Green Card Lottery Faces Historic Changes in November 2025
The U.S. Department of State announced significant changes to the Diversity Visa (DV) Program in November 2025, including the first-ever registration fee and an unexpected delay to the DV-2027 lottery. For the first time in the program's 30+ year history, applicants will pay a $1 non-refundable entry fee when submitting their DV-2027 applications. The State Department has postponed the traditional October registration opening while implementing system upgrades and enhanced security measures.
These changes affect millions of prospective immigrants worldwide who rely on the annual Green Card Lottery for their chance at permanent U.S. residency. The delay means registration may not open until December 2025 or January 2026, creating uncertainty for applicants planning their immigration journey.
Key Changes to the Diversity Visa Lottery Program
The State Department's announcement introduces several major updates that applicants must understand before registration opens:
- New $1 Registration Fee: First-ever entry fee required at time of application submission (previously free)
- DV-2027 Registration Delayed: Traditional October start date postponed indefinitely - expected December 2025 to January 2026
- Shorter Entry Window: Registration period may be reduced to 2-3 weeks instead of the typical 30-35 days
- $330 Visa Application Fee: Winners must pay increased processing fee (up from $330) when applying for immigrant visa
- Enhanced Security Systems: New verification technology to detect duplicate and fraudulent entries
- Modernized Portal: Completely redesigned electronic registration system with improved user interface
The State Department has not yet released specific registration dates for DV-2027, stating they will announce both opening and closing dates "as soon as practicable." Immigration experts anticipate the announcement in late November or early December 2025.
Who Is Affected by These Diversity Visa Changes
These updates impact different groups of applicants and current selectees in distinct ways. Understanding your status is critical for meeting deadlines and requirements.
For DV-2027 Prospective Applicants
If you plan to enter the upcoming Green Card Lottery, prepare to pay the $1 registration fee via credit card or electronic payment when the portal opens. The shortened registration window means you must have all required documents ready, including compliant passport photos that meet State Department specifications. Monitor the official dvprogram.state.gov website daily for registration announcements.
For DV-2026 Winners (129,516 Selectees)
Current DV-2026 selectees have until September 30, 2026 to complete their immigrant visa application or adjustment of status. The November 2025 Visa Bulletin shows continued availability across all regions, but visa numbers are limited and allocated on a first-come, first-served basis. Winners should submit applications immediately to avoid missing the fiscal year deadline.
For DV-2025 Selectees
The DV-2025 program officially ended on September 30, 2025. If you were selected for DV-2025 but did not receive an immigrant visa before this date, you are no longer eligible and must enter future lottery drawings to have another chance at a diversity visa.
How to Prepare for DV-2027 Registration - Step by Step
Follow these critical steps to ensure your Green Card Lottery application is complete and compliant:
- Verify Eligibility: Confirm your country of birth qualifies (most countries eligible except Bangladesh, Brazil, Canada, China, Colombia, Dominican Republic, El Salvador, Haiti, Honduras, India, Jamaica, Mexico, Nigeria, Pakistan, Philippines, South Korea, United Kingdom, Venezuela, and Vietnam)
- Prepare Payment Method: Have a valid credit or debit card ready for the $1 registration fee - payment required at time of entry
- Obtain Compliant Photos: Get recent passport-style photos meeting strict U.S. visa photo requirements (2x2 inches, white background, specific head positioning) - non-compliant photos result in automatic disqualification
- Gather Personal Documents: Collect passport, birth certificate, marriage certificate (if applicable), and educational credentials proving high school completion or two years qualifying work experience
- Monitor Official Website: Check dvprogram.state.gov daily starting late November 2025 for registration opening announcement - expect short 2-3 week window
- Submit Entry Promptly: Complete your electronic entry as soon as registration opens to avoid technical issues or system overload near the deadline
- Save Confirmation Number: Print and store your unique confirmation number - this is the only way to check results (State Department does not send notifications)
Important Dates and Timeline for Green Card Lottery
Mark these critical dates on your calendar to avoid missing deadlines:
- November 26, 2025: DV-2027 registration remains delayed - opening date not yet announced
- Expected December 2025 - January 2026: Anticipated DV-2027 registration period opening (2-3 week window)
- May 3, 2025 - September 30, 2026: DV-2026 results available online for checking at dvprogram.state.gov
- October 1, 2025 - September 30, 2026: DV-2026 selectees must complete immigrant visa applications or adjustment of status
- Expected May 2026: DV-2027 results announcement (typically 6-7 months after registration closes)
- October 1, 2026 - September 30, 2027: DV-2027 selectees eligible to apply for immigrant visas if selected
Frequently Asked Questions About Green Card Lottery Updates
Why Is the DV-2027 Registration Delayed?
