Green Card Lottery December 2025: What's Happening Now
The Green Card Lottery program enters December 2025 with significant developments affecting both current selectees and future applicants. The State Department has released new visa bulletin cutoff numbers for DV-2026, while DV-2027 registration remains on hold as officials implement the program's first-ever entry fee.
With 129,516 selectees competing for approximately 52,000 diversity visas, understanding these updates is essential for anyone pursuing permanent residency through the lottery system.
DV-2026 December Visa Bulletin Cutoff Numbers
The State Department has published the December 2025 visa bulletin with updated cutoff numbers for DV-2026 selectees by region.
- 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
Applicants with case numbers below these cutoffs can schedule interviews. However, selectees from Nepal and Egypt face stricter limitations due to high application volumes from these countries.
DV-2027 Registration Delayed: New $1 Fee Requirement
The most significant news for prospective applicants is the delayed opening of DV-2027 registration. The State Department announced on November 5, 2025 that it is implementing changes to the entry process.
- Registration status: Still not open as of December 2025
- Expected opening: December 2025 to January 2026
- New requirement: $1 non-refundable electronic registration fee
- Entry period: May be shortened to 2-3 weeks instead of typical 30 days
- Historic change: First time the lottery will charge an entry fee in 30+ years
The fee was established through a final rule published on September 16, 2025, expected to generate approximately $25 million annually from an estimated 25 million registrants.
Who Is Affected by These Changes
Both current selectees and future applicants face important deadlines and requirements.
For DV-2026 Selectees
If you were selected in the DV-2026 lottery, you have until September 30, 2026 to complete your visa application. Check your case number against the December cutoffs to determine interview eligibility. Remember that visa numbers may be exhausted before this deadline.
For DV-2027 Applicants
Prepare for registration to open between December 2025 and January 2026. Have your passport photo ready and ensure it meets U.S. visa photo specifications. Budget for the new $1 entry fee, payable only through the official State Department website.
For Applicants from High-Demand Countries
Nepal and Egypt have lower cutoff numbers due to high application volumes. If you're from these countries, prepare your documents early. Ensure your visa application photo meets all requirements to avoid processing delays.
How to Check Your DV-2026 Status
Follow these steps to verify your selection status and next steps.
- Visit the official website: Go to dvprogram.state.gov/ESC/ only—never use third-party sites
- Enter your confirmation number: Use the number from your original 2024 registration
- Provide verification details: Enter your last name, date of birth, and the security code
- Review your case number: Compare it against current visa bulletin cutoffs
- Submit DS-260 application: Complete your immigrant visa application if your number is current
Important Dates and Deadlines
Mark these critical dates on your calendar for both DV-2026 and DV-2027.
- Now through September 30, 2026: DV-2026 status check remains available
- December 2025 - January 2026: Expected DV-2027 registration window
- October 1, 2026: DV-2027 visa application period begins
- September 30, 2026: Final deadline for all DV-2026 visa issuance
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the DV-2027 Green Card Lottery Registration Open?
No, DV-2027 registration has not opened as of December 2025. The State Department delayed the launch to implement a new $1 entry fee. Watch the official website at travel.state.gov for announcements—do not trust third-party sites claiming registration is open.
How Much Does the Green Card Lottery Cost?
Starting with DV-2027, applicants must pay a $1 non-refundable entry fee at registration. If selected, the visa application fee is $330. The entry fee is a historic first for the 30+ year program, designed to reduce fraud and cover operational costs.
What Photo Requirements Apply to the Green Card Lottery?
Your lottery photo must be 600x600 pixels in digital format, recent (within 6 months), and meet strict U.S. visa photo specifications. Many applications are rejected due to photo errors. Use a professional service like VisaPics to ensure your photo meets all official requirements.
Will DV-2026 Visas Run Out Before September 2026?
Possibly. The State Department warns that visa availability cannot be guaranteed through the end of the fiscal year. With 129,516 selectees competing for 52,000 visas, numbers may be exhausted before September 30, 2026. Submit your DS-260 application promptly when your number becomes current.
What Green Card Lottery Applicants Should Do Now
DV-2026 selectees should monitor monthly visa bulletin updates and submit their DS-260 applications as soon as their case numbers become current. Don't wait until the last minute—visa numbers may run out before the September 2026 deadline.
For those planning to enter DV-2027, prepare now by gathering required documents and ensuring your passport photo meets specifications. When registration opens, the window may be shorter than previous years, so have everything ready to submit immediately through the official dvprogram.state.gov website.