Green Card Lottery December 2025: Key Updates for DV-2026 and DV-2027
Green card lottery applicants face significant changes in December 2025, with the U.S. State Department releasing new cutoff numbers for DV-2026 while DV-2027 registration remains delayed. The delay marks the first time in the program's 30-year history that registration has been pushed past its traditional October start date.
Additionally, the upcoming DV-2027 cycle will introduce a mandatory $1 registration fee—another first for the Diversity Visa program. Here's everything you need to know about the current status and upcoming changes.
December 2025 Cutoff Numbers for DV-2026
The State Department has released the December 2025 Visa Bulletin, confirming which DV-2026 selectees can proceed with their green card applications.
- Africa: Cutoff number 17,500 (Algeria special limit: 17,250; Egypt: 16,000)
- Asia: Cutoff number 10,000
- Europe: Cutoff number 7,750
- Oceania: Cutoff number 1,100
- South America & Caribbean: Cutoff number 1,850
Most regional cutoffs remain unchanged from November. Only applicants with case numbers below these thresholds can schedule interviews or file adjustment of status applications. If your number exceeds these limits, you must wait for future bulletin updates.
DV-2027 Registration Delay: What We Know
The State Department announced on November 5, 2025, that DV-2027 registration has been delayed while implementing changes to the entry process. This marks a historic departure from the program's usual schedule.
Why Is DV-2027 Delayed?
The delay stems from modernization of the registration portal, implementation of the new $1 fee system, and enhanced identity verification measures. The State Department has stated they will announce opening and closing dates "as soon as practicable."
When Will Registration Open?
Immigration experts expect the DV-2027 registration window to open between December 2025 and January 2026. However, the registration period may be shortened to 2-3 weeks instead of the traditional 30-day window.
New $1 Registration Fee
Starting with DV-2027, all applicants must pay a $1 non-refundable fee when submitting their entry. This fee, established by a final rule published September 16, 2025, aims to prevent fraudulent multiple entries and cover processing costs. The fee is expected to generate approximately $25 million annually.
Who Is Affected by These Updates
These changes impact millions of hopeful immigrants worldwide. Understanding how they affect your specific situation is crucial for successful navigation of the green card lottery process.
For Current DV-2026 Selectees
If you were selected in the DV-2026 lottery, check the December cutoff numbers immediately. Those with case numbers below regional thresholds should prepare visa application documents, including properly formatted passport photos. Remember: all processing must complete by September 30, 2026.
For Future DV-2027 Applicants
Monitor the official State Department website at dvprogram.state.gov daily for registration announcements. Have your passport ready—a proposed rule may require uploading passport scans. Also, prepare a valid payment method for the new $1 fee.
For Those With High Case Numbers
If your DV-2026 case number exceeds current cutoffs, don't lose hope. Cutoff numbers typically increase throughout the fiscal year. However, understand that not all 129,516 selectees will receive visas—only approximately 52,000 will be issued.
How to Check Your DV-2026 Status
Follow these steps to verify your green card lottery selection status and case number:
- Visit the official portal: Go to dvprogram.state.gov/ESC (never use third-party websites)
- Enter your confirmation number: Use the number from your original 2024 registration
- Lost your number? Click "Forgot Confirmation Number" and enter your registration details
- Review your case number: Compare it against December cutoffs for your region
- Begin DS-260 processing: If eligible, submit your immigrant visa application immediately
DV Lottery Photo Requirements
Proper photo submission is critical for green card lottery success. Your photo must meet these exact specifications:
- Size: 600x600 pixels, 24-bit color depth (no black and white)
- Recency: Taken within the last 6 months
- Background: Light, neutral background with no shadows or patterns
- Face position: Centered, taking up approximately 50% of the image
- Glasses: Not permitted (even prescription eyewear)
- Head coverings: Only allowed for religious reasons
At VisaPics, we help ensure your DV lottery photo meets all requirements to avoid disqualification. Each family member needs a compliant photo—including spouse and children.
Important Dates and Deadlines
Mark these critical dates on your calendar to stay compliant with green card lottery requirements:
- Now through September 30, 2026: DV-2026 Entrant Status Check available
- September 30, 2026: Absolute deadline for DV-2026 visa issuance
- December 2025 - January 2026: Expected DV-2027 registration opening
- Monthly: New visa bulletin cutoff numbers released
Frequently Asked Questions
How many people won the 2026 green card lottery?
The DV-2026 program selected 129,516 applicants from over 20.8 million qualified entries. However, only approximately 52,000 diversity visas will be issued due to NACARA reductions and statutory limits. Selection does not guarantee a green card.
When will DV-2027 registration open?
The State Department has not announced specific dates. Immigration experts expect registration to open between December 2025 and January 2026. Monitor dvprogram.state.gov for official announcements—the department does not send email notifications about registration periods.
Why is there now a $1 fee for the green card lottery?
The $1 fee, effective with DV-2027, aims to prevent fraudulent multiple entries and cover processing costs. This marks the first fee in the program's 30-year history. The fee is non-refundable and expected to generate $25 million annually for program operations.
How do I know if my case number is current?
Check the monthly Visa Bulletin on travel.state.gov. Your case number must be below the cutoff for your region before you can schedule an interview or file for adjustment of status. Numbers become current progressively throughout the fiscal year.
Protecting Yourself from Green Card Lottery Scams
The State Department warns that scams targeting lottery applicants remain prevalent. Here's what to know:
- No email notifications: The government never emails or mails lottery winners
- Only one official website: dvprogram.state.gov is the only legitimate portal
- No guaranteed selection: Any service claiming to increase winning odds is fraudulent
- No advance fees: Besides the new $1 entry fee, no payment is required until visa processing
What You Need to Know
The green card lottery continues evolving with significant changes for 2025-2026. Current DV-2026 selectees should act quickly—with only about 52,000 visas available for 129,516 selectees, those with lower case numbers have better chances of completing processing before the September 30, 2026 deadline.
For prospective DV-2027 applicants, prepare now by gathering required documents, ensuring your passport photo meets specifications, and having a payment method ready for the new $1 fee. Bookmark the official State Department website and check daily for registration announcements. Remember: the registration window may be significantly shorter than in previous years.
Sources: - [U.S. Department of State DV Lottery Portal](https://dvprogram.state.gov/) - [USAGov DV Lottery Results Information](https://www.usa.gov/dv-lottery-results) - [Federal Register - Enhancing Vetting and Combatting Fraud in the DV Program](https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2025/08/05/2025-14784/visas-enhancing-vetting-and-combatting-fraud-in-the-diversity-immigrant-visa-program) - [Boundless - $1 Fee for DV Lottery Registration](https://www.boundless.com/blog/us-state-department-introduces-1-dollar-fee-for-dv-lottery-registration) - [NEPYORK - December Cutoff Numbers](https://nepyork.com/2025/11/16/diversity-visa-update-december-cut-offs-steady-for-most-january-jumps-africa-from-17500-to-35000/) - [Travel.gov - Photo Requirements](https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/us-visas/visa-information-resources/photos.html)