Green Card Lottery December 2025: Key Updates for DV-2026 and DV-2027
Green card lottery applicants have two major developments to track this December 2025. The U.S. State Department released December visa bulletin cutoff numbers for DV-2026 selectees, while DV-2027 registration remains delayed pending implementation of a historic new entry fee.
With approximately 129,516 DV-2026 selectees competing for roughly 52,000 available diversity visas, understanding these cutoff numbers determines whether you can proceed with your green card application. Meanwhile, millions of prospective DV-2027 applicants await the registration opening announcement.
December 2025 DV-2026 Cutoff Numbers by Region
The State Department's December 2025 visa bulletin establishes which case numbers can schedule immigrant visa interviews this month.
- Africa: 17,500 (Algeria limited to 17,250; Egypt limited to 16,000)
- Asia: 10,000 (Nepal limited to 6,000)
- Europe: 7,750
- North America (Bahamas): 20
- Oceania: 1,100
- South America and the Caribbean: 1,850
Visas are available only for applicants with DV regional lottery rank numbers below these cutoff figures. If your case number exceeds your region's threshold, you must wait for future monthly bulletin updates.
Additionally, selectees from Nepal and Egypt face country-specific limitations due to high application volumes. The annual DV limit was reduced from the standard 55,000 to approximately 52,000 due to NACARA and NDAA legislative amendments.
Who Is Affected by These Green Card Lottery Updates
These December 2025 updates impact two distinct groups of diversity visa lottery participants.
For DV-2026 Selectees
If you were selected in the DV-2026 lottery and your case number falls below December cutoffs, you can proceed immediately with your immigrant visa application. Schedule your consular interview or file for adjustment of status if you're already in the United States.
For Prospective DV-2027 Applicants
Registration has not yet opened. The State Department will announce the DV-2027 entry period "as soon as practicable," with immigration experts expecting a late December 2025 or January 2026 opening. Prepare your documents now, including a valid passport and compliant passport photo meeting State Department requirements.
For Those Planning Future Green Card Applications
The new $1 registration fee signals permanent changes to the diversity visa program. Budget accordingly and monitor official State Department announcements for future lottery cycles.
How to Check Your DV-2026 Status - Step by Step
Follow these steps to verify your green card lottery selection status and proceed with your application.
- Visit the official portal: Go to dvprogram.state.gov/ESC/ - this is the only legitimate status check website
- Enter your confirmation number: Use the confirmation number you received when you submitted your DV-2026 entry in October-November 2024
- Provide your personal details: Enter your last name and date of birth exactly as submitted
- Review your status: The system will display whether you were selected and your case number
- Compare to cutoff numbers: If selected, check the December 2025 visa bulletin to see if your case number is current
- Begin your application: If your number is below the cutoff, complete Form DS-260 online and schedule your interview
DV-2027 Registration: New $1 Fee and Expected Timeline
The DV-2027 green card lottery registration has been delayed beyond the traditional October start date due to implementation of a mandatory entry fee.
- New fee requirement: $1 electronic payment required at time of entry submission - first paid entry in program's 30-year history
- Expected opening: Late December 2025 or January 2026 per immigration attorney estimates
- Registration window: Expected 2-3 weeks (reduced from typical 30+ day period)
- Annual revenue: State Department estimates $25 million annually from approximately 25 million applicants
- Application fee unchanged: Winners still pay the standard $330 diversity visa application fee
The State Department published the final rule establishing this fee in the Federal Register on September 16, 2025, with immediate effect. Immigration experts suggest the delay relates to implementing worldwide electronic payment processing for the new fee.
Important Dates and Timeline
Mark these critical deadlines for both DV-2026 and DV-2027 programs.
- Now through September 30, 2026: DV-2026 status check remains available at dvprogram.state.gov
- Late December 2025 - January 2026: Expected DV-2027 registration opening (not confirmed)
- September 30, 2026: Absolute deadline for DV-2026 selectees to obtain visa or adjust status
- October 1, 2026 - September 30, 2027: DV-2027 visa application period for selected winners
Green Card Lottery Scam Warning
The State Department has issued fraud alerts regarding fake winner notifications targeting hopeful applicants.
- Official channel only: The government NEVER sends lottery results via email, phone calls, or postal mail
- Legitimate website: Only use dvprogram.state.gov/ESC/ to check your status
- No fees for results: Checking your selection status is completely free
- Report scams: Forward suspicious emails to the State Department and delete them
Scammers often send convincing emails claiming recipients won the lottery, then request payment for "processing fees." Legitimate notifications only appear through the official Entrant Status Check system.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does my green card lottery cutoff number mean?
Your case number determines when you can schedule your immigrant visa interview. If your number is below the monthly cutoff for your region, you're "current" and can proceed with your application. Higher numbers must wait for future visa bulletins showing increased cutoffs.
When will DV-2027 registration open?
The State Department has not announced a specific date but will publicize it widely when determined. Immigration experts anticipate opening in late December 2025 or January 2026. Monitor travel.state.gov for official announcements.
Why was the DV-2027 registration delayed?
The delay primarily relates to implementing the new $1 electronic registration fee, which requires worldwide payment processing infrastructure. This marks the first paid entry in the diversity visa program's 30-year history.
What photo requirements apply for the green card lottery?
Your diversity visa photo must meet strict State Department specifications: 600x600 pixels, white background, recent (within 6 months), and showing your full face clearly. Using a service like VisaPics ensures your passport photo requirements are met for both lottery entry and visa application stages.
What You Need to Know About Green Card Lottery 2026
DV-2026 selectees should act promptly - December cutoff numbers determine immediate eligibility, and the September 30, 2026 deadline is absolute. Monitor monthly visa bulletins if your case number isn't yet current.
For those planning DV-2027 entry, prepare your valid passport and ensure your visa photo specifications meet State Department requirements before registration opens. The condensed registration window expected (2-3 weeks) leaves little time for document preparation once the entry period begins. Stay vigilant against lottery scams and only trust official State Department channels at dvprogram.state.gov.