Major Changes Coming to Green Card Lottery Program
The U.S. State Department announced significant changes to the Diversity Visa (DV) lottery program in November 2025, affecting millions of hopeful immigrants worldwide. For the first time in the program's 30-year history, applicants must pay a $1 electronic registration fee to enter the DV-2027 lottery. Additionally, the traditional October registration opening has been postponed indefinitely as the State Department modernizes its systems.
The Diversity Visa program, commonly known as the Green Card lottery, provides up to 55,000 immigrant visas annually to individuals from countries with historically low immigration rates to the United States. These changes represent the most substantial updates to the program since its inception in 1990.
Key Changes for DV-2027 Green Card Lottery
The State Department has implemented several major modifications that will affect all future applicants:
- Historic $1 Registration Fee: Applicants must now pay a mandatory $1 electronic fee to submit their DV-2027 entry, marking the first time the lottery is no longer completely free
- Non-Refundable Payment: The $1 fee is completely non-refundable regardless of whether you're selected or rejected, and cannot be transferred to future lottery years
- Registration Period Delayed: The traditional early October opening has been postponed beyond November 2025, with no official start date announced yet
- Enhanced Fraud Detection: The State Department is implementing modernized verification systems to identify and eliminate duplicate and fraudulent entries
- System Modernization: The registration portal is being upgraded to improve security and user experience for the millions of global applicants
According to the official State Department announcement on November 5, 2025, registration dates "will be widely publicized in the coming months." Immigration experts speculate the delay is primarily related to implementing the new payment system and enhanced security features.
Who Is Affected By These Changes
These updates impact different groups of potential immigrants in various ways. Understanding how the changes affect your situation is crucial for proper planning.
For First-Time DV Lottery Applicants
If you're planning to apply for the first time, you'll need to prepare for the $1 registration fee and monitor official State Department channels closely for the registration opening announcement. The fee must be paid electronically at the time of entry, so ensure you have access to a valid payment method accepted by the U.S. government portal.
For Previous DV Lottery Participants
Even if you've applied in past years, the new $1 fee applies to everyone submitting a DV-2027 entry. Previous free entries do not exempt you from the fee requirement. Additionally, if you won the DV-2026 lottery (results released May 3, 2025), these changes do not affect your visa application timeline.
For DV-2026 Selectees
The 129,516 individuals selected in the DV-2026 lottery have until September 30, 2026, to complete their immigrant visa applications. The DV-2027 changes do not impact your processing timeline or requirements. You should focus on gathering required documents and scheduling your visa interview promptly.
How to Check Your DV-2026 Results - Step by Step
If you entered the DV-2026 lottery (registration period: October 2, 2024 to November 7, 2024), follow these steps to verify your status:
- Visit the Official Portal: Go directly to dvprogram.state.gov/ESC/ - this is the only legitimate way to check results
- Enter Your Confirmation Number: Input the unique confirmation number you received when you submitted your DV-2026 entry
- Provide Personal Information: Enter your last name, year of birth, and authentication code exactly as they appear on your confirmation
- Review Your Status: Results are available from May 3, 2025 through at least September 30, 2026 - check immediately to avoid missing deadlines
- Beware of Scams: The U.S. government never sends emails, letters, or phone calls to notify winners - only check through the official portal and ensure your passport photo meets all government requirements before applying
Important Dates and Timeline for Green Card Lottery
Mark these critical dates on your calendar to stay on track with the Diversity Visa program:
- May 3, 2025: DV-2026 lottery results released at 12:00 PM EST via the official State Department website
- October 1, 2025 - September 30, 2026: DV-2026 winners can apply for immigrant visas during this fiscal year window
- September 16, 2025: Federal Register published the new $1 registration fee requirement, effective immediately for DV-2027
- Late 2025 (Date TBA): DV-2027 registration period expected to open after system modernization is complete
- October 1, 2026 - September 30, 2027: DV-2027 winners will be able to apply for immigrant visas during this fiscal year
Frequently Asked Questions
Why Was the DV-2027 Registration Delayed?
The State Department is modernizing the registration portal and implementing enhanced fraud detection systems to prevent duplicate and fraudulent entries. The introduction of the new $1 electronic payment system also requires significant technical infrastructure updates. While frustrating for eager applicants, these improvements aim to make the lottery more secure and fair for all participants.
Is the $1 Registration Fee Refundable If I'm Not Selected?
No, the $1 fee is completely non-refundable under all circumstances. Whether you're selected, rejected, or disqualified, you will not receive a refund. The fee also cannot be transferred or applied to future lottery years. This payment covers the administrative costs of processing your electronic entry and is required for every submission.
How Many People Win the Green Card Lottery Each Year?
The Diversity Visa program makes up to 55,000 immigrant visas available annually through random selection. However, more people are initially selected (129,516 for DV-2026) because not all selectees will qualify or complete the visa application process. The program aims to fill all 55,000 visa slots by selecting more winners than available visas to account for incomplete applications and ineligibility.
What Are the Basic Eligibility Requirements for the DV Lottery?
To qualify, you must be a native of an eligible country with low immigration rates to the United States. Additionally, you need either a high school diploma or its equivalent, or two years of work experience within the past five years in an occupation requiring at least two years of training. Your passport photo must meet specific government requirements when submitting your application.
What You Need to Know Moving Forward
The Green Card lottery remains one of the most accessible pathways to U.S. permanent residency, despite the new $1 fee and registration delays. With only 55,000 visas available annually and millions of applicants worldwide, early preparation is essential. Monitor the official State Department website at dvprogram.state.gov for the DV-2027 registration announcement.
If you're planning to apply, start gathering your documents now, including ensuring your passport photo meets all official requirements for visa applications. Additionally, familiarize yourself with the electronic payment process to avoid technical issues when registration opens. Remember to only use official government websites to check results or submit applications, as lottery scams targeting hopeful immigrants remain widespread across social media and email.