Green Card Lottery December 2025: What's New
The green card lottery program enters a pivotal period as the U.S. State Department releases December 2025 cutoff numbers for DV-2026 selectees while implementing major changes to the upcoming DV-2027 registration. With approximately 129,516 selectees competing for roughly 52,000 available diversity visas, understanding these updates is essential for applicants worldwide.
Additionally, the State Department has announced a historic change: a $1 registration fee will be required for DV-2027 entries—the first fee in the program's 30-year history. This marks a significant shift in how the diversity visa lottery operates.
Key Green Card Lottery Updates for December 2025
Here are the most important developments affecting current and future diversity visa applicants:
- DV-2026 December Cutoffs Released: Most regional cutoff numbers remain unchanged from November, with Africa at 17,500, Asia at 10,000, and Europe at 7,750
- DV-2027 Registration Delayed: The State Department has postponed registration to implement new processing changes, with opening expected between late December 2025 and January 2026
- Historic $1 Fee Implemented: A final rule published September 16, 2025, establishes the first-ever registration fee for the diversity visa program
- Reduced Visa Numbers: DV-2026 annual limit reduced to approximately 52,000 visas due to NACARA provisions and the FY 2024 National Defense Authorization Act
- UK and Cuba Corrections: State Department issued corrections for incorrectly reported selection statuses affecting applicants from Great Britain and Cuba
These changes reflect ongoing adjustments to manage the high volume of applications—over 20.8 million qualified entries were received for DV-2026 alone.
Who Is Affected by These Green Card Lottery Changes
The December 2025 updates impact several groups of diversity visa applicants differently.
For DV-2026 Selectees
If you were selected in the DV-2026 lottery, check the December cutoff numbers to see if your case number is current. Applicants from Nepal (cutoff: 6,000) and Egypt (cutoff: 16,000) face stricter limitations due to high application volumes. Your deadline to obtain your visa is September 30, 2026.
For DV-2027 Hopefuls
If you planned to enter the green card lottery this fall, you'll need to wait for the delayed registration period. Prepare the $1 non-refundable fee and ensure your passport photo meets requirements—proper documentation is critical for a valid entry.
For UK and Cuba Applicants
Entrants from Great Britain and dependent areas should verify their selection status through the official Entrant Status Check. Cuban natives are ineligible for DV-2026 because more than 50,000 Cuban natives immigrated to the U.S. in the previous five years.
How to Check Your DV-2026 Status - Step by Step
Follow these steps to verify your green card lottery selection status:
- Visit the Official Portal: Go to dvprogram.state.gov/ESC—the only legitimate site to check results
- Enter Your Confirmation Number: Use the unique confirmation number from your original DV-2026 registration
- Provide Personal Details: Enter your last name, year of birth, and the authentication code displayed on screen
- Review Your Status: The system will confirm if you were selected and display your case number
- Submit DS-260: If selected, complete your immigrant visa application online and gather required documents including a compliant visa photo
December 2025 Regional Cutoff Numbers
The following cutoff numbers determine which DV-2026 selectees can proceed with their applications this month:
- Africa: 17,500 (Algeria advanced to 17,250; Egypt remains at 16,000)
- Asia: 10,000 (Nepal limited to 6,000)
- Europe: 7,750
- North America (Bahamas): 2
- Oceania: 1,100
- South America & Caribbean: 1,850
Important Dates and Timeline
Mark these critical dates on your calendar for the green card lottery program:
- December 2025: Current cutoff numbers in effect; DV-2027 registration may open late this month
- January 2026: Africa cutoff jumps to 35,000; Asia increases to 15,000; Europe advances to 8,500; DV-2027 registration expected if not opened in December
- September 30, 2026: Final deadline for all DV-2026 applicants to obtain their visa
- October 1, 2026 - September 30, 2027: Visa application period for DV-2027 selectees
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the new $1 green card lottery fee?
Starting with DV-2027, all diversity visa lottery applicants must pay a $1 non-refundable registration fee electronically when submitting their entry. This fee, established by a September 2025 federal rule, helps cover the cost of managing the random selection process. The fee applies regardless of whether you're selected.
Why is DV-2027 registration delayed?
The U.S. State Department is implementing changes to the entry process, including the new fee system. Officials stated they will announce the start date "as soon as practicable." Immigration experts expect the registration window to be 2-3 weeks instead of the traditional 30+ days.
How do I know if my DV-2026 case number is current?
Compare your case number to the cutoff numbers in the monthly Visa Bulletin. If your number is below the cutoff for your region, you can proceed with scheduling your interview. If your number exceeds the cutoff, you must wait for future bulletin updates.
Is the State Department sending selection notifications by email?
No. The State Department never sends emails, letters, or text messages to notify lottery winners. Any such communication is fraudulent. The only legitimate way to check your status is through the official portal at dvprogram.state.gov.
What You Need to Know
The green card lottery program continues to offer a pathway to U.S. permanent residence for qualified applicants from eligible countries. With over 20.8 million entries received for DV-2026 and only approximately 52,000 visas available, competition remains intense. The January 2026 cutoff numbers show significant advancement, particularly for Africa (jumping to 35,000).
Whether you're a current DV-2026 selectee preparing for your interview or planning to enter the DV-2027 lottery, ensure all your documentation is in order. This includes having a compliant passport photo that meets strict visa photo specifications. Stay informed through official State Department channels and avoid scammers who claim to offer lottery registration services or selection notifications.
Sources: - [U.S. State Department DV-2027 Changes Announcement](https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/News/visas-news/changes-to-2027-dv-program-entry-period.html) - [Update on DV Program 2026](https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/News/visas-news/update-on-dv-program-2026.html) - [Official Entrant Status Check](https://dvprogram.state.gov/ESC/) - [USAGov DV Lottery Information](https://www.usa.gov/dv-lottery-results) - [Nepyork - December/January Cutoff Analysis](https://nepyork.com/2025/11/16/diversity-visa-update-december-cut-offs-steady-for-most-january-jumps-africa-from-17500-to-35000/)