Green Card Lottery December 2025: Key Updates and Changes
The green card lottery program enters December 2025 with significant developments affecting both current DV-2026 selectees and future DV-2027 applicants. The U.S. State Department has released updated cutoff numbers while delaying the next registration period to implement a historic $1 entry fee.
Approximately 129,516 DV-2026 selectees are competing for roughly 52,000 diversity visas this fiscal year, with new cutoff numbers determining who can proceed with their applications. Meanwhile, those planning to enter the DV-2027 lottery must wait as the State Department finalizes its new electronic payment system.
December 2025 DV-2026 Cutoff Numbers Released
The State Department's December 2025 Visa Bulletin confirms the regional cutoff numbers that determine which green card lottery selectees can schedule their immigrant visa interviews.
- Africa: 17,500 (Algeria: 17,250; Egypt: 16,000)
- Asia: 10,000 (Nepal: 6,000)
- Europe: 7,750
- Oceania: 1,100
- South America & Caribbean: 1,850
- North America (Bahamas): 20
Only selectees with case numbers below these regional cutoffs can proceed with their visa applications or adjustment of status. Country-specific limitations apply to Nepal, Egypt, and Algeria due to high application volumes from these nations.
DV-2027 Registration Delayed: New $1 Fee Implementation
For the first time in the Diversity Visa program's 30+ year history, applicants will pay a $1 non-refundable registration fee to enter the green card lottery. This historic change has caused the DV-2027 registration to be delayed.
- Fee Amount: $1 USD per entry, non-refundable under all circumstances
- Payment Method: Electronic payment through official State Department portal only
- Accepted Methods: Major credit cards, debit cards, and potentially online bank transfers
- Effective Date: Published in Federal Register on September 16, 2025
- Expected Revenue: Approximately $25 million annually from 25 million registrants
The State Department implemented this fee to more fairly allocate lottery operation costs and reduce fraudulent registrations. Previously, these costs were bundled into the $330 visa application fee paid only by selected winners.
Who Is Affected by These Green Card Lottery Changes
These updates impact different groups of diversity visa applicants in specific ways. Understanding your situation helps you take appropriate action.
For Current DV-2026 Selectees
If your case number falls below the December cutoff for your region, you can now schedule your immigrant visa interview. All DV-2026 processing must be completed by September 30, 2026 - no exceptions or extensions are possible after this date.
For Future DV-2027 Applicants
You must wait for the official registration period to open, expected in late December 2025 or January 2026. Have a valid payment method ready for the $1 fee, and only register through the official dvprogram.state.gov website.
For Those Who Haven't Checked DV-2026 Results
The Entrant Status Check remains open until September 30, 2026. Use your confirmation number from your original entry to check if you were selected at dvprogram.state.gov/ESC.
How to Apply for DV-2027 Green Card Lottery - Step by Step
When registration opens, follow these steps to submit your DV-2027 entry correctly.
- Wait for official announcement: Only begin when the State Department confirms registration is open at travel.state.gov
- Prepare your photo: Ensure your passport photo meets requirements - 600x600 pixels, recent within 6 months, white background
- Gather required information: Full name, birthdate, country of birth, education/work history, and spouse/children details
- Complete the online form: Visit dvprogram.state.gov and fill out all required fields accurately
- Pay the $1 fee: Complete electronic payment through the secure U.S. Treasury system
- Save your confirmation number: This is essential for checking results - you will not receive any other notification
Important Green Card Lottery Dates and Deadlines
Mark these critical dates on your calendar to avoid missing important deadlines.
- September 30, 2025: DV-2025 program officially ended
- Late December 2025/January 2026: DV-2027 registration expected to open (2-3 week window)
- May 2026: DV-2027 results expected to be published
- September 30, 2026: Final deadline for all DV-2026 visa issuance - no extensions possible
- October 1, 2026: FY-2027 diversity visas begin for DV-2027 selectees
Frequently Asked Questions About Green Card Lottery
Is the Green Card Lottery Still Free to Enter?
No, starting with DV-2027, all applicants must pay a $1 non-refundable fee when submitting their entry. This is the first time in the program's history that a registration fee is required. The fee is separate from the $330 visa application fee paid only if selected.
How Do I Know If My Case Number Is Current?
Check the monthly Visa Bulletin at travel.state.gov to see the cutoff number for your region. If your case number is below the cutoff, you're "current" and can proceed with scheduling your visa interview or filing adjustment of status.
Will the State Department Email Me If I Win?
No. The State Department never sends emails, letters, or phone calls to lottery winners. Any such communication is a scam. You must check your status yourself using your confirmation number at dvprogram.state.gov/ESC.
Can I Apply Multiple Times to Increase My Chances?
No. Submitting more than one entry per person will disqualify all your entries. Each eligible person may submit only one entry per registration period. Spouses can each submit their own separate entries, with each listing the other as a derivative.
Protect Yourself from Green Card Lottery Scams
The State Department has issued urgent fraud warnings for December 2025. With the new $1 fee implementation, scammers are creating fake payment portals and lottery registration sites.
- Only use official websites: dvprogram.state.gov and travel.state.gov
- Never pay through third parties: No visa consultants, agents, or unofficial websites
- Ignore unsolicited communications: Real winners are never contacted by email or phone
- Verify before paying: Ensure the URL shows the official .gov domain
What You Need to Know - Bottom Line
The green card lottery program is undergoing its most significant changes in decades with the new $1 registration fee for DV-2027. Current DV-2026 selectees should monitor monthly cutoff numbers and prepare all documentation well before the September 30, 2026 deadline.
Whether you're checking DV-2026 results or preparing for DV-2027 registration, ensure your visa photo meets specifications before submitting any application. Stay informed through official State Department channels and avoid third-party services claiming to offer lottery registration assistance.
Sources: - [U.S. Department of State - Visa Bulletin for December 2025](https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/legal/visa-law0/visa-bulletin/2026/visa-bulletin-for-december-2025.html) - [DV Lottery Official Portal](https://dvprogram.state.gov/) - [USAGov - Check Diversity Visa Lottery Results](https://www.usa.gov/dv-lottery-results) - [Federal Register - Diversity Visa Fee Rule](https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2025/09/16/2025-17851/schedule-of-fees-for-consular-services-department-of-state-and-overseas-embassies-and) - [Boundless - U.S. Introduces $1 Fee for Diversity Visa Lottery](https://www.boundless.com/blog/us-state-department-introduces-1-dollar-fee-for-dv-lottery-registration)