Major Changes Coming to Green Card Lottery Program
The U.S. Diversity Visa (DV) Lottery program is undergoing significant changes in October 2025, including the introduction of a $1 registration fee for the first time in the program's history. The DV-2027 registration period, typically opening in early October, has been unexpectedly delayed, leaving millions of hopeful applicants worldwide waiting for the official announcement from the State Department.
These developments come as the DV-2026 results were released on May 3, 2025, with winners now processing their visa applications through September 30, 2026. The program continues to offer 55,000 immigrant visas annually to individuals from countries with low rates of immigration to the United States.
Breaking: New $1 Registration Fee for DV-2027
Starting October 16, 2025, the State Department will implement a groundbreaking change to the Diversity Visa program. Here are the key details:
- First-Ever Fee: Applicants must pay a $1 non-refundable electronic registration fee when submitting their DV-2027 entry
- Payment Method: Electronic payment required through the official dvprogram.state.gov website only
- Fraud Prevention: Officials believe the fee will help reduce fraud by discouraging scammers from submitting thousands of fake entries
- Additional Costs: Winners still pay the existing $330 visa application fee if selected for an interview
- No Refunds: The $1 registration fee is non-refundable regardless of lottery outcome
Immigration attorneys suggest this nominal fee could significantly improve the integrity of the lottery system by making mass fraudulent submissions financially unfeasible for scammers. However, applicants should be aware that the $1 fee does not guarantee selection or visa approval.
DV-2027 Registration Delayed: What We Know
The DV-2027 registration period has been delayed past its expected early October opening date, breaking from the traditional October 1-3 launch pattern.
Official State Department Statement
In the November Visa Bulletin, the Department of State announced: "Dates for the DV-2027 program registration period will be widely publicized in the coming months." The State Department has not disclosed the specific reason for this delay.
Speculation About the Delay
Immigration experts believe the delay may be directly related to implementing the new $1 electronic payment system. Updating the registration infrastructure to handle millions of small payments securely likely requires additional technical preparation and testing.
What Applicants Should Do Now
Prospective applicants should monitor the official State Department website at dvprogram.state.gov for registration date announcements. Additionally, prepare your passport photo requirements now to ensure you're ready when registration opens.
DV-2026 Winners: Important Deadlines and Next Steps
If you entered the DV-2026 lottery between October 2024 and November 5, 2024, results are now available.
- Check Your Status: Visit dvprogram.state.gov and enter your confirmation number to check if you were selected
- Review Your Case Number: If selected, note your case number and rank, which determines when you can schedule your visa interview
- Prepare Documentation: Gather required documents including birth certificates, police certificates, medical exam results, and compliant passport photos
- Submit DS-260 Form: Complete the online immigrant visa application form as soon as possible after selection
- Schedule Interview: Once your case number becomes current according to the monthly Visa Bulletin, schedule your consular interview
- Attend Interview: Bring all required documentation to your scheduled interview at the U.S. Embassy or Consulate
- Complete Processing: If approved, pay the immigrant visa fee and wait for your visa and immigrant packet
Critical Dates and Timeline for DV Program
Mark these important dates on your calendar to stay on track with the Diversity Visa program:
- May 3, 2025: DV-2026 lottery results released and available for checking online
- October 1, 2025 - September 30, 2026: DV-2026 winners can apply for and receive immigrant visas during this fiscal year window
- October 16, 2025: New $1 registration fee requirement takes effect for DV-2027 program
- TBA (Late 2025): DV-2027 registration period opens (dates to be announced by State Department)
- Expected November/December 2025: DV-2027 registration period closes (typically 30-60 days after opening)
- September 30, 2026: Final deadline for DV-2026 winners to complete visa processing and receive their immigrant visas
Beware of Diversity Visa Lottery Scams
With the introduction of the $1 fee and ongoing registration delays, the State Department has issued urgent warnings about increased scam activity targeting hopeful applicants.
Red Flags of DV Lottery Scams
The U.S. government will never contact you by email, phone, or mail about your lottery results. Additionally, officials will never ask you to send money via Western Union, PayPal, bank transfer to individuals, or any method other than official government payment systems. Be extremely suspicious of anyone claiming you've won the lottery without ever entering or offering job placement and housing guarantees.
How to Verify Legitimate Information
Only check your results through the official website at dvprogram.state.gov using your confirmation number. Any other communication claiming to be from the State Department about lottery results is fraudulent. The $1 registration fee will only be collected through the official government website, never through third-party payment processors or individuals.
Protecting Yourself
Never share your confirmation number with anyone except your attorney or family members. Furthermore, be cautious of websites offering "guaranteed" lottery services or charging excessive fees for simple application assistance. The official registration process is straightforward and can be completed independently without paying for third-party services beyond the mandatory $1 fee.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Much Does It Cost to Enter the Green Card Lottery Now?
Starting with the DV-2027 program in October 2025, there is a $1 non-refundable registration fee to submit your entry. If you win the lottery and proceed with your visa application, you'll pay an additional $330 visa processing fee at the time of your consular interview. Previous years had no registration fee.
When Will DV-2027 Registration Open?
The State Department has not announced specific dates for DV-2027 registration as of mid-October 2025. The registration period has been delayed from its typical early October opening. Officials state that dates "will be widely publicized in the coming months," so applicants should monitor dvprogram.state.gov regularly for updates.
Can I Still Apply for DV-2026?
No, the DV-2026 registration period closed on November 5, 2024. Results were announced on May 3, 2025. If you were not selected, you must wait for the DV-2027 registration period to open to submit a new application for the next lottery cycle.
What Countries Are Eligible for the Diversity Visa Lottery?
Most countries worldwide are eligible, but countries that sent more than 50,000 immigrants to the U.S. in the past five years are excluded. For DV-2026, Cuban natives became ineligible due to exceeding this threshold. Eligibility lists change annually, so check the official State Department website for the current year's eligible countries before applying.
How Do I Know If My Passport Photo Meets DV Lottery Requirements?
Your photo must be recent (taken within the last six months), 2x2 inches (51x51mm), with a white or off-white background, and show your full face looking directly at the camera. The photo must meet strict U.S. visa photo specifications including proper head size, lighting, and composition. Many applications are disqualified due to improper photos, so ensure your passport photo meets all requirements before submitting.
What You Need to Know Moving Forward
The Diversity Visa Lottery program is entering a new era with the introduction of registration fees and enhanced security measures. While the $1 fee may seem minimal, it represents a significant shift in how the program operates and could substantially reduce fraudulent applications that have plagued the system for years.
If you plan to apply for the DV-2027 lottery, start preparing now by ensuring your passport is valid, gathering family documents, and verifying that your passport photo specifications meet official U.S. government standards. Consider using professional photo services that guarantee compliance with visa photo requirements to avoid disqualification. Stay vigilant against scams, only use the official dvprogram.state.gov website, and never pay money to third parties claiming to improve your chances of winning this random lottery.