Historic Green Card Lottery Changes October 2025
The DV-2027 Green Card Lottery registration has been delayed past its traditional October 1, 2025 opening date, marking an unprecedented shift in the program's 30-year history. The U.S. State Department confirmed on October 8, 2025, that registration will open later than expected, with the new target date around October 16, 2025.
This delay coincides with the implementation of a mandatory $1 electronic registration fee that takes effect September 16, 2025, making DV-2027 the first lottery cycle where applicants must pay to enter. The final rule was published in the Federal Register on September 16, 2025, and is expected to generate approximately $25 million annually from an estimated 25 million registrations.
Key Changes to the Green Card Lottery Registration Process
The DV-2027 lottery introduces several significant changes that all applicants must understand before registering:
- New $1 Registration Fee: Mandatory electronic payment required at time of application submission (effective October 16, 2025)
- Delayed Opening: Registration expected to begin mid-October instead of the traditional first week of October
- Non-Refundable Payment: The $1 fee will not be refunded regardless of lottery results or application errors
- No Fee Transfers: Registration fees cannot be transferred between lottery years if you reapply
- Existing Application Fee Unchanged: The $330 Diversity Visa application fee for selected winners remains the same
- Payment System Upgrade: New payment gateway infrastructure being implemented to handle electronic fee collection
According to the State Department, this change will "more fairly place the burden of the lottery registration on individuals seeking the benefit" rather than charging only the small percentage of successful applicants. Previously, operational costs were bundled into the $330 application fee paid only by winners.
Who Is Affected by These Green Card Lottery Changes
These updates impact millions of prospective immigrants worldwide. Here's what different applicant groups need to know:
For First-Time DV Lottery Applicants
If you're applying for the first time in the DV-2027 cycle, you must prepare for the $1 registration fee payment in addition to meeting all eligibility requirements. The fee must be paid electronically during registration, so ensure you have a valid payment method. Additionally, make sure your passport photo meets the strict requirements—many applicants are disqualified for photo non-compliance.
For Previous DV Lottery Participants
If you've applied in past years when registration was free, note that the process has changed. You cannot reuse payment information or credentials from previous years, and each new lottery cycle requires a fresh $1 payment. The registration period timeline has also shifted, so monitor the official dvprogram.state.gov website for exact dates.
For DV-2026 Winners Currently Processing Applications
If you won the DV-2026 lottery (results announced May 3, 2025), these changes do not affect your current application. You have until September 30, 2026 to complete your immigrant visa process. The new $1 fee only applies to DV-2027 and future lottery registrations.
How to Register for the DV-2027 Green Card Lottery - Step by Step
Follow these steps carefully when registration opens in mid-October 2025:
- Wait for Official Announcement: Only register through the official dvprogram.state.gov website (beware of scam sites charging excessive fees)
- Prepare Required Documents: Have your passport, birth certificate, and compliant passport photos ready before starting your application
- Complete the Electronic Form: Fill out the DS-5501 Entry Form with accurate personal information (errors cannot be corrected after submission)
- Pay the $1 Registration Fee: Use a valid credit/debit card to pay the non-refundable electronic fee during the application process
- Submit Before Deadline: Registration typically closes in early November, giving you approximately 30-40 days to apply
- Save Your Confirmation Number: This is the ONLY way to check your results when they're announced in May 2026—no email notifications are sent
Important Dates and Timeline for DV-2027 Green Card Lottery
Mark these critical dates on your calendar to avoid missing important deadlines:
- September 16, 2025: New $1 registration fee rule published in Federal Register and takes effect
- October 1, 2025: Traditional opening date (delayed for DV-2027 cycle)
- Around October 16, 2025: Expected registration opening with upgraded payment system
- Early to Mid-November 2025: Anticipated registration closing date (typically 30-40 days after opening)
- May 2026: DV-2027 lottery results announcement (exact date to be confirmed)
- October 1, 2026 - September 30, 2027: Visa processing period for DV-2027 winners
Frequently Asked Questions About Green Card Lottery Updates
Why Was the DV-2027 Green Card Lottery Registration Delayed?
The State Department has not officially disclosed the specific reason for the delay. However, immigration attorneys believe the delay is linked to implementing the new $1 electronic registration fee and upgrading the payment gateway infrastructure to handle millions of transactions. Some sources also cite potential impacts from government operational changes.
Is the $1 Registration Fee Refundable If I Don't Win?
No, the $1 registration fee is non-refundable under all circumstances. Whether you win the lottery or not, whether your application contains errors, or whether you change your mind, the fee will not be returned. This is clearly stated in the Federal Register final rule published September 16, 2025.
Do I Still Need to Pay $330 If I Win the DV-2027 Lottery?
Yes, the $1 registration fee is separate from the existing $330 Diversity Visa application fee. If you're selected in the lottery and proceed with your immigrant visa application, you must still pay the $330 fee. The $1 fee only covers the operational costs of running the lottery registration system for all 25 million annual applicants.
Can I Use My Old Confirmation Number from Previous Years?
No, each lottery cycle requires a completely new registration. Your confirmation number from DV-2026 or earlier years cannot be used for DV-2027. You must register again, pay the new $1 fee, and receive a new confirmation number. Additionally, fees cannot be transferred between lottery years.
What You Need to Know Before Applying
The DV-2027 Green Card Lottery represents a significant shift in how the United States manages diversity immigration. With the introduction of the $1 registration fee and delayed opening timeline, applicants must stay vigilant and monitor official State Department announcements. The changes are designed to distribute program costs more equitably among all registrants rather than burdening only the small percentage of winners.
Before you register, ensure your passport photo meets all official requirements to avoid disqualification—technical photo rejections remain one of the most common reasons applications fail. Consider using professional services that guarantee compliance with current diversity visa photo specifications. Additionally, bookmark the official dvprogram.state.gov website and check it regularly for the exact registration opening date, as unofficial sites often charge excessive fees or provide outdated information.