliant passport photo that meets strict U.S. visa photo requirements. VisaPics specializes in creating passport photos that meet all government specifications, ensuring your application isn't disqualified for photo errors.
For Previous DV Lottery Participants
Even if you've entered before, you must pay the new $1 fee for DV-2027 registration. The payment is non-refundable regardless of lottery outcome. Additionally, you'll need to provide passport information this year, which wasn't required in previous cycles.
For DV-2026 Selectees
If you were selected in the May 3, 2025 results announcement, you can apply for an immigrant visa from October 1, 2025 through September 30, 2026. You must complete your visa application and interview before the September 30, 2026 deadline, or you'll lose your opportunity permanently.
How to Apply for DV-2027 Green Card Lottery - Step by Step
Follow these steps to ensure your application is complete and compliant when registration opens:
- Obtain Valid Passport: Ensure you have an unexpired passport with at least 6 months validity before registration opens
- Prepare Compliant Passport Photos: Get photos that meet exact U.S. specifications (2x2 inches, white background, recent within 6 months)
- Monitor Official DV Website: Check dvprogram.state.gov regularly for DV-2027 registration opening announcement
- Gather Required Information: Prepare biographical data, passport details, and education/work history documentation
- Submit Entry on Official Site Only: Apply only through dvprogram.state.gov - never through third-party websites
- Pay $1 Registration Fee: Complete payment when submitting your entry through the official portal
- Save Confirmation Number: Print and store your confirmation number safely to check results in May 2026
Important Dates and Timeline for Diversity Visa Lottery
Mark these critical deadlines on your calendar to avoid missing opportunities:
- May 3, 2025 - September 30, 2026: DV-2026 results available for checking on dvprogram.state.gov
- September 16, 2025: $1 registration fee rule officially published in Federal Register
- October 1, 2025 - September 30, 2026: DV-2026 winners can apply for immigrant visas
- Fall 2025 (TBD): DV-2027 registration period expected to open (exact dates pending announcement)
- May 2026 (Estimated): DV-2027 lottery results will be released
- September 30, 2026: Final deadline for DV-2026 selectees to receive visas
Frequently Asked Questions About Green Card Lottery Updates
Why Is the DV-2027 Registration Delayed?
The State Department has not provided specific reasons for the delay beyond implementing new system changes. The delay is likely related to updating the registration portal to accommodate the new $1 fee payment system and enhanced passport verification requirements. Registration typically opens in early October, but as of November 2025, no official dates have been announced.
Is the $1 Green Card Lottery Fee Refundable?
No, the $1 registration fee is completely non-refundable regardless of whether you win the lottery or not. This fee is separate from the $330 visa application fee that only winners pay later. The $1 fee helps cover the operational costs of processing approximately 25 million entries annually, including data storage, automated selection, and security reviews.
How Can I Avoid Green Card Lottery Scams and Fraud?
The State Department issued warnings on November 6, 2025, about fraudulent websites falsely claiming DV-2027 registration is open. Only apply through the official government website dvprogram.state.gov (ending in .gov). Never pay anyone who claims they can increase your selection chances, and remember the U.S. government will never email or mail you about being selected - you must check results yourself online.
Do I Need a Passport Photo for DV-2027 Registration?
Yes, you need a compliant digital passport photo that meets strict U.S. visa photo specifications. Your photo must be recent (taken within 6 months), 2x2 inches, with a white background, and show your full face clearly. Photo errors are one of the top reasons for DV application disqualification, so ensure your passport photo meets all requirements before submitting your entry.
What You Need to Know About DV Lottery Changes
The introduction of a $1 registration fee and passport verification requirements represents the most significant changes to the Green Card Lottery since its inception. While the fee is minimal, the passport requirement may challenge some applicants who don't yet have valid travel documents. Registration for DV-2027 has been delayed but is expected to open in late 2025.
If you're preparing to enter the Green Card Lottery, ensure your passport photo meets all U.S. government specifications to avoid disqualification. VisaPics offers AI-powered photo processing that guarantees compliance with visa photo requirements for all document types. Additionally, stay vigilant against fraud by only using the official dvprogram.state.gov website and never paying third parties who promise to improve your lottery chances.