Green Card Lottery December 2025 Update
The green card lottery program continues to see significant developments as the U.S. Department of State releases December 2025 visa bulletin cutoff numbers for DV-2026 while keeping DV-2027 registration on hold. Approximately 129,516 selectees are now navigating the diversity visa application process with a firm September 30, 2026 deadline.
The delay in DV-2027 registration, originally expected in October 2025, has left millions of prospective applicants waiting. The State Department has confirmed a new $1 electronic entry fee will be required for the first time in the program's 30-year history.
DV-2026 Cutoff Numbers for December 2025
The State Department has published regional cutoff numbers that determine which lottery selectees can proceed with their visa applications this month.
- Africa: 17,500 (Algeria: 17,250; Egypt: 16,000)
- Asia: 10,000 (Nepal: 6,000)
- Europe: 7,750
- North America (Bahamas): 20
- Oceania: 1,100
- South America and Caribbean: 1,850
Selectees with case numbers below these regional cutoffs can schedule their immigrant visa interviews. However, the annual DV allocation has been reduced to approximately 52,000 visas due to legislative provisions, down from the typical 55,000.
Who Is Affected by These Updates
These developments impact different groups of green card lottery participants in distinct ways.
For DV-2026 Selectees
If you were selected in the DV-2026 lottery, your priority is meeting the September 30, 2026 deadline. All visa applications must be completed before this date, and the State Department warns that visa numbers could be exhausted before the fiscal year ends.
For Prospective DV-2027 Applicants
Registration for the DV-2027 program remains delayed with no confirmed opening date. The State Department has stated it will announce dates "as soon as practicable" through travel.state.gov and the Federal Register.
For Cuban and UK Nationals
The State Department issued corrections affecting Cuban nationals, who are ineligible for DV-2026 because more than 50,000 Cuban natives immigrated to the U.S. in the previous five years. UK applicants should also verify their status through the official portal due to reporting errors.
How to Check Your DV-2026 Status
Follow these steps to verify your lottery selection and proceed with your application.
- Visit the official portal: Go to dvprogram.state.gov – this is the only legitimate site
- Enter your confirmation number: Use the number from your original entry submission
- Verify your selection status: The system will confirm if you were selected
- Complete DS-260: Submit your immigrant visa application online if selected
- Prepare your documents: Gather passport photos, civil documents, and financial records
- Schedule your interview: Book your consular appointment when your number becomes current
Important Dates and Timeline
Mark these critical deadlines for the green card lottery programs.
- Now through September 30, 2026: DV-2026 visa application period continues
- December 2025: Current visa bulletin cutoff numbers in effect
- TBD (Expected late 2025 or early 2026): DV-2027 registration opens with $1 fee
- September 30, 2026: Final deadline for all DV-2026 visa issuance
- October 1, 2026 - September 30, 2027: DV-2027 visa application period
New $1 Entry Fee for DV-2027
The State Department published a final rule on September 16, 2025 establishing a mandatory $1 electronic registration fee for all DV-2027 applicants. This non-refundable fee must be paid at the time of submission.
The new fee aims to reduce fraudulent and duplicate entries while covering administrative costs. Payment processing details will be announced when registration opens.
Frequently Asked Questions
When will DV-2027 registration open?
The exact date remains unannounced. The State Department has stated it will publicize the start date "as soon as practicable." Immigration experts predict registration may open in December 2025 or January 2026.
Why was Cuba made ineligible for DV-2026?
Under U.S. law, countries that sent more than 50,000 immigrants to the United States in the previous five years are ineligible for the diversity visa program. Cuba exceeded this threshold, making Cuban natives ineligible for DV-2026.
How do I know if my green card lottery email is legitimate?
The State Department never sends emails or letters notifying lottery winners. Any such communication is a scam. The only way to check your status is through dvprogram.state.gov using your confirmation number.
What passport photo requirements apply for the green card lottery?
DV lottery entries require a recent photo meeting specific U.S. visa photo specifications: 2x2 inches (51x51mm), with head size between 1-1⅜ inches, neutral expression, and white or off-white background. Ensuring your passport photo meets requirements is essential for a valid entry.
Protect Yourself from Green Card Lottery Scams
The State Department has issued renewed fraud warnings as scammers continue targeting diversity visa applicants.
- Only use official sites: dvlottery.state.gov for entries, dvprogram.state.gov for results
- Never pay for guaranteed wins: No one can increase your chances of selection
- Ignore winning notifications: The government never emails or mails lottery results
- Report fraud: Contact the FTC at 1-877-382-4357 if you encounter scams
What You Need to Know
The green card lottery continues to be one of the most sought-after pathways to U.S. permanent residence, with over 20.8 million entries competing for approximately 52,000 diversity visas in DV-2026. Current selectees must act promptly to complete their applications before the September 2026 deadline.
For those planning to enter DV-2027, prepare your documents and ensure your visa application photo meets all specifications. Visit VisaPics to verify your photo complies with U.S. visa requirements. Stay informed by checking travel.state.gov regularly for registration announcements and avoid any third-party sites claiming to offer lottery entry services.