Breaking Changes to the Green Card Diversity Visa Lottery Program
The U.S. State Department announced on November 5, 2025, that the DV-2027 Green Card Lottery registration has been delayed while implementing significant changes to the entry process. For the first time in over 30 years, applicants must now pay a $1 electronic registration fee to enter the diversity visa lottery, marking a historic shift in the program that distributes 55,000 immigrant visas annually.
The registration period, typically opening in early October, has been postponed with new dates expected between December 2025 and January 2026. Additionally, DV-2026 results released in May 2025 are still being processed, with selectees having until September 30, 2026, to complete their visa applications.
Key Changes to DV-2027 Green Card Lottery Registration
The State Department has implemented several major updates affecting future diversity visa applicants:
- New $1 Registration Fee: Effective October 16, 2025, all entrants must pay a non-refundable $1 electronic fee when submitting their lottery entry
- Delayed Registration Period: Registration originally scheduled for October 2025 has been postponed to December 2025-January 2026 timeframe
- Passport Requirement Postponed: Proposed rule requiring valid passport at entry will NOT be implemented for DV-2027 but may apply to future cycles
- System Upgrades: State Department is implementing technical changes to integrate payment processing and deter fraud
- Revenue Generation: Expected 25 million registrants will generate approximately $25 million annually to cover program operational costs
- No Email Notifications: Winners are ONLY notified through the official dvprogram.state.gov website - beware of scam emails
The $1 registration fee is separate from the existing $330 Diversity Visa application fee, which only applies if an applicant is selected and proceeds with their visa application. This new charge aims to reduce duplicate entries and fraudulent applications.
Who Is Affected by These Diversity Visa Changes
These updates impact millions of prospective immigrants worldwide competing for permanent U.S. residency. Understanding how these changes affect your specific situation is crucial for successful application.
For DV-2027 Future Applicants
If you plan to enter the DV-2027 lottery, prepare to pay the $1 registration fee via electronic payment when registration opens (expected December 2025-January 2026). You will need a valid payment method and should create entries only for eligible family members to avoid wasting money on ineligible applications.
For DV-2026 Selectees
If you were selected in the May 3, 2025 results announcement, you have until September 30, 2026, to complete your visa application and interview. Approximately 125,000 entrants were selected for 55,000 available visas, so acting quickly is essential since visas are processed on a first-come, first-served basis until the fiscal year quota is reached.
For DV-2025 Participants
The DV-2025 program officially ended on September 30, 2025. If you were selected but did not complete the process, you are no longer eligible, as selectees can only receive visas during the fiscal year for which they were selected.
How to Register for DV-2027 Green Card Lottery - Step by Step
Follow these steps when registration opens (expected December 2025-January 2026):
- Visit the Official Website: Go to dvprogram.state.gov (the ONLY legitimate site) and wait for the registration window announcement
- Prepare Required Documents: Gather recent passport-style photos meeting strict specifications, birth certificates, and educational credentials proving high school completion or equivalent
- Complete the Online Form: Fill out Form DS-5501 with accurate personal information, including full name, date of birth, country of birth, and contact details
- Pay the $1 Registration Fee: Submit payment via the secure electronic payment system using a valid credit card or accepted payment method
- Upload Your Photo: Submit a compliant digital photo meeting U.S. diversity visa photo requirements (2x2 inches, white background, recent photo taken within 6 months)
- Save Your Confirmation Number: Print or screenshot your unique confirmation number - this is the ONLY way to check your results later
- Submit Before Deadline: Ensure your entry is received before the registration period closes (typically a 30-day window)
Important Dates and Timeline for Diversity Visa Programs
Mark these critical dates on your calendar to avoid missing opportunities:
- May 3, 2025: DV-2026 lottery results released, selectees can check status through September 30, 2026
- September 30, 2025: DV-2025 program officially ended, no further visa issuances possible
- October 16, 2025: New $1 registration fee policy officially announced by State Department
- November 5, 2025: DV-2027 registration delay confirmed while implementing system changes
- December 2025-January 2026 (Expected): DV-2027 registration period anticipated to open with 30-day window
- May 2026 (Projected): DV-2027 results likely to be announced approximately 6-7 months after registration closes
- September 30, 2026: Final deadline for DV-2026 selectees to complete visa applications and interviews
- October 1, 2026 - September 30, 2027: DV-2027 visa issuance period for selected applicants
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the $1 Registration Fee Refundable If I'm Not Selected?
No, the $1 electronic registration fee is non-refundable regardless of lottery outcome. This fee applies to all entries and is separate from the $330 visa application fee that only selected applicants pay later. The fee helps cover program operational costs and aims to reduce fraudulent duplicate entries.
Do I Need a Passport to Enter the DV-2027 Lottery?
No, the proposed passport requirement will NOT be implemented for DV-2027. While the Trump administration proposed requiring valid, unexpired passports in August 2025, the public comment period that closed September 19, 2025 delayed implementation. However, this requirement may apply to future lottery cycles, so check official announcements for DV-2028 and beyond.
How Do I Know If I Won the Green Card Lottery?
The State Department does NOT send emails, letters, or phone calls to winners. You must check your status using your confirmation number at dvprogram.state.gov during the results period. Any unsolicited communication claiming you won is a scam - the official website is the only legitimate notification method.
Can I Still Apply for DV-2026 or Has Registration Closed?
Registration for DV-2026 closed on November 7, 2024, and results were released May 3, 2025. If you did not enter during the October-November 2024 window, you cannot apply for DV-2026. Focus on preparing for DV-2027 registration expected to open in December 2025 or January 2026.
What Are the Photo Requirements for Diversity Visa Applications?
Your diversity visa photo must be 2x2 inches (51x51mm), taken within the last 6 months, with a plain white or off-white background, showing your full face directly facing the camera. Glasses, head coverings (except religious), and heavy shadows are prohibited. Many applicants use professional services to ensure their passport photo meets requirements and avoid automatic disqualification for non-compliant images.
What You Need to Know About Green Card Lottery Changes
The introduction of a $1 registration fee and delayed DV-2027 timeline represent the most significant changes to the Diversity Visa program in decades. With 25 million applicants competing annually for just 55,000 visas (approximately 0.2% selection rate), understanding new requirements and acting promptly gives you the best chance of success.
If you're planning to enter DV-2027, monitor the official State Department website for registration announcements expected in December 2025. Ensure your passport photo meets requirements before the registration window opens, as photo errors are among the top reasons for application disqualification. Visit VisaPics for compliant visa photo specifications and professional photo services that guarantee acceptance by U.S. immigration authorities.
--- **Sources:** - [U.S. Department of State - Changes to 2027 DV Program Entry Period](https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/News/visas-news/changes-to-2027-dv-program-entry-period.html) - [Visa Lawyer Blog - Updates on the 2027 Diversity Visa Program](https://www.visalawyerblog.com/updates-on-the-2027-diversity-visa-program/) - [Boundless - U.S. Introduces $1 Fee for Diversity Visa Lottery Registration](https://www.boundless.com/blog/us-state-department-introduces-1-dollar-fee-for-dv-lottery-registration) - [VisaVerge - DV-2027 Green Card Lottery: New $1 Fee, Passport Checks, and More](https://www.visaverge.com/news/dv-2027-green-card-lottery-new-1-fee-passport-checks-and-more/) - [Anne Z. Sedki Law - 2026 Diversity Visa Lottery Results](https://www.sedkilaw.com/blog/2025/05/2026-diversity-visa-lottery-results-are-out-heres-everything-you-should-know/) - [USAGov - Check the Diversity Visa Lottery Results](https://www.usa.gov/dv-lottery-results)