Green Card Lottery December 2025 Overview
Green card lottery updates for December 2025 bring significant news for both current DV-2026 selectees and those awaiting DV-2027 registration. The U.S. State Department has released new cutoff numbers while the next lottery cycle remains delayed due to implementing a historic $1 registration fee.
Approximately 129,516 DV-2026 selectees are now competing for roughly 52,000 available diversity visas. Meanwhile, millions of hopeful applicants worldwide continue waiting for the DV-2027 registration window to open.
December 2025 DV-2026 Cutoff Numbers Released
The State Department's December 2025 Visa Bulletin provides updated cutoff numbers that determine which green card lottery selectees can proceed with their applications.
- 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 & Caribbean: 1,850
Visas are available only for applicants whose DV lottery rank numbers fall below these cutoffs. If your case number exceeds these thresholds, you must wait for future bulletin updates. The January 2026 bulletin is expected to show significant advancement, particularly for Africa (projected at 35,000) and Asia (projected at 15,000).
DV-2027 Registration Delayed: New $1 Fee Implementation
For the first time in the green card lottery's 30-year history, applicants must pay a $1 non-refundable registration fee. This change has caused the traditional October registration window to be postponed.
- Fee Amount: $1 USD paid electronically at submission
- Effective Date: Final rule published September 16, 2025
- Expected Registration: Late December 2025 to January 2026
- Entry Period: Potentially shortened to 2-3 weeks (from typical 30 days)
- Visa Year: October 1, 2026 through September 30, 2027
Immigration attorneys believe the delay relates to implementing a worldwide electronic payment system. The State Department has not provided a specific reason but promises to announce the start date "as soon as practicable."
Who Is Affected By These Green Card Lottery Updates
These changes impact different groups of immigration hopefuls in varying ways. Understanding your category helps determine your next steps.
For Current DV-2026 Selectees
If you received selection notification in May 2025, check your case number against December cutoffs. Those with numbers below regional cutoffs should immediately schedule visa interviews. Remember that visa availability could be exhausted before September 30, 2026.
For DV-2027 Applicants
Prepare your documents now while waiting for registration to open. Have a valid passport ready, as new rules may require passport uploads during registration. Set aside $1 for the registration fee and monitor the official State Department website daily.
For Those From High-Demand Countries
Applicants from Nepal and Egypt face stricter limitations due to high application volumes. No single country can receive more than 7% of available visas. Check country-specific cutoffs in each monthly bulletin.
How to Check Your Green Card Lottery Status - Step by Step
Follow these steps to verify your DV-2026 selection status and prepare your application.
- Visit Official Portal: Go to dvprogram.state.gov/ESC/ (only official source)
- Enter Confirmation Number: Use your original registration confirmation number from October-November 2024
- Review Selection Status: Check if you were selected and note your case number
- Compare Cutoff Numbers: Match your case number against current regional cutoffs
- Complete DS-260: If current, submit your immigrant visa application immediately
- Prepare Documents: Gather passport photos meeting official requirements, birth certificates, police clearances, and medical exams
Important Green Card Lottery Dates and Deadlines
Mark these critical dates to avoid missing your opportunity for permanent residence.
- Now - September 30, 2026: DV-2026 status check available at dvprogram.state.gov
- December 2025 - January 2026: Expected DV-2027 registration opening
- September 30, 2026: Final deadline for all DV-2026 visa issuance
- October 1, 2026: DV-2027 visa year begins for selected applicants
- May 2026: Expected DV-2027 results announcement (estimated)
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Green Card Lottery Registration Open for 2027?
No, DV-2027 registration has not opened as of mid-December 2025. The State Department delayed registration while implementing a new $1 fee system. Experts expect it to open between late December 2025 and January 2026. Watch dvprogram.state.gov for announcements.
How Much Does the DV Lottery Cost Now?
Starting with DV-2027, applicants must pay a $1 non-refundable fee at registration. This marks the first time the green card lottery has charged an entry fee in its 30+ year history. Beware of scam websites charging higher amounts.
Can I Still Apply for DV-2026?
No, DV-2026 registration closed on November 7, 2024. If you already registered and were selected in May 2025, check your status at dvprogram.state.gov/ESC/ using your confirmation number. New registrations are only possible when DV-2027 opens.
What Happens if My Case Number Is Above the Cutoff?
If your case number exceeds current cutoffs, you must wait for future visa bulletins. Cutoffs typically increase monthly as the fiscal year progresses. However, the State Department warns that visa availability through September 30, 2026 "cannot be taken for granted" as numbers could be exhausted early.
Does the State Department Send Email Notifications?
No, the State Department never sends emails or letters to lottery winners. Any communication claiming you've won is fraudulent. Always check status exclusively through the official dvprogram.state.gov portal. Report scam attempts to the FTC.
What You Need to Know About Green Card Lottery 2025-2026
The green card lottery program continues undergoing significant changes. DV-2026 selectees should act quickly as 129,516 applicants compete for approximately 52,000 visas. The September 30, 2026 deadline is absolute—no extensions are possible.
For those planning to enter DV-2027, prepare your documents now while awaiting registration. Ensure your passport photo meets State Department requirements and have payment ready for the new $1 fee. Visit VisaPics to verify your photo specifications match official government standards for visa and passport applications.
Sources: - [U.S. State Department Visa Bulletin December 2025](https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/legal/visa-law0/visa-bulletin/2026/visa-bulletin-for-december-2025.html) - [DV-2027 Program Changes Announcement](https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/News/visas-news/changes-to-2027-dv-program-entry-period.html) - [USAGov DV Lottery Results](https://www.usa.gov/dv-lottery-results) - [Official DV Entrant Status Check](https://dvprogram.state.gov/ESC/) - [BAL Immigration News - November 2025 Visa Bulletin](https://www.bal.com/immigration-news/united-states-november-2025-visa-bulletin-dates-for-filing-chart-show-no-movement-diversity-visa-lottery-2026-updates/)