Green Card Lottery Updates: DV-2027 Delayed, DV-2026 Continues
The Green Card Lottery program is experiencing significant changes as of November 2025. The U.S. Department of State has officially delayed DV-2027 registration while implementing a mandatory $1 entry fee—a first in the program's 30-year history.
Meanwhile, 129,516 DV-2026 selectees are progressing through visa interviews, with the December 2025 Visa Bulletin providing updated regional cutoff numbers. Here's everything you need to know about the current green card lottery status.
DV-2027 Registration Delay: What's Happening
On November 5, 2025, the State Department confirmed changes to the DV-2027 entry process that have postponed registration beyond its traditional October start date.
- No Opening Date Yet: The State Department will announce the DV-2027 registration start date "as soon as practicable"
- Expected Window: Immigration experts predict registration may open between December 2025 and January 2026
- Shorter Entry Period: The registration window may be reduced to 2-3 weeks instead of the typical 5-week period
- System Modernization: Delays are tied to upgrading the electronic registration portal and implementing new payment systems
- Government Shutdown Impact: The October 2025 government shutdown contributed to the timeline disruption
The visa application period for DV-2027 winners remains unchanged: October 1, 2026 through September 30, 2027. The program will continue offering up to 55,000 immigrant visas annually.
New $1 Registration Fee: First in Program History
For the first time in 30 years, applicants will pay a fee to enter the Green Card Lottery. This historic change takes effect with DV-2027 registration.
- Fee Amount: $1 per entry (non-refundable)
- Effective Date: October 16, 2025 (published in Federal Register September 16, 2025)
- Expected Revenue: Approximately $25 million annually
- Purpose: Fund operational costs and anti-fraud improvements
- Payment Method: Electronic payment required at time of submission
The fee applies regardless of selection outcome. However, the State Department emphasizes this small investment helps strengthen program integrity and reduce fraudulent duplicate entries.
Who Is Affected by These Green Card Lottery Changes
Different groups face different implications from these updates. Understanding your situation helps you prepare appropriately.
For DV-2027 Hopeful Applicants
You must wait for the official registration announcement. Do not pay anyone claiming to register you now—the U.S. Embassy has issued scam warnings about false claims that DV-2027 registration is open. Check the official State Department website regularly at dvprogram.state.gov.
For Current DV-2026 Selectees
Your visa process continues normally through September 30, 2026. Check the December 2025 Visa Bulletin for your regional cutoff number to determine when you may be scheduled for an interview. Ensure your DS-260 application is fully submitted.
For Those Who Haven't Checked DV-2026 Results
Results remain available until September 30, 2026. Use your confirmation number at dvprogram.state.gov immediately. Note: Entrants from Great Britain and Cuba should recheck their status due to reported system errors.
How to Prepare for DV-2027 Registration - Step by Step
Follow these steps to maximize your chances when registration opens:
- Verify Eligibility: Confirm your birth country is on the eligible countries list (excludes high-immigration nations like India, China, Mexico, Philippines)
- Prepare Your Photo: Take a new 2x2 inch (600x600 pixel) photo meeting strict requirements—no glasses, white background, neutral expression. Using a professional service like VisaPics ensures your photo meets all specifications
- Gather Personal Information: Collect your full legal name, birthdate, birth city and country, passport details, and education credentials
- Prepare Payment Method: Have a credit or debit card ready for the new $1 electronic fee
- Set Alerts: Monitor travel.state.gov and dvprogram.state.gov daily for the registration announcement
December 2025 Visa Bulletin: DV-2026 Cutoff Numbers
The State Department released December 2025 cutoff numbers for DV-2026 selectees currently in the visa process:
- Africa: 17,500 (Algeria: 14,500 | Egypt: 16,000)
- Asia: 10,000 (Nepal: 6,000)
- Europe: 7,750
- Oceania: 1,100
- South America & Caribbean: 1,850
- North America (Bahamas): 20
If your case number is below your region's cutoff, you may be scheduled for a visa interview. January 2026 will see significant advances, particularly for Africa (jumping to 35,000) and Asia (increasing to 15,000).
Important Dates and Timeline for Green Card Lottery
Mark these critical dates for both DV-2026 and DV-2027 programs:
- Now - September 30, 2026: DV-2026 results available for checking and visa interviews continuing
- December 2025 - January 2026: Expected DV-2027 registration opening (exact date TBA)
- May 2026 (estimated): DV-2027 results announcement
- September 30, 2026: Final deadline for DV-2026 visas—all applications must be completed
- October 1, 2026 - September 30, 2027: DV-2027 visa application period for selectees
Frequently Asked Questions About the Green Card Lottery
Why is DV-2027 registration delayed?
The State Department is implementing system modernization, including a new $1 payment processing system and enhanced anti-fraud verification technology. The October 2025 government shutdown also contributed to the delay. Registration dates will be announced once these upgrades are complete.
Is the $1 fee refundable if I'm not selected?
No, the $1 registration fee is non-refundable regardless of whether you are selected in the lottery. This applies to all entries, even if you make errors on your application or are found ineligible after submission.
What are the photo requirements for the Green Card Lottery?
Photos must be exactly 2x2 inches (600x600 pixels) for digital submission, JPEG format, maximum 240 KB. Requirements include: white background, no glasses, neutral expression, recent (within 6 months), and full-face view. Your head should measure 1-1â…ś inches from chin to crown. The DV portal automatically rejects non-compliant photos.
How many green cards are available in the lottery?
The DV program offers up to 55,000 immigrant visas annually. However, DV-2026 was reduced to approximately 52,000 visas due to NACARA provisions and National Defense Authorization Act amendments. Approximately 129,516 applicants were initially selected to compete for these visas.
What You Need to Know: Green Card Lottery Bottom Line
The Green Card Lottery program is evolving with the delayed DV-2027 registration and new $1 entry fee representing the biggest changes in decades. DV-2026 selectees should continue monitoring visa bulletin cutoffs and ensure all documentation is ready for interviews before the September 30, 2026 deadline.
For DV-2027 hopefuls, patience is essential—avoid scams claiming registration is open and prepare your materials now. Most importantly, ensure your passport photo meets all requirements before submitting. A rejected photo means an automatically rejected application, so using VisaPics to verify your image meets official specifications can make the difference between success and elimination from the lottery.