Green Card Lottery Updates November 2025
The green card lottery program faces unprecedented changes in November 2025, with the DV-2027 registration period delayed indefinitely and a new $1 fee requirement coming into effect. These updates affect millions of hopeful applicants worldwide who dream of obtaining U.S. permanent residency through the Diversity Visa program.
The U.S. Department of State confirmed on November 5, 2025, that DV-2027 registration will not open during the traditional October timeframe. Meanwhile, DV-2026 selectees are actively scheduling interviews as the program year progresses toward its September 2026 deadline.
Key Green Card Lottery Changes for 2025-2026
Several significant changes are reshaping the Diversity Visa program this year:
- $1 Registration Fee: Starting with DV-2027, all applicants must pay a non-refundable $1 electronic fee—the first fee in the program's 30-year history
- DV-2027 Delay: Registration postponed from October 2025 to implement system upgrades and the new fee structure
- Reduced Visa Numbers: DV-2026 has approximately 52,000 available visas (down from 55,000) due to NACARA and NDAA 2024 provisions
- 129,516 Selectees: This many DV-2026 applicants are competing for the limited visa numbers
- Interview Location Requirements: Applicants must interview in their consular district of residence or country of nationality
The State Department expects the new fee to generate approximately $25 million annually from an estimated 25 million registrants. This revenue will help cover operational costs previously borne solely by the 55,000 annual lottery winners.
Who Is Affected by These Green Card Lottery Updates
These changes impact different groups in distinct ways. Understanding your category helps you prepare accordingly.
For DV-2026 Selectees
If you were selected in May 2025, your interviews are now being scheduled. Check the Entrant Status Check portal at dvprogram.state.gov regularly for your appointment date. Remember that visa availability is not guaranteed—numbers could be exhausted before September 30, 2026.
For Prospective DV-2027 Applicants
You must wait for the State Department to announce registration dates. Do not use any third-party website claiming registration is open—these are fraudulent. Prepare your passport photo requirements in advance so you're ready when registration opens.
For DV-2025 Applicants
The DV-2025 program officially ended on September 30, 2025. If you were selected but did not complete your visa process by that date, your selection is no longer valid. You must enter future lotteries to have another chance.
How to Prepare for DV-2027 Registration – Step by Step
While waiting for the registration window to open, complete these preparation steps:
- Obtain a Valid Passport: Ensure your passport is current and won't expire during the registration period—a proposed rule may require passport scans for entry
- Prepare Your Photo: Get a compliant visa application photo that meets U.S. Department of State specifications (600x600 pixels, white background)
- Verify Eligibility: Confirm you were born in an eligible country and meet education or work experience requirements
- Set Up Payment Method: Have a credit or debit card ready for the new $1 registration fee
- Bookmark Official Site: Save dvprogram.state.gov—this is the only legitimate registration portal
- Monitor Announcements: Check the State Department's Diversity Visa webpage regularly for registration date announcements
Important Green Card Lottery Dates and Timeline
Mark these critical dates on your calendar:
- September 16, 2025: $1 registration fee rule became effective
- October 2025: DV-2026 interviews began for prepared selectees
- November 1, 2025: NVC began scheduling interviews based on new residency requirements
- Late 2025/Early 2026: Expected DV-2027 registration opening (exact date TBA)
- September 30, 2026: Absolute deadline for all DV-2026 visa issuance
Frequently Asked Questions
Why Is the DV-2027 Green Card Lottery Delayed?
The State Department delayed DV-2027 registration to implement system upgrades, integrate the new $1 fee payment system, and address disruptions from the October 2025 government shutdown. The department stated it will announce the start date "as soon as practicable."
Is the $1 Diversity Visa Lottery Fee Refundable?
No, the $1 registration fee is non-refundable under any circumstances. You will not receive a refund if you're not selected, if you decide not to pursue your visa application, or if you're later found ineligible. The fee cannot be transferred between lottery years.
How Do I Check My DV-2026 Selection Status?
Visit the official Entrant Status Check portal at dvprogram.state.gov/ESC. Enter your confirmation number and personal details. This is the only official method—the State Department never sends selection notifications by email, mail, or phone. The portal remains available until September 30, 2026.
What Are the Photo Requirements for the Green Card Lottery?
Your photo must be recent (within 6 months), 600x600 pixels, in color with a white background. The image must show your full face without glasses or head coverings (except for religious purposes). Using VisaPics ensures your passport photo meets requirements for the DV lottery submission.
What You Need to Know
The green card lottery program is undergoing its most significant changes in three decades. The $1 registration fee aims to reduce fraudulent entries and distribute costs fairly among all 25 million annual applicants. While the DV-2027 delay creates uncertainty, it signals the State Department's commitment to modernizing the system.
For DV-2026 selectees, time is critical. With 129,516 people competing for approximately 52,000 visas, early preparation is essential. Ensure your document requirements are complete, your photos meet specifications, and you check the Entrant Status portal frequently for interview appointments. Acting quickly gives you the best chance of obtaining your diversity visa before numbers are exhausted.