Green Card Lottery Program Announces Major Changes for 2025
The U.S. Department of State announced significant updates to the Diversity Visa (DV) Lottery program on November 5, 2025, affecting millions of prospective green card applicants worldwide. For the first time in the program's history, applicants must now pay a $1 registration fee to enter the lottery. Additionally, the DV-2027 registration period has been delayed beyond its traditional October opening as the State Department implements system modernization and enhanced security measures.
These changes come as the DV-2026 program successfully selected 129,516 winners from over 20.8 million qualified entries, demonstrating the continued high demand for diversity visas. The modifications aim to improve program integrity while generating approximately $25 million annually to cover operational costs.
Key Changes to the Diversity Visa Lottery Program
The State Department's November 2025 announcement introduced several critical updates that every green card lottery applicant needs to understand:
- Mandatory $1 Entry Fee: Starting with DV-2027, all applicants must pay a non-refundable $1 electronic registration fee, marking the end of free lottery entries
- Delayed Registration Period: DV-2027 registration dates have not been announced yet; the State Department will publicize dates "as soon as practicable" on travel.state.gov
- System Modernization: Enhanced verification systems being implemented to detect duplicate and fraudulent entries, including identity verification and passport validation
- DV-2026 Results Released: 129,516 selectees were notified on May 3, 2025, from 20,822,624 qualified entries (0.62% selection rate)
- 55,000 Annual Visas Available: The program continues to make approximately 55,000 diversity immigrant visas available each fiscal year
The $1 fee became effective immediately after the final rule was published in the Federal Register on September 16, 2025. With an estimated 25 million annual registrants, this fee structure will help the State Department cover program expenses and strengthen fraud prevention measures.
Who Is Affected by These Green Card Lottery Changes
These diversity visa program updates impact several groups of applicants differently. Understanding how these changes affect your situation is crucial for successful participation.
For First-Time DV Lottery Applicants
If you're planning to enter the green card lottery for the first time, you'll need to budget for the new $1 registration fee and prepare required documents in advance. Ensure your passport photo meets strict U.S. diversity visa requirements, as photo rejections remain one of the most common reasons for disqualification. The delayed DV-2027 registration means you should monitor dvprogram.state.gov regularly for announcement of registration dates.
For Previous DV Lottery Participants
Applicants who have entered in previous years should note that free registration is no longer available. You'll need a valid payment method to submit your DV-2027 entry. Additionally, enhanced verification systems mean duplicate entries will be detected more effectively, so ensure you only submit one entry per person to avoid automatic disqualification.
For DV-2026 Winners
If you were among the 129,516 selectees notified on May 3, 2025, you must complete your visa application and interview during fiscal year 2026 (October 1, 2025 through September 30, 2026). Selection does not guarantee a visa; you must meet all eligibility requirements and complete processing before the deadline.
How to Prepare for DV-2027 Registration - Step by Step
Follow these essential steps to maximize your chances of success when DV-2027 registration opens:
- Monitor Official Channels: Check dvprogram.state.gov and travel.state.gov regularly for registration date announcements; avoid third-party websites that may charge excessive fees
- Prepare Required Documents: Gather valid passport information, birth certificates, and educational documents showing high school completion or equivalent work experience
- Get Compliant Photos: Obtain diversity visa-compliant photos that meet strict U.S. passport photo requirements, including specific dimensions, background color, and facial positioning
- Set Up Payment Method: Ensure you have a valid credit card, debit card, or electronic payment method ready to pay the $1 registration fee
- Complete Accurate Information: Double-check all entries for accuracy before submission; errors can lead to disqualification even if selected
- Save Confirmation Number: Immediately save your confirmation number after submission; this is the only way to check your results later
- Beware of Scams: Only use the official State Department website; legitimate registration never requires fees beyond the $1 entry cost
Important Dates and Timeline for Diversity Visa Programs
Mark these critical dates on your calendar to stay informed about green card lottery deadlines:
- DV-2026 Fiscal Year: October 1, 2025 - September 30, 2026 (application period for selected winners)
- DV-2026 Results Available: May 3, 2025 - September 30, 2026 (check status at dvprogram.state.gov)
- DV-2027 Registration Opens: To be announced (traditionally opens in early October but delayed for 2025)
- DV-2027 Registration Closes: To be announced (traditionally runs for approximately 30-35 days)
- DV-2027 Results Expected: Early May 2026 (historical pattern suggests first week of May)
- DV-2027 Fiscal Year: October 1, 2026 - September 30, 2027 (application period for future selectees)
Frequently Asked Questions About Green Card Lottery Changes
Why Is the DV-2027 Registration Delayed?
The U.S. State Department is implementing system modernization and enhanced verification measures to improve program integrity. These updates include identity verification, passport validation, and stronger fraud prevention systems to detect duplicate and fraudulent entries more effectively. The Department will announce registration dates "as soon as practicable" through official channels at dvprogram.state.gov.
Is the $1 Fee Refundable If I'm Not Selected?
No, the $1 electronic registration fee is non-refundable regardless of whether you are selected in the diversity visa lottery. This fee covers administrative costs for processing entries and implementing enhanced security measures. However, if you are selected, you will still need to pay the standard visa application fees during the consular processing stage.
How Can I Avoid Green Card Lottery Scams?
Only use the official U.S. Department of State website at dvprogram.state.gov for registration and results checking. Legitimate registration costs exactly $1 and requires no intermediaries. Beware of websites or services charging excessive fees, promising guaranteed selection, or requesting sensitive personal information beyond what's required on the official form.
What Happens If I Submit Multiple Entries?
Submitting more than one entry per person results in automatic disqualification, even if selected. The enhanced verification systems being implemented for DV-2027 will more effectively detect duplicate entries. Only one entry per person is permitted during each registration period, though spouses may each submit separate entries.
Can I Still Apply If I Don't Have a High School Diploma?
Yes, you can qualify through work experience instead. The diversity visa program accepts applicants with either a high school education (or equivalent) OR two years of work experience within the past five years in an occupation requiring at least two years of training or experience. Both educational and professional qualifications must be documented if selected.
What You Need to Know About These Diversity Visa Updates
The November 2025 green card lottery changes represent the most significant modifications to the DV program in recent years. The new $1 registration fee, delayed DV-2027 timeline, and enhanced security measures demonstrate the State Department's commitment to program integrity while managing the high volume of applications from millions of hopeful immigrants worldwide.
If you're planning to enter the diversity visa lottery, start preparing now by gathering required documents and ensuring your passport photo meets all requirements for visa applications. Monitor the official State Department website regularly for DV-2027 registration announcements, and remember that only dvprogram.state.gov provides legitimate entry and results information. Additionally, consider using professional services like VisaPics to ensure your photos meet strict compliance standards, as photo errors remain a leading cause of disqualification even for otherwise eligible applicants.