Green Card Lottery 2025: Major Updates for DV-2027 and DV-2026
The Green Card Lottery program faces significant changes in late 2025, with the DV-2027 registration experiencing unprecedented delays. The U.S. Department of State announced on November 5, 2025, that it is implementing changes to the diversity visa entry process, leaving millions of hopeful applicants waiting for new registration dates.
Meanwhile, DV-2026 selectees can currently check their results online, with 129,516 prospective applicants selected from over 20.8 million qualified entries. Understanding these updates is crucial for anyone planning to participate in the diversity visa lottery program.
Key Changes to the Green Card Lottery Program
The Trump administration has introduced several significant modifications to the Diversity Visa Lottery that affect both current and future applicants.
- New $1 Registration Fee: For the first time in program history, applicants must pay a $1 electronic registration fee when submitting their DV lottery entry, effective October 16, 2025
- DV-2027 Registration Delay: The registration period, typically opening in early October, remains postponed with no confirmed start date announced
- Enhanced Fraud Detection: The State Department is modernizing the registration portal with improved security systems to reduce fraudulent entries
- Passport Requirement Postponed: A proposed rule requiring valid passports at registration will not take effect for DV-2027
- Revenue Generation: The new fee is expected to generate approximately $25 million annually
According to the [State Department](https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/News/visas-news/changes-to-2027-dv-program-entry-period.html), "the new fee for registration will more fairly allocate the costs of managing the random selection process to those who register." Additionally, officials expect the fee to reduce speculative registrations and exploitative entries.
Who Is Affected by These Green Card Lottery Changes
These updates impact different groups of diversity visa applicants in distinct ways. Understanding your category helps you prepare accordingly.
For DV-2026 Selectees
If you registered for the DV-2026 lottery in October-November 2024, you can check your results now at the [official DV lottery website](https://dvprogram.state.gov/). Selected applicants must begin their visa application process before September 30, 2026. Ensure your passport photo meets all official requirements before your interview appointment.
For Prospective DV-2027 Applicants
You must wait for the State Department to announce new registration dates, expected in late 2025 or early 2026. Prepare your $1 payment method and gather all required documentation in advance. Monitor official sources only—beware of scam websites claiming registration is open.
For Applicants from Ineligible Countries
Natives of the following countries cannot participate: Bangladesh, Brazil, Canada, China, Colombia, Cuba, Dominican Republic, El Salvador, Haiti, Honduras, India, Jamaica, Mexico, Nigeria, Pakistan, Philippines, South Korea, Venezuela, and Vietnam. However, you may qualify through a spouse born in an eligible country or if you were born in an eligible country different from your nationality.
How to Check DV-2026 Green Card Lottery Results
Follow these steps to verify your DV-2026 selection status through the official portal.
- Visit the Official Website: Go to [dvprogram.state.gov](https://dvprogram.state.gov/) — this is the only legitimate source for results
- Enter Your Confirmation Number: Input the confirmation number you received when you submitted your entry in October-November 2024
- Provide Personal Information: Enter your last name and date of birth exactly as submitted in your original application
- Complete Authentication: Enter the randomly generated code displayed on screen to verify you're not a bot
- Review Your Status: The system will display whether you were selected or not selected for further processing
Important Dates and Timeline for Green Card Lottery
Mark these critical dates in your calendar to stay on track with the diversity visa program.
- Now through September 30, 2026: DV-2026 selectees can check results at dvprogram.state.gov
- October 1, 2025 - September 30, 2026: DV-2026 visa application period (fiscal year 2026)
- Late 2025 - Early 2026: Expected DV-2027 registration period (exact dates TBA)
- May 2026: DV-2027 lottery results announcement
- October 1, 2026 - September 30, 2027: DV-2027 visa application period
Frequently Asked Questions About Green Card Lottery
Why Is the DV-2027 Green Card Lottery Delayed?
The State Department is implementing a new $1 electronic registration fee system and modernizing fraud detection infrastructure. A recent government shutdown may have also impacted IT development timelines. Officials have stated they will announce new registration dates "as soon as practicable."
How Much Does the Green Card Lottery Cost?
Starting with DV-2027, applicants must pay a $1 electronic registration fee when submitting their entry. This fee is designed to reduce fraudulent submissions and cover administrative costs. Previously, registration was completely free.
How Do I Know If I Won the DV-2026 Lottery?
The only way to verify your selection is through the [official Entrant Status Check](https://dvprogram.state.gov/ESC/) using your confirmation number. The State Department does not send direct notifications to winners via email, letter, or phone. Any such communications are likely scams.
What Photo Requirements Apply to Green Card Lottery?
Your photo must meet strict specifications: 600x600 pixels, recent (within 6 months), with a plain white or off-white background. Your face must be centered with proper head size proportions. Using a professional passport photo service like VisaPics helps ensure your submission meets all technical requirements and isn't disqualified.
Can I Apply Multiple Times to the Green Card Lottery?
No. Submitting more than one entry per person will disqualify all your entries. However, spouses can each submit separate entries, and if either is selected, both may apply for visas together with qualifying derivatives.
What You Need to Know: Bottom Line
The green card lottery program is undergoing its most significant changes in years. DV-2026 selectees should check their results immediately and begin preparing for the visa application process. Prospective DV-2027 applicants must wait for official registration dates while preparing their $1 fee payment and documentation.
Stay vigilant against scams claiming DV-2027 registration is open—it is not. Monitor only official State Department sources for updates. When the registration period opens, ensure your visa photo meets all specifications to avoid disqualification. Having compliant passport photos ready in advance will help you submit a successful diversity visa lottery application.
Sources: - [U.S. Department of State - Changes to 2027 DV Program](https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/News/visas-news/changes-to-2027-dv-program-entry-period.html) - [Official DV Lottery Portal](https://dvprogram.state.gov/) - [USAGov - DV Lottery Eligibility](https://www.usa.gov/dv-lottery-eligibility) - [Fragomen - State Department Releases DV-2026 Winners](https://www.fragomen.com/insights/united-states-state-department-releases-fy-2026-diversity-visa-lottery-winners-tomorrow.html) - [Boundless - $1 Fee for DV Lottery](https://www.boundless.com/blog/us-state-department-introduces-1-dollar-fee-for-dv-lottery-registration) - [NepYork - DV-2027 Registration Update](https://nepyork.com/2025/11/06/we-will-announce-the-start-date-for-the-dv-2027-registration-period-as-soon-as-practicable-announces-u-s-department-of-state/)