Green Card Lottery December 2025: Key Updates
The green card lottery program faces significant changes as the U.S. State Department released December 2025 visa bulletin cutoff numbers for DV-2026 while delaying DV-2027 registration. For the first time in the Diversity Visa program's 30-year history, applicants will pay a $1 non-refundable entry fee when DV-2027 registration opens.
Currently, 129,516 DV-2026 selectees are competing for approximately 52,000 available diversity visas this fiscal year. The reduction from the traditional 55,000 visas results from allocations to the NACARA program and the National Defense Authorization Act.
December 2025 DV-2026 Cutoff Numbers by Region
The State Department has released updated cutoff numbers determining which selectees can proceed with their green card applications.
- Africa: 17,500 (Algeria: 17,250; Egypt: 16,000 due to high demand)
- Asia: 10,000 (Nepal limited to 6,000 due to volume)
- Europe: 7,750
- North America (Bahamas): 20
- Oceania: 1,100
- South America & Caribbean: 1,850
If your case number falls below your region's cutoff, you can schedule your immigrant visa interview immediately. However, numbers could be exhausted before September 30, 2026, so prompt action is essential.
DV-2027 Registration Delay and New $1 Fee
The U.S. Department of State announced on November 5, 2025 that DV-2027 registration has been delayed while implementing changes to the entry process.
- Historic Fee: $1 non-refundable registration fee—first in program history
- Expected Revenue: Approximately $25 million annually for operations and antifraud measures
- Registration Window: Expected late December 2025 or January 2026
- Shortened Period: Anticipated 2-3 weeks instead of traditional 30+ days
- System Updates: New identity verification and passport validation systems
The fee, published in the Federal Register on September 16, 2025, represents a major shift from the historically free lottery system. Despite the delayed registration, the visa application period for DV-2027 winners remains unchanged: October 1, 2026, through September 30, 2027.
Who Is Affected by These Green Card Lottery Changes
These updates impact millions of prospective immigrants worldwide who rely on the diversity visa program for U.S. permanent residency.
For Current DV-2026 Selectees
If you were selected in the DV-2026 lottery, check your case number against December cutoffs immediately. Those with numbers below the threshold should schedule interviews promptly, as visa numbers may exhaust before the September deadline.
For Prospective DV-2027 Applicants
Prepare for a condensed registration window once the State Department announces the start date. Have your passport photo ready—ensuring it meets official requirements is crucial for application acceptance. The $1 fee must be paid during registration.
For Applicants from High-Demand Countries
Selectees from Nepal, Egypt, and Algeria face stricter limitations due to high application volumes. These countries have lower individual cutoff numbers, meaning fewer applicants can proceed each month.
How to Check Your DV-2026 Green Card Lottery Status
Follow these steps to verify your selection status and proceed with your application.
- Visit the Official Portal: Go to dvprogram.state.gov/ESC—this is the ONLY legitimate site
- Enter Your Confirmation Number: Use the unique number from your original DV-2026 entry
- Provide Personal Details: Input your last name and date of birth exactly as submitted
- Review Your Status: Check if selected and note your case number
- Compare Against Cutoffs: Verify your number is below your region's December threshold
- Prepare Documentation: Gather passport, visa photos, and supporting documents
Important Dates and Timeline for Green Card Lottery
Mark these critical deadlines to avoid missing your opportunity for U.S. permanent residency.
- Now - September 30, 2026: DV-2026 status check remains available online
- December 2025 or January 2026: Expected DV-2027 registration opening
- 2-3 Weeks After Opening: Anticipated DV-2027 registration deadline
- May 2026: Expected DV-2027 results announcement
- September 30, 2026: Absolute deadline for all DV-2026 visa issuance
- October 1, 2026 - September 30, 2027: DV-2027 visa application period
Frequently Asked Questions
What Is the Green Card Lottery Entry Fee for DV-2027?
The State Department has implemented a $1 non-refundable fee for DV-2027 registration. This is the first time in the program's 30+ year history that applicants must pay to enter. The fee funds operational costs and antifraud improvements.
When Will DV-2027 Registration Open?
The State Department has not announced a specific date but indicates registration will open "as soon as practicable." Immigration experts expect the window to open between late December 2025 and January 2026. The registration period will likely be shortened to 2-3 weeks.
How Do I Know If I'm Selected for the Green Card Lottery?
The State Department ONLY notifies selectees through the official Entrant Status Check at dvprogram.state.gov. The government never sends emails, calls, or mails about lottery results. Any such communication is a scam—report it immediately.
What Photo Requirements Apply to Green Card Lottery Applications?
DV lottery applications require specific passport photo specifications: 2x2 inches (51x51mm), recent within 6 months, white background, and proper head positioning. Using VisaPics ensures your photo meets all official requirements.
Can I Still Apply If I'm From Cuba?
No. Under U.S. law, Cuban natives are not eligible for the DV-2026 program year because more than 50,000 Cuban natives immigrated to the United States in the previous five-year period. The State Department has notified affected individuals.
What You Need to Know: Green Card Lottery Bottom Line
The green card lottery program is experiencing historic changes with the introduction of the $1 entry fee and delayed DV-2027 registration. Current DV-2026 selectees should act immediately if their case numbers fall below December cutoffs, as 52,000 visas must be distributed among 129,516 registered applicants.
For those planning to enter DV-2027, monitor the official State Department website for registration announcements and ensure your visa application documents are ready. Verify your passport photo meets all requirements before submission—proper documentation significantly improves your chances of a smooth application process.