Historic Changes to Green Card Lottery Program
The U.S. Department of State announced groundbreaking changes to the Diversity Visa (DV) Lottery program in October 2025, introducing the first-ever registration fee and delaying the opening of DV-2027 applications. Effective October 16, 2025, all green card lottery applicants must pay a mandatory $1 electronic registration fee, ending decades of free entry to the program.
The DV-2027 registration period, which traditionally opens in early October, has been postponed with no official start date announced. The State Department confirmed that "registration dates will be widely publicized in the coming months" and emphasized that process changes are underway for this year's lottery cycle.
Key Changes to Diversity Visa Lottery Registration
The 2025 updates represent the most significant modifications to the green card lottery program in recent years. Here are the critical changes affecting millions of applicants worldwide:
- $1 Registration Fee: Starting October 16, 2025, every DV lottery entrant must pay $1 USD at the time of online submission through the official government portal
- Non-Refundable Payment: The registration fee is non-refundable regardless of lottery results or whether applicants proceed with visa processing
- DV-2027 Delay: Registration opening postponed past the traditional early October timeframe with no confirmed start date as of October 24, 2025
- Process Changes Coming: State Department spokesperson confirmed "there will be changes to the DV entry process" this year
- Revenue Generation: The new fee is expected to generate approximately $25 million annually from an estimated 25 million registrants
- Fraud Prevention: Officials cite cost distribution and reduction of fraudulent or duplicate entries as primary rationales for the fee
The final rule establishing the $1 registration fee was published in the Federal Register on September 16, 2025, and took effect immediately. However, the fee will first apply to the upcoming DV-2027 registration period once it opens.
Who Is Affected by These Green Card Lottery Updates
These changes impact millions of individuals worldwide who seek permanent residence in the United States through the Diversity Visa program. Understanding how these updates affect different applicant groups is crucial for proper preparation.
For First-Time DV Lottery Applicants
If you're applying to the green card lottery for the first time, you must be prepared to pay the $1 registration fee electronically when the DV-2027 registration opens. Ensure you have access to an approved payment method and budget for this new requirement. Remember that photo requirements remain stringent—your passport photo must meet specific biometric standards for your application to be accepted.
For Previous DV Lottery Participants
Those who have entered the lottery in previous years will notice the payment requirement is new for DV-2027. Unlike past free entries, you'll need to complete a payment transaction during registration. The $330 DV application fee for selected winners remains unchanged and separate from the registration fee.
For DV-2026 Selectees
If you were selected in the DV-2026 lottery (results announced May 3, 2025), these changes do not affect your case. Continue with your visa processing as instructed. However, be aware that Cuban nationals received incorrect selection notifications for DV-2026 due to their ineligibility—Cuba had more than 50,000 immigrants to the U.S. in the previous five years.
How to Prepare for DV-2027 Lottery Registration - Step by Step
Follow these essential steps to ensure your green card lottery application is ready when registration opens:
- Monitor Official Announcements: Check dvprogram.state.gov regularly for the official DV-2027 registration opening date and detailed instructions
- Prepare Payment Method: Ensure you have access to a valid electronic payment method accepted by the U.S. government portal for the $1 fee
- Gather Required Documents: Collect passport information, birth certificates, and education credentials for yourself and all dependents before registration opens
- Obtain Compliant Photos: Get recent passport photos that meet strict U.S. visa photo specifications—photos must be taken within six months and follow exact dimension requirements
- Verify Eligibility: Confirm your country of birth qualifies for the current year's lottery and that you meet education or work experience requirements
- Avoid Scams: Only use the official State Department website (dvprogram.state.gov) for registration—never pay third-party services claiming to increase your chances
Important Dates and Timeline for Green Card Lottery
Stay informed about these critical dates and periods for the Diversity Visa Lottery program:
- September 16, 2025: Final rule establishing $1 registration fee published in Federal Register and took effect immediately
- October 16, 2025: $1 electronic registration fee requirement officially begins for all DV lottery entries
- October 2025 (Expected): DV-2027 registration was anticipated to open but has been delayed—exact date to be announced
- Coming Months: State Department will widely publicize DV-2027 registration dates once confirmed
- May 4, 2024 - September 30, 2025: DV-2025 lottery results remain available for checking during this period
- May 3, 2025: DV-2026 lottery results were announced and remain accessible through the official portal
Frequently Asked Questions About Green Card Lottery Changes
Why Is There a Registration Fee for the Diversity Visa Lottery Now?
The U.S. State Department introduced the $1 fee to distribute operational costs more fairly across all participants rather than only the 55,000 lottery winners. The fee aims to cover program administration expenses, reduce fraudulent entries, and generate approximately $25 million annually. Previously, only selected winners paid fees, but now all 25 million annual registrants contribute to program costs.
When Will DV-2027 Lottery Registration Actually Open?
The State Department has not announced an official opening date for DV-2027 registration as of October 24, 2025. While the lottery traditionally opens in early October, this year's delay is attributed to process changes including the new registration fee implementation. The Department stated that registration dates will be "widely publicized in the coming months" through their official website at dvprogram.state.gov.
Can I Get a Refund If I'm Not Selected in the Lottery?
No, the $1 registration fee is non-refundable under all circumstances. Whether you are selected or not selected in the lottery, or if you decide not to proceed with your visa application after selection, the registration fee will not be returned. This is separate from the $330 DV application fee that selected winners pay during visa processing.
What You Need to Know About the Green Card Lottery Going Forward
The introduction of a registration fee and process changes signals a significant shift in how the United States administers its Diversity Visa Lottery program. While $1 represents a minimal cost, it marks the end of completely free entry to one of the most accessible pathways to U.S. permanent residence. Applicants should prepare for potential additional modifications in future lottery cycles.
To maximize your chances of success, ensure your passport photo meets all official requirements before registration opens—non-compliant photos are a leading cause of disqualification. Stay vigilant against scam websites charging excessive fees or promising guaranteed selection. Only use the official U.S. State Department portal, monitor announcements regularly, and be prepared to submit your application promptly when the DV-2027 registration period is announced in the coming weeks.
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