Green Card Lottery Updates: November 2025 Overview
The green card lottery program faces significant changes in November 2025, with the U.S. State Department announcing a delayed DV-2027 registration and implementing a first-ever $1 entry fee. These updates affect millions of prospective applicants worldwide hoping to immigrate to the United States through the Diversity Visa program.
For current DV-2026 selectees, the November 2025 Visa Bulletin has released critical cutoff numbers that determine visa availability by region. With approximately 129,516 registered applicants competing for roughly 51,850 available visas, understanding these updates is essential for a successful green card application.
Key Changes to the Green Card Lottery Program
The State Department announced major modifications to the Diversity Visa lottery on November 5, 2025. Here's what applicants need to know:
- New $1 Registration Fee: For the first time in 30 years, applicants must pay a $1 electronic entry fee for DV-2027—effective September 16, 2025
- DV-2027 Registration Delayed: The traditional October opening has been postponed indefinitely while systems are modernized
- Passport Requirement: All DV-2027 entrants must submit a valid, unexpired passport at registration—no exceptions
- Enhanced Fraud Detection: New technical infrastructure prevents duplicate and fraudulent entries
- Reduced Visa Allocation: DV-2026 visas reduced from 55,000 to approximately 51,850 due to NACARA and NDAA provisions
The $1 fee, while modest, required significant regulatory updates and technical changes to the online registration portal. This fee is separate from the $330 Diversity Visa application fee that selected applicants pay later.
November 2025 DV-2026 Cutoff Numbers by Region
The State Department has released regional cutoff numbers determining which selectees can apply for visas in November:
- Africa: 17,500 (Algeria limited to 14,500; Egypt limited to 16,000)
- Asia: 10,000 (Nepal limited to 6,000)
- Europe: 7,750
- North America (Bahamas): 20
- Oceania: 1,100
- South America & Caribbean: 1,850
If your case number is below these cutoffs, you're eligible to schedule your visa interview. Numbers advance monthly, but visa availability through September 30, 2026 cannot be guaranteed—numbers may exhaust before the deadline.
Who Is Affected by These Green Card Lottery Updates
These changes impact different groups of applicants in distinct ways.
For DV-2027 Hopeful Applicants
Registration is delayed but not cancelled. Expect a shorter 2-3 week registration window when it opens, likely between December 2025 and January 2026. Prepare your passport and $1 fee in advance. Results would be announced in May 2026.
For DV-2026 Selectees
Your deadline is September 30, 2026—no extensions. Monitor monthly cutoff numbers in the Visa Bulletin. If your number becomes current, schedule your interview immediately. Ensure all documents, including passport photos meeting official requirements, are ready.
For Previous DV-2025 Winners
The DV-2025 program ended on September 30, 2025. If you didn't receive your visa by that date, your selection provides no further benefit. You may enter the DV-2027 lottery when registration opens.
How to Check Your Green Card Lottery Status
Follow these steps to verify your DV-2026 selection status:
- Visit the Official Portal: Go to dvprogram.state.gov/ESC/—the only legitimate verification method
- Enter Your Confirmation Number: Use the confirmation number from your original DV-2026 entry
- Provide Personal Details: Enter your last name, birth year, and other required information exactly as submitted
- Review Your Status: The system displays whether you were selected and your case number
- Save Your Results: Print or screenshot your selection notice—you'll need it for your visa interview
Important Dates and Timeline
Mark these critical dates for both DV-2026 and DV-2027 programs:
- November 2025: DV-2026 cutoff numbers released; monitor your case number against regional limits
- December 2025 - January 2026: Expected DV-2027 registration window (2-3 weeks)
- May 2026: DV-2027 lottery results expected to be announced
- September 30, 2026: Final deadline for DV-2026 visa issuance—no exceptions or extensions
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the DV-2027 Green Card Lottery Cancelled?
No, the DV-2027 lottery is postponed, not cancelled. The State Department is modernizing systems and implementing the new $1 fee. Registration dates will be announced on the official website. Expect a shortened registration window of 2-3 weeks.
Why Is There a $1 Fee for the Green Card Lottery Now?
The State Department introduced the $1 electronic registration fee to help cover administrative costs and deter fraudulent multiple entries. This fee was finalized on September 16, 2025, and applies to all DV-2027 applicants. It's separate from the $330 visa application fee for selected winners.
How Do I Know If My DV-2026 Case Number Is Current?
Compare your case number to the cutoff in the monthly Visa Bulletin for your region. If your number is below the cutoff, you can schedule your visa interview. For example, if Europe's cutoff is 7,750 and your number is EU7500, you're eligible to proceed. Check the bulletin at travel.state.gov monthly.
What Countries Are Ineligible for the Green Card Lottery?
Countries with high immigration to the U.S. are excluded. For DV-2026, ineligible countries include: Bangladesh, Brazil, Canada, China (including Hong Kong), Colombia, Cuba, Dominican Republic, El Salvador, Haiti, Honduras, India, Jamaica, Mexico, Nigeria, Pakistan, Philippines, South Korea, Venezuela, and Vietnam.
What You Need to Know About the Green Card Lottery
The Diversity Visa program remains one of the few pathways to U.S. permanent residency without employer sponsorship or family connections. With approximately 129,516 applicants registered for roughly 51,850 DV-2026 visas, competition is intense. DV-2027 hopefuls should prepare their passports and payment method now for the shortened registration window.
Whether you're a DV-2026 selectee preparing for your interview or waiting for DV-2027 registration, proper documentation is critical. Ensure your passport photo meets U.S. visa requirements—incorrect photos are a common cause of application delays. VisaPics can help you create compliant photos that meet exact State Department specifications for your green card lottery application.