The State Department is implementing "changes to the DV entry process" including system modernization and enhanced fraud detection technology. The delay allows developers to upgrade the electronic registration portal, implement the new $1 payment system, and deploy advanced verification systems to identify duplicate entries. Immigration officials expect these improvements to streamline processing and reduce fraudulent applications.
Is the $1 Registration Fee Refundable?
No, the $1 electronic registration fee is non-refundable regardless of whether you are selected in the lottery. This fee is separate from the $330 visa application fee that winners must pay when applying for their immigrant visa. All applicants must pay the $1 fee at the time of entry submission via credit card or electronic payment method.
Can I Still Check My DV-2026 Results?
Yes, DV-2026 results have been available since May 3, 2025 and remain accessible through at least September 30, 2026 at dvprogram.state.gov. You must use your unique confirmation number to check results - the State Department does not send email notifications or letters to winners. If selected, you have until September 30, 2026 to complete your immigrant visa application or adjustment of status.
What Happens If I Submit a Non-Compliant Passport Photo?
Submitting a passport photo that does not meet U.S. State Department specifications results in automatic disqualification from the Green Card Lottery, even if you are otherwise eligible. Your photo must be recent (taken within 6 months), 2x2 inches, with white or off-white background, full face visible, neutral expression, and specific head size requirements. Many applicants use professional visa photo services to ensure their passport photo meets requirements and avoid disqualification.
How Many People Win the Diversity Visa Lottery Each Year?
The State Department selects approximately 100,000-130,000 diversity visa lottery winners annually, though only 50,000-55,000 immigrant visas are actually issued. For DV-2026, approximately 129,516 selectees were chosen. More winners are selected than visas available because many selectees do not complete their applications or fail to qualify during consular processing.
What You Need to Know About Green Card Lottery Changes
The introduction of the $1 registration fee and delayed DV-2027 timeline represent the most significant changes to the Diversity Visa Program in years. Prospective applicants must prepare payment methods, monitor the official State Department website daily, and be ready to submit applications quickly when the shortened registration window opens. The modernized system aims to reduce fraud and streamline processing for legitimate applicants.
If you're planning to enter the Green Card Lottery, now is the time to ensure your passport photo meets requirements and gather all necessary documentation. Professional visa photo services can help you avoid the common mistake of photo-related disqualification, which eliminates thousands of otherwise qualified applicants each year. With visa numbers limited and competition fierce, proper preparation makes the difference between approval and rejection in your immigration journey.
--- **Sources:** - [U.S. Department of State - Diversity Visa Program Updates](https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/News/visas-news/update-on-dv-program-2025.html) - [USA.gov - DV Lottery Results Information](https://www.usa.gov/dv-lottery-results) - [State Department DV Lottery Official Portal](https://dvprogram.state.gov/) - [BAL Immigration - November 2025 Visa Bulletin Updates](https://www.bal.com/immigration-news/united-states-november-2025-visa-bulletin-dates-for-filing-chart-show-no-movement-diversity-visa-lottery-2026-updates/) - [Ukraine Immigration Task Force - DV-2027 Delay](https://ukrainetaskforce.org/diversity-visa-dv-2027-green-card-lottery-to-open-in-early-october-2025/)