Green Card Lottery December 2025: What You Need to Know
Green card lottery updates continue to develop as the U.S. State Department releases December 2025 cutoff numbers for DV-2026 selectees while prospective DV-2027 applicants await the delayed registration opening. These changes affect millions of hopeful immigrants worldwide.
The DV-2026 program currently has 129,516 selectees competing for approximately 52,000 diversity visas. Meanwhile, DV-2027 registration has been delayed for over two months due to implementation of a historic $1 entry fee—the first fee in the program's 30-year history.
December 2025 DV-2026 Cutoff Numbers Released
The State Department's December 2025 Visa Bulletin provides updated cutoff numbers that determine interview eligibility for green card lottery winners.
- 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, Central America, Caribbean: 1,850
If your case number falls below your region's cutoff, you may schedule your interview. However, selectees from Nepal and Egypt face stricter limitations due to high application volumes from these countries.
DV-2027 Registration Delayed: New $1 Fee Implementation
For the first time in the Diversity Visa program's 30-year history, applicants must pay a $1 non-refundable registration fee. This historic change has caused significant delays.
- Traditional Opening: Early October (typically October 2-7)
- Current Status: Delayed over two months as of December 2025
- Expected Opening: Late December 2025 or January 2026
- Registration Period: Expected 2-3 weeks (shorter than usual 30+ days)
- Fee Amount: $1 non-refundable, paid electronically at submission
- Projected Revenue: Approximately $25 million annually from 25 million registrants
The State Department announced on November 5, 2025 that registration dates will be publicized "as soon as practicable." Immigration attorneys believe the delay relates to implementing the new electronic payment system globally.
Who Is Affected by These Green Card Lottery Updates
These developments impact both current DV-2026 selectees and prospective DV-2027 applicants differently.
For DV-2026 Selectees
If you were selected in the DV-2026 lottery, your deadline to obtain a visa or adjust status is September 30, 2026. Check the December 2025 Visa Bulletin to see if your case number is current.
For Prospective DV-2027 Applicants
Monitor dvprogram.state.gov for registration announcements. Prepare your $1 payment method and ensure you have a compliant passport photo ready. Registration is expected to open with little advance notice.
For Applicants From Restricted Countries
A presidential proclamation effective June 9, 2025 suspended visas for nationals of 19 countries. DV-2026 winners from affected countries remain blocked, and narrow waivers are rarely granted.
How to Check Your DV-2026 Status: Step by Step
Follow these steps to verify your selection status or interview eligibility.
- Visit the Official Portal: Go to dvprogram.state.gov/ESC—this is the only legitimate way to check results
- Enter Your Confirmation Number: Use the 16-character confirmation number from your original registration
- Compare Your Case Number: If selected, compare your case number against the December 2025 cutoffs listed above
- Schedule Your Interview: If your number is current, complete DS-260 forms and gather required documents including compliant passport photos
- Prepare Documentation: Obtain birth certificates, police clearances, and medical exams from USCIS-approved physicians
Important Dates and Timeline
Mark these critical deadlines for both DV-2026 and DV-2027 programs.
- Now - September 30, 2026: DV-2026 results available for status checking
- Late December 2025 - January 2026: Expected DV-2027 registration opening
- September 30, 2026: Final deadline for all DV-2026 visa issuance
- October 1, 2026 - September 30, 2027: DV-2027 visa application period (for those selected)
- May 2026: Expected DV-2027 results announcement
Frequently Asked Questions
When Will DV-2027 Registration Open?
The State Department has not announced an exact date but expects to open registration in late December 2025 or January 2026. The delay stems from implementing the new $1 electronic payment system. Monitor the official website daily as announcements may come with limited notice.
Why Is There a $1 Fee for the Green Card Lottery?
The $1 fee, published in the Federal Register on September 16, 2025, ensures fair cost distribution for managing the random selection process. Previously, only the 55,000 winners paid fees. Now, all 25 million registrants contribute, generating approximately $25 million annually for program operations.
How Do I Know If I Won the DV-2026 Lottery?
The State Department never sends emails, letters, or phone calls to lottery winners. Check your status exclusively at dvprogram.state.gov/ESC. Any communication claiming you've won is likely fraudulent. Results remain available until September 30, 2026.
What Passport Photo Do I Need for the DV Lottery?
DV lottery photos must meet strict U.S. visa photo requirements: 2x2 inches (51x51mm), white background, recent (within 6 months), and showing your full face. Using a service like VisaPics ensures your photo meets all official requirements and won't be rejected.
What You Need to Know: Key Takeaways
The green card lottery continues evolving with significant changes for 2025-2027. DV-2026 selectees should verify their case numbers against December cutoffs immediately, while prospective DV-2027 applicants must prepare for a compressed registration window with the new $1 fee.
Ensure your passport photo meets all visa application requirements before registering. With the expected shorter registration period for DV-2027, having compliant photos ready will prevent last-minute rejections that could cost you your chance at the American Dream.
Sources: - [U.S. State Department - December 2025 Visa Bulletin](https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/legal/visa-law0/visa-bulletin/2026/visa-bulletin-for-december-2025.html) - [Changes to DV-2027 Entry Period](https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/News/visas-news/changes-to-2027-dv-program-entry-period.html) - [Official DV Lottery Status Check](https://dvprogram.state.gov/ESC/) - [USAGov - DV Lottery Results](https://www.usa.gov/dv-lottery-results)