Green Card Lottery Updates for December 2025
Green Card Lottery updates for December 2025 bring significant changes affecting millions of hopeful immigrants worldwide. The U.S. State Department has released new DV-2026 cutoff numbers while the DV-2027 registration remains delayed pending implementation of a historic $1 entry fee.
These developments mark the most significant changes to the Diversity Visa (DV) Lottery program in its 30-year history. Whether you're a current DV-2026 selectee or planning to enter the next lottery cycle, understanding these updates is essential for your immigration journey.
Key Green Card Lottery Changes in December 2025
Several major developments are reshaping the Diversity Visa program this month:
- DV-2027 Registration Delayed: The State Department has postponed the registration period beyond its traditional October/November window, with no confirmed start date announced yet
- New $1 Entry Fee: For the first time in program history, all DV-2027 applicants must pay a non-refundable $1 electronic registration fee when submitting entries
- December 2025 Cutoff Numbers: Updated visa bulletin cutoffs released for DV-2026 selectees, determining who can schedule embassy interviews
- 19-Country Processing Freeze: Nationals from 19 countries face paused green card applications as of December 2, 2025
- Reduced Visa Allocation: DV-2026 annual visa limit reduced from 55,000 to approximately 52,000 due to NACARA provisions
The official visa bulletin provides specific regional cutoff numbers for Africa, Asia, Europe, and other regions. DV-2026 selectees with case numbers below these thresholds can proceed with scheduling their visa interviews.
Who Is Affected by These Green Card Lottery Updates
These changes impact different groups of immigrants in varying ways. Understanding your situation helps you take the right action.
For DV-2026 Lottery Winners
If you were selected in the DV-2026 lottery, your deadline to obtain a visa is September 30, 2026. Check the December visa bulletin to see if your case number is current. Complete your DS-260 application immediately if you haven't already, and ensure your passport photo meets requirements for your embassy interview.
For Future DV-2027 Applicants
The DV-2027 registration period remains delayed as of December 2025. Immigration experts expect the window to open between December 2025 and January 2026, with a condensed 2-3 week registration period instead of the traditional month-long window. Be ready with valid payment method for the new $1 fee.
For Nationals of 19 Banned Countries
Citizens of Afghanistan, Iran, Somalia, Syria, Yemen, and 14 other countries face paused green card processing. While you can still enter future DV lotteries, visa issuance may be affected if the ban remains in place during your interview period. The affected countries include Burma (Myanmar), Chad, Republic of the Congo, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Haiti, Libya, Sudan, Burundi, Cuba, Laos, Sierra Leone, Togo, Turkmenistan, and Venezuela.
How to Check Your DV Lottery Status - Step by Step
Follow these steps to verify your DV-2026 selection status on the official government portal:
- Visit the Official Website: Go to dvprogram.state.gov/ESC — this is the only legitimate site for status checks
- Enter Your Confirmation Number: Use the confirmation number you received when submitting your entry (14 characters)
- Provide Personal Details: Enter your last name and year of birth exactly as submitted in your application
- Complete Security Verification: Solve the captcha to verify you're not a bot
- Review Your Results: If selected, you'll see instructions for next steps including DS-260 submission and document requirements
Important Dates and Deadlines for Green Card Lottery
Mark these critical dates on your calendar to avoid missing important deadlines:
- Now - September 30, 2026: DV-2026 selectees can check status, submit DS-260, and complete visa interviews
- December 2025 - January 2026 (Expected): DV-2027 registration period anticipated to open with new $1 fee requirement
- September 30, 2026: Final deadline for all DV-2026 visa issuance — no extensions granted
- May 2026 (Expected): DV-2027 lottery results expected to be announced through Entrant Status Check
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Green Card Lottery Cancelled for 2027?
No, the DV-2027 Green Card Lottery is not cancelled — only delayed. The U.S. State Department confirmed the program continues but postponed registration to implement the new $1 entry fee system. Registration dates will be announced on the official dvprogram.state.gov website when ready.
How Do I Pay the New $1 DV Lottery Entry Fee?
The $1 non-refundable electronic registration fee must be paid at the time of entry submission. Payment will be processed through the official DV lottery website. Credit/debit cards are expected to be accepted. This fee covers registration only — if selected, the visa application fee remains $330.
Can I Still Win the Lottery if I'm from a Banned Country?
Yes, you can still enter and be selected in the DV Lottery even if you're from one of the 19 banned countries. However, visa issuance may be affected if travel restrictions remain in place during your interview scheduling window. The ban does not affect lottery eligibility, only final visa processing.
What Photo Requirements Apply for DV Lottery Applications?
DV Lottery entries require a recent photograph meeting strict specifications: 600x600 pixels, taken within the last 6 months, with a plain white or off-white background. Your face must occupy 50-69% of the image height. Using VisaPics ensures your visa photo specifications meet all requirements automatically.
What You Need to Know About Green Card Lottery 2025-2026
The Green Card Lottery program continues despite significant changes. DV-2026 selectees should act immediately to complete their applications before the September 30, 2026 deadline, as visa numbers may exhaust before the fiscal year ends. The reduced allocation of approximately 52,000 visas makes timely action critical.
For those planning to enter DV-2027, prepare your documents and payment method now. The registration window will likely be shorter than usual — potentially just 2-3 weeks. Ensure your passport photo meets requirements before registration opens, and monitor the official State Department website for announcements. Never trust emails or letters claiming you've won — all legitimate results are available only through the official Entrant Status Check portal.
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) - [Official DV Lottery Status Check](https://dvprogram.state.gov/ESC/) - [USAGov DV Lottery Results Guide](https://www.usa.gov/dv-lottery-results) - [State Department DV-2027 Update](https://nepyork.com/2025/11/06/we-will-announce-the-start-date-for-the-dv-2027-registration-period-as-soon-as-practicable-announces-u-s-department-of-state/) - [NPR - U.S. Pauses Green Card Applications from 19 Countries](https://www.npr.org/2025/12/03/g-s1-100218/trump-administration-halts-immigration-19-nations)