Green Card Lottery 2025: Major Changes and December Updates
Green card lottery updates for late 2025 reveal significant changes affecting millions of applicants worldwide. The U.S. State Department has delayed DV-2027 registration while implementing a historic $1 entry fee, marking the first time in the program's 30-year history that applicants must pay to enter.
Meanwhile, DV-2026 selectees continue processing with new December visa bulletin cutoff numbers released. Understanding these changes is critical for anyone pursuing permanent residency through the diversity visa program.
Key Green Card Lottery Changes for 2025-2027
The State Department announced several significant modifications to the diversity visa lottery program on November 5, 2025.
- DV-2027 Registration Delayed: Traditional October start postponed; expected December 2025 or January 2026 opening
- New $1 Entry Fee: First-ever fee for lottery registration, published in Federal Register September 16, 2025
- DV-2026 Annual Limit Reduced: Visa availability cut from 55,000 to approximately 52,000 due to NACARA and NDAA provisions
- Enhanced Fraud Prevention: Payment requirements create traceable records to reduce fraudulent mass entries
- 129,516 DV-2026 Selectees: Current winners selected from 20.8 million qualified entries
The $1 fee is expected to generate approximately $25 million annually from an estimated 25 million registrants. This shifts program costs from the 55,000 lottery winners to all participants.
December 2025 Visa Bulletin: DV-2026 Cutoff Numbers
The State Department released December 2025 diversity visa cutoff numbers determining which selectees can proceed with visa applications.
- Africa: 17,500 (Algeria 17,250; Egypt 16,000)
- Asia: 10,000 (Nepal 6,000)
- Europe: 7,750
- North America (Bahamas): 20
- Oceania: 1,100
- South America/Caribbean: 1,850
Visas are available only for applicants with DV regional lottery rank numbers below the specified cutoff. These numbers represent the maximum rank positions eligible to receive visas in December 2025.
Who Is Affected by These Green Card Lottery Updates
These diversity visa changes impact different groups of applicants in distinct ways.
For DV-2026 Selectees (Current Winners)
If you received selection notification in May 2025, your deadline remains September 30, 2026. Check December cutoff numbers against your rank to determine when you can schedule your visa interview. Ensure your passport photo meets requirements before your interview appointment.
For Prospective DV-2027 Applicants
Registration has not opened yet—do not fall for scam websites claiming otherwise. Monitor dvprogram.state.gov daily for official announcements. Prepare $1 USD for the new entry fee and ensure you have a valid passport.
For Previous Non-Winners
You can apply again for DV-2027 once registration opens. The delayed timeline and new fee structure apply equally to all new applicants regardless of previous entries.
How to Apply for DV-2027 Green Card Lottery - Step by Step
Follow these steps once official registration opens:
- Visit Only Official Site: Go to dvprogram.state.gov—the only legitimate registration portal
- Prepare Required Documents: Valid passport, recent compliant photo (600x600 pixels), and $1 payment method
- Complete Online Form: Enter personal information, education, and country of chargeability accurately
- Upload Photo: Submit a recent, compliant visa photo meeting State Department specifications
- Pay $1 Fee: Complete electronic payment directly on the official government website
- Save Confirmation Number: Store your confirmation number securely—required to check results in May 2026
Important Dates and Timeline
Mark these critical deadlines for the diversity visa lottery program:
- DV-2027 Registration: Expected December 2025 or January 2026 (date TBA)
- DV-2026 Results Available: Through September 30, 2026 at dvprogram.state.gov
- DV-2026 Visa Deadline: All visas must be issued by September 30, 2026
- DV-2027 Visa Period: October 1, 2026 through September 30, 2027
- DV-2027 Results Expected: May 2026 (if registration follows typical timeline)
Frequently Asked Questions
Why Was DV-2027 Green Card Lottery Registration Delayed?
The State Department is implementing system changes including the new $1 fee infrastructure and enhanced fraud prevention measures. The delay allows for proper integration of electronic payment processing and duplicate entry detection systems.
Is the $1 Entry Fee Refundable If I'm Not Selected?
No, the $1 electronic registration fee is non-refundable regardless of lottery outcome. This fee is separate from the $330 visa application fee that only winners pay when applying for their immigrant visa.
How Do I Know If My DV-2026 Number Is Current?
Compare your case number against your region's cutoff in the monthly visa bulletin. If your number is below the cutoff, you may schedule an interview. Numbers at or above the cutoff must wait for future bulletins with higher cutoffs.
Can I Check Green Card Lottery Results by Email?
No. The State Department never sends selection notifications by email. Any message claiming you won is a scam. Check results only at dvprogram.state.gov using your confirmation number.
What You Need to Know - Bottom Line
The green card lottery program is undergoing its most significant changes in 30 years. DV-2027 registration remains delayed while the State Department implements the new $1 fee system. Current DV-2026 selectees should monitor monthly visa bulletins and ensure all documentation is ready.
Whether you're a current selectee preparing for your interview or planning to enter DV-2027, proper preparation is essential. Ensure your passport photo meets official requirements and bookmark the official dvprogram.state.gov website for accurate registration information. Avoid scam sites—only the official government portal is legitimate.