Green Card Lottery December 2025: What's New
The green card lottery program has seen significant developments in December 2025, with the U.S. State Department releasing updated cutoff numbers for DV-2026 winners while the DV-2027 registration period remains delayed. These changes affect millions of hopeful immigrants seeking permanent residence in the United States.
The most notable change is the introduction of a $1 registration fee for the first time in the program's 30-year history. This fee, published in the Federal Register on September 16, 2025, is expected to generate approximately $25 million annually from an estimated 25 million applicants.
DV-2026 December Cutoff Numbers Released
The State Department has published the official December 2025 visa bulletin with updated cutoff numbers for diversity visa applicants.
- Africa: 17,500 (Algeria: 17,250; Egypt: 16,000)
- Asia: 10,000 (Nepal: 6,000 due to high application volume)
- Europe: 7,750 (unchanged from November)
- Oceania: 1,100 (steady from previous month)
- South America & Caribbean: 1,850 (no movement)
- North America (Bahamas): 20
Most regions remained unchanged from November to December. However, the January 2026 bulletin shows significant movement—Africa jumps from 17,500 to 35,000, and Asia increases from 10,000 to 15,000.
DV-2027 Registration: What's Causing the Delay
The traditional October start date has passed, and the State Department continues implementing system changes to accommodate the new fee structure.
New $1 Entry Fee Explained
For the first time ever, every green card lottery entrant must pay a non-refundable $1 fee at registration. This charge is separate from the $330 visa application fee that selected winners pay later. The fee aims to reduce fraudulent entries and fund program improvements.
Expected Registration Window
Immigration attorneys anticipate registration will open between late December 2025 and January 2026. The entry period may be condensed to 2-3 weeks instead of the typical month-long window. Monitor the official site at dvprogram.state.gov for announcements.
Passport Not Required (Yet)
Despite a proposed rule from August 2025, passports will likely not be required for DV-2027 registration due to procedural timelines. However, you'll still need a valid passport photo that meets specifications for your entry.
Who Is Affected by These Changes
These updates impact different groups in distinct ways. Understanding your category helps you take appropriate action.
For DV-2026 Selectees
If your case number falls below the December cutoff for your region, you can proceed with visa processing. Schedule your interview promptly—all DV-2026 visas must be issued by September 30, 2026. Ensure your visa photo meets requirements before your appointment.
For DV-2027 Hopefuls
Prepare your documents now, but do not submit until official registration opens. Beware of scam sites claiming registration is already open. The State Department will announce the start date on official channels only.
For Countries with Limitations
Applicants from Nepal (capped at 6,000) and Egypt (capped at 16,000) face stricter cutoffs due to high application volumes from these countries. Case numbers must fall well below regional averages to proceed.
How to Prepare for DV-2027 Registration
Follow these steps to ensure you're ready when the registration window opens.
- Verify eligibility: Confirm your country qualifies (citizens of high-immigration countries like India, China, Mexico, and UK are ineligible)
- Prepare your photo: Get a recent passport-style photo meeting U.S. visa photo requirements—600x600 pixels, white background, neutral expression
- Gather personal information: Have your passport details, birthdate, education credentials, and employment history ready
- Set up payment method: Ensure you have a valid debit or credit card for the $1 registration fee
- Bookmark the official site: Only use dvprogram.state.gov—never pay third parties to submit your entry
Important Dates and Timeline
Mark these critical deadlines for both DV-2026 and DV-2027 programs.
- December 2025: DV-2026 December cutoff numbers in effect; DV-2027 registration expected to open
- January 2026: Major cutoff increases for Africa (35,000) and Asia (15,000); likely DV-2027 registration deadline
- September 30, 2026: Final deadline for all DV-2026 visa issuance—no extensions
- October 2026 - September 2027: DV-2027 visa application period for selected winners
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the green card lottery registration open for 2027?
No, DV-2027 registration has not yet opened as of December 2025. The State Department delayed the traditional October start date to implement the new $1 fee system. Registration is expected to begin in late December 2025 or January 2026. Check only the official site at dvprogram.state.gov for updates.
How do I check my DV-2026 lottery status?
Visit the Entrant Status Check at dvprogram.state.gov and enter your confirmation number from your original submission. The State Department does not send emails or letters—any such communication is fraudulent. Results remain available until at least September 30, 2026.
What happens if my case number is above the cutoff?
You must wait for future visa bulletins. Cutoff numbers typically increase monthly as the fiscal year progresses. For DV-2026, the January 2026 bulletin shows significant movement, with Africa jumping to 35,000 and Asia to 15,000. Continue monitoring monthly bulletins.
Will the $1 fee reduce my chances of winning?
The fee may actually improve legitimate applicants' odds by discouraging fraudulent mass submissions. With fewer fake entries, genuine applicants face less competition. Approximately 52,000 diversity visas will be issued from about 129,516 selectees chosen from over 20.8 million entries.
What You Need to Know Now
The green card lottery continues to offer a pathway to U.S. permanent residence for eligible nationals from underrepresented countries. DV-2026 selectees should move quickly—the September 30, 2026 deadline is absolute, and approximately 52,000 visas will be issued from the selected pool.
For DV-2027 applicants, patience is essential. Prepare your documents and ensure your passport photo meets official requirements now, but wait for the official announcement before submitting. Using VisaPics ensures your photo meets exact U.S. visa specifications, avoiding delays or rejections at this critical stage of your immigration journey.