Green Card Lottery December 2025 Updates Overview
The green card lottery 2026 program continues processing with the U.S. State Department releasing December 2025 visa bulletin cutoff numbers on November 14, 2025. Meanwhile, the DV-2027 registration remains delayed beyond its traditional October start date.
This update covers critical information for both current DV-2026 selectees awaiting their interviews and prospective applicants hoping to enter the DV-2027 lottery. The program marks its first-ever paid registration period, introducing a mandatory $1 fee.
DV-2026 December Cutoff Numbers Released
The December 2025 Visa Bulletin reveals the following regional cutoff numbers for diversity visa processing:
- Africa: 17,500 (with Algeria at 17,250 and Egypt at 16,000)
- Asia: 10,000 (with Nepal at 6,000)
- Europe: 7,750
- North America (Bahamas): 20
- Oceania: 1,100
- South America & Caribbean: 1,850
These cutoff numbers remained largely stable compared to November 2025, indicating steady visa processing rates. If your case number falls below your region's cutoff, you're eligible to schedule your immigrant visa interview.
However, the total available visas for DV-2026 have been reduced to approximately 52,000 due to NACARA and NDAA allocations—down from the statutory 55,000.
Who Is Affected By These Updates
These green card lottery updates impact millions of hopeful immigrants worldwide. Understanding your specific situation is crucial for taking appropriate action.
For DV-2026 Selectees
If you were selected in the DV-2026 lottery (results announced May 3, 2025), your window to receive a visa runs through September 30, 2026. Monitor monthly visa bulletins to track when your case number becomes current for interview scheduling.
For DV-2027 Hopefuls
Registration has been delayed past the traditional October start date. Immigration experts anticipate the window opening between December 2025 and January 2026, with a potentially shortened 2-3 week entry period instead of the usual 30 days.
For First-Time Lottery Applicants
The new $1 registration fee represents the first paid entry in the program's 30-year history. Prepare a valid credit or debit card for payment and ensure your passport photo meets official requirements before registration opens.
How to Check Your DV-2026 Status - Step by Step
Follow these steps to verify your lottery selection status and next steps:
- Visit the official portal: Go to dvprogram.state.gov and click "Entrant Status Check"
- Enter your confirmation number: Use the number from your original registration receipt
- Review your status: The system shows if you were selected and your case number
- Complete DS-260: Selected applicants must submit the online immigrant visa application
- Gather documents: Prepare birth certificates, police clearances, and compliant passport photos
- Monitor visa bulletin: Track monthly cutoffs until your case number becomes current
DV-2027 Registration Changes Explained
The State Department announced significant changes to the DV-2027 entry process on November 5, 2025. Here's what's different:
- $1 Mandatory Fee: Non-refundable payment required via credit/debit card at registration
- Enhanced Vetting: Valid, unexpired passport required with biographic page scans
- Delayed Timeline: Registration pushed from October to late 2025 or early 2026
- Shorter Window: Expected 2-3 weeks instead of traditional 30-day period
- Payment System: New infrastructure being implemented for fee collection
The fee is expected to generate approximately $25 million annually from an estimated 25 million registrants. Despite the delay, the visa application period for DV-2027 selectees remains October 1, 2026 through September 30, 2027.
Important Dates and Timeline
Mark these critical dates for the green card lottery program:
- Now - September 30, 2026: DV-2026 results remain available for status checks
- December 2025 - January 2026: Expected DV-2027 registration opening (exact date TBA)
- September 30, 2026: Final deadline for all DV-2026 visa issuances
- May 2026 (estimated): DV-2027 selection results expected to be announced
- October 1, 2026 - September 30, 2027: DV-2027 visa application period
Frequently Asked Questions
How Do I Know If My Green Card Lottery Case Number Is Current?
Compare your case number to your region's cutoff in the monthly visa bulletin. If your number is lower than the cutoff, you can schedule your interview. For example, if Africa's cutoff is 17,500 and your number is 15,000, you're current.
Is the DV-2027 Registration Open Yet?
No, DV-2027 registration has not opened as of December 2025. The State Department will announce the opening date at dvprogram.state.gov. Any website claiming registration is currently available is fraudulent.
What Happens If I Miss the DV-2027 Registration Window?
If you miss the registration period, you cannot enter that year's lottery. There are no exceptions or late entries. Set alerts and check the official State Department website regularly as the opening date approaches.
Do I Need a Passport to Enter the Green Card Lottery?
Starting with DV-2027, yes. The State Department now requires valid, unexpired passport information and scans of biographic pages during registration. This enhanced vetting requirement was proposed in August 2025.
Why Are Cutoff Numbers Different for Some Countries?
Countries with high application volumes—like Egypt, Nepal, and Algeria—receive lower cutoffs to prevent any single country from exceeding 7% of total diversity visas. This ensