Green Card Lottery Program Enters Critical Phase
Green card lottery updates for December 2025 bring significant news for millions of hopeful applicants worldwide. The U.S. State Department has released new cutoff numbers for DV-2026 selectees while implementing historic changes that have delayed DV-2027 registration.
Currently, 129,516 DV-2026 selectees are competing for approximately 52,000 available diversity visas. Meanwhile, the introduction of a mandatory $1 registration fee has pushed back the DV-2027 entry period to late December 2025 or January 2026.
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 and Caribbean: 1,850
Selectees with case numbers below these cutoffs can schedule their consular interviews immediately. However, applicants from Nepal and Egypt face stricter limitations due to high application volumes from these countries.
DV-2027 Registration Delay and New $1 Fee
For the first time in the 30-year history of the Diversity Visa program, applicants must pay a $1 electronic registration fee.
- Fee Amount: $1 non-refundable registration fee per entry
- Payment Method: Electronic payment through official U.S. Treasury system
- Purpose: Reduce fraudulent and duplicate entries from third-party brokers
- Expected Revenue: Approximately $25 million annually from 25 million registrants
- Separate from: The existing $330 visa application fee for selected applicants
The State Department announced on November 5, 2025, that registration is delayed while implementing these changes. The entry window is expected to be shorter than the typical 30+ days—possibly just 2-3 weeks.
Who Is Affected by These Green Card Lottery Updates
These changes impact different groups of applicants in various ways.
For Current DV-2026 Selectees
If you were selected in the DV-2026 lottery, check your case number against the December cutoffs above. You must complete your visa application and interview by September 30, 2026. Ensure your passport photo meets all requirements before your interview.
For Future DV-2027 Applicants
Prepare to pay the $1 fee via electronic payment when registration opens. Monitor the official dvprogram.state.gov website for the announcement. Have your payment method ready—only electronic payments through the U.S. Treasury system will be accepted.
For Applicants from High-Demand Countries
Nationals from Nepal and Egypt face country-specific cutoff limitations lower than their regional numbers. This reflects the high volume of applications from these countries and the 7% per-country visa limit.
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
- Enter Your Confirmation Number: Use the 16-character confirmation number from your original submission
- Provide Required Information: Enter your last name and year of birth exactly as submitted
- Review Your Status: Check if you were selected and view your case number
- Compare to Cutoff Numbers: If your case number is below your region's cutoff, schedule your interview
Important Dates and Timeline
Mark these critical deadlines for the green card lottery program.
- December 2025: DV-2026 December cutoff numbers now in effect
- Late Dec 2025 - Jan 2026: Expected DV-2027 registration window (2-3 weeks)
- May 2026: Expected release of DV-2027 selection results
- September 30, 2026: Final deadline for all DV-2026 visa issuance
- October 1, 2026 - September 30, 2027: DV-2027 visa application period
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the green card lottery registration fee?
Starting with DV-2027, all applicants must pay a $1 non-refundable electronic registration fee when submitting their entry. This is separate from the $330 visa application fee that only selected applicants pay later. The fee aims to reduce fraudulent and duplicate entries.
Why is the DV-2027 registration delayed?
The U.S. State Department delayed registration to implement the new $1 fee payment system. The department is integrating electronic payments through the U.S. Treasury system. Registration typically opens in early October, but DV-2027 will open in late December 2025 or January 2026.
How many visas are available in the DV-2026 lottery?
Approximately 52,000 diversity visas are available for DV-2026. The original 55,000 allocation was reduced due to NACARA provisions and the National Defense Authorization Act amendments. About 129,516 applicants were selected from over 20.8 million qualified entries.
Does the State Department notify winners by email?
No. The State Department never sends emails, letters, or phone calls to lottery winners. Any unsolicited communication claiming you won is a scam. You must check your status exclusively through the official Entrant Status Check portal using your confirmation number.
What You Need to Know
The green card lottery program continues to evolve with the introduction of the $1 registration fee representing the most significant change in three decades. DV-2026 selectees should act quickly as only about 52,000 visas are available for 129,516 selected applicants.
Whether you're a current DV-2026 selectee preparing for your interview or planning to enter DV-2027, ensure all your documents are in order. Your visa application photo must meet strict requirements—use VisaPics to guarantee your photos comply with U.S. State Department specifications. Stay informed by monitoring official government websites for the latest green card lottery updates.