Green Card Lottery 2027 Registration Indefinitely Delayed
The U.S. Department of State has officially postponed the DV-2027 Green Card Lottery registration, breaking from the traditional early October opening timeline. In a notice dated November 5, 2025, officials confirmed they will announce the new start date "as soon as practicable" while implementing major system upgrades and enhanced fraud detection measures.
This unprecedented delay affects millions of prospective applicants from over 190 countries who typically submit entries during the October-November window. The State Department has warned applicants about fraudulent websites falsely claiming DV-2027 registration is currently open and charging excessive fees for lottery entry assistance.
Historic $1 Entry Fee Now Required for DV-2027
For the first time in the program's 30-year history, applicants must pay a mandatory fee. Here's what you need to know:
- $1 Electronic Entry Fee: Non-refundable payment required for each DV-2027 application submission
- Effective Date: Rule published in Federal Register on September 16, 2025, and took effect immediately
- No Transfers: Fee cannot be transferred to future lottery years if you're not selected
- Payment Method: Electronic payment only through official State Department website
- No Exemptions: All applicants must pay regardless of country, age, or financial circumstances
The $1 fee represents a significant policy shift aimed at reducing fraudulent and duplicate entries. Previously, the Diversity Visa Lottery had zero cost to enter, making it one of the most accessible immigration pathways to the United States.
DV-2026 Winners: 129,516 Applicants Selected
While DV-2027 remains delayed, the State Department announced 129,516 DV-2026 winners on May 3, 2025. These selected applicants can now proceed with their immigrant visa applications.
For DV-2026 Winners
If you were selected in the DV-2026 lottery, you have from October 1, 2025, through September 30, 2026 to complete your visa application and interview. Winners must check their status on the official Entry Status Check portal at dvprogram.state.gov using their confirmation number—no emails or letters will be sent.
For DV-2027 Prospective Applicants
If you're planning to enter the DV-2027 lottery, monitor the official State Department website for registration opening announcements. Prepare your digital passport photo and biographic information in advance to ensure your application meets all requirements when registration opens.
For Immigration Attorneys and Service Providers
Legal professionals should inform clients about the new $1 fee structure and registration delays. Additionally, emphasize that only the official State Department website (dvprogram.state.gov) should be used for registration—third-party services offering "guaranteed selection" or charging excessive fees are fraudulent.
How to Prepare for DV-2027 Registration - Step by Step
Take these actions now to be ready when registration opens:
- Obtain a Valid Passport: While not required for DV-2027 registration, having a valid passport ready will expedite your application if selected
- Prepare Digital Photos: Get compliant passport-style photos meeting State Department specifications (2x2 inches, white background, taken within 6 months)
- Verify Eligibility: Confirm your country of birth qualifies (nationals of Bangladesh, Brazil, Canada, China, Colombia, Dominican Republic, El Salvador, Haiti, Honduras, India, Jamaica, Mexico, Nigeria, Pakistan, Philippines, South Korea, United Kingdom, and Vietnam are typically ineligible)
- Check Education Requirements: Ensure you have at least a high school diploma or two years of qualifying work experience within the past five years
- Bookmark Official Website: Save dvprogram.state.gov to check for registration opening announcements—avoid third-party lottery sites
- Prepare Payment Method: Have an electronic payment method ready for the $1 registration fee
Important Dates and Timeline for Green Card Lottery
Mark these critical dates on your calendar:
- May 3, 2025: DV-2026 results announced with 129,516 winners selected
- September 16, 2025: $1 entry fee requirement published in Federal Register and took effect
- October 1, 2025 - September 30, 2026: Visa application period for DV-2026 winners
- November 5, 2025: State Department announces DV-2027 registration delay with no specific opening date
- TBD (Coming Months): DV-2027 registration period opening to be announced "as soon as practicable"
- October 1, 2026 - September 30, 2027: Visa application period for DV-2027 winners (unchanged)
Why the Delay? System Modernization and Fraud Prevention
The State Department cited several reasons for postponing DV-2027 registration. Officials are implementing major system upgrades to modernize the registration portal and enhance security features that detect duplicate and fraudulent entries more effectively.
Additionally, the department proposed enhanced vetting rules on August 5, 2025, requiring more stringent identity verification. While a passport requirement was proposed, officials indicate this is unlikely to take effect for DV-2027, though future lottery cycles may require valid passport scans during registration.
Frequently Asked Questions
When Will DV-2027 Registration Open?
The U.S. State Department has not announced a specific registration date as of November 2025. Officials stated the start date will be announced "as soon as practicable" and will be widely publicized on the official website at travel.state.gov. Applicants should check this website regularly for updates rather than relying on third-party sources.
Is the $1 Entry Fee Refundable If I'm Not Selected?
No, the $1 electronic entry fee is completely non-refundable regardless of whether you're selected or rejected in the lottery. The fee also cannot be transferred to future lottery years, meaning you must pay $1 for each lottery cycle you enter.
How Do I Check If I Won the DV-2026 Lottery?
Visit the official Entry Status Check portal at dvprogram.state.gov and enter your confirmation number. Results for DV-2026 were released on May 3, 2025, and will remain available through at least September 30, 2026. The State Department will not send emails, letters, or phone calls notifying winners—you must check your status yourself.
Can I Still Enter the Lottery If My Country Isn't Eligible?
Yes, if you can claim chargeability to an eligible country through your spouse or either parent. Nationals of countries with high U.S. immigration rates (such as India, China, Mexico, and Nigeria) are typically ineligible, but you may qualify through derivative chargeability if your spouse or parents were born in eligible countries.
Do I Need a Passport Photo for DV-2027 Registration?
Yes, you must submit a digital passport-style photo meeting specific requirements: 2x2 inches (51x51mm), recent photo taken within the past 6 months, white or off-white background, and full face visible. Using a professional service like VisaPics ensures your photo meets all diversity visa photo specifications and won't cause your application to be rejected for technical issues.
What You Need to Know About the Green Card Lottery Delay
The DV-2027 Green Card Lottery delay represents significant changes to America's diversity immigration program. With the new $1 entry fee and enhanced security measures, the State Department aims to reduce fraud while maintaining the program's accessibility for qualified applicants worldwide.
If you're planning to enter DV-2027, start preparing now by gathering required documents and ensuring your passport photo meets all requirements. Professional photo services can help you avoid common mistakes that lead to application rejection. Stay informed by bookmarking the official State Department diversity visa website and checking regularly for registration opening announcements.