Green Card Lottery Updates for December 2025
Green card lottery applicants face significant changes as the U.S. State Department delays DV-2027 registration while implementing a historic $1 entry fee. The December 2025 visa bulletin has been released with updated cutoff numbers for DV-2026 selectees.
For the first time in the program's 30+ year history, diversity visa lottery applicants will pay a registration fee. This marks a major shift in how the program operates and allocates costs.
Key Green Card Lottery Changes for 2025-2026
The State Department announced several important changes affecting both current and future lottery participants:
- New $1 Registration Fee: Published in the Federal Register on September 16, 2025, this non-refundable fee applies to all DV-2027 applicants
- DV-2027 Registration Delayed: Traditional October start date postponed while anti-fraud measures are implemented
- Reduced Visa Availability: DV-2026 annual limit reduced to approximately 52,000 visas (down from 55,000)
- 129,516 Selectees: Over 20.8 million qualified entries received for DV-2026, with 129,516 applicants selected
- December 2025 Cutoffs Released: New visa bulletin numbers available for all eligible regions
The $1 fee is expected to generate approximately $25 million annually to fund operational costs, system upgrades, and security reviews. Previously, only lottery winners paid fees through the $330 visa application cost.
Who Is Affected by These Green Card Lottery Changes
These updates impact different groups of applicants in various ways. Understanding your status is crucial for planning your next steps.
For DV-2026 Selectees
If you were selected in the DV-2026 lottery, check the December 2025 visa bulletin for your region's cutoff numbers. You must complete your visa application and interview before September 30, 2026. Ensure your passport photo meets all requirements for your immigrant visa appointment.
For DV-2027 Hopefuls
Registration remains pending as of December 2025. Immigration experts estimate the window may open between December 2025 and January 2026. Prepare your credit card for the new $1 registration fee and have a compliant passport photo ready.
For UK and Cuban Applicants
The State Department corrected errors affecting Great Britain (UK) and Cuba. UK residents are now eligible for both DV-2025 and DV-2026. Cuban natives remain ineligible for DV-2026 due to high immigration numbers in recent years.
How to Check Your DV-2026 Green Card Lottery Status
Follow these steps to verify your selection status:
- Visit the Official Portal: Go to dvprogram.state.gov/ESC/ – this is the only legitimate site
- Enter Confirmation Number: Use the confirmation number from your original DV-2026 entry submission
- Provide Personal Details: Enter your last name and birth year exactly as submitted
- Review Your Status: The system will display whether you were selected or not selected
- Save Your Results: If selected, print and save all information including your case number
Important Dates and Timeline
Mark these critical deadlines for the green card lottery:
- Now through September 30, 2026: DV-2026 Entrant Status Check remains available
- December 2025 - January 2026 (estimated): DV-2027 registration expected to open
- October 1, 2025 - September 30, 2026: DV-2026 visa interview period
- May 2026 (expected): DV-2027 lottery results announcement
- October 1, 2026 - September 30, 2027: DV-2027 visa issuance period
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is the DV-2027 green card lottery registration delayed?
The State Department is implementing changes to the DV entry process, including the new $1 registration fee and enhanced anti-fraud measures. The exact reopening date will be announced on the official website when the system is ready.
Do I really have to pay to enter the diversity visa lottery now?
Yes, starting with DV-2027, all applicants must pay a $1 non-refundable fee when submitting their entry. This is separate from the $330 visa application fee that selected winners pay later. Only pay through the official dvprogram.state.gov website.
What countries are ineligible for the green card lottery?
For DV-2026, ineligible countries include: Bangladesh, Brazil, Canada, China (mainland and Hong Kong), Colombia, Cuba, Dominican Republic, El Salvador, Haiti, Honduras, India, Jamaica, Mexico, Nigeria, Pakistan, Philippines, South Korea, Venezuela, and Vietnam. These countries sent more than 50,000 immigrants in recent years.
How do I avoid green card lottery scams?
The State Department never sends emails, letters, or phone calls to winners. Check results only at dvprogram.state.gov. Never pay anyone claiming to help you enter for free or guarantee selection. The only legitimate fee is the new $1 registration and later visa fees.
What You Need to Know
The green card lottery program continues despite delays and new requirements. DV-2026 selectees should monitor the monthly visa bulletin and prepare for interviews promptly. Future applicants should watch the official State Department website for DV-2027 registration announcements.
Whether you're a current selectee or planning to apply, ensure your passport photo meets official requirements. VisaPics helps applicants create compliant photos for diversity visa applications, saving time and avoiding rejection due to photo errors. Start preparing your documents now so you're ready when your opportunity arrives.
Sources: - [U.S. Department of State Visa Bulletin](https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/legal/visa-law0/visa-bulletin/2026/visa-bulletin-for-december-2025.html) - [Official DV Lottery Portal](https://dvprogram.state.gov/) - [USAGov DV Lottery Results Guide](https://www.usa.gov/dv-lottery-results) - [Boundless Immigration - $1 Fee Announcement](https://www.boundless.com/blog/us-state-department-introduces-1-dollar-fee-for-dv-lottery-registration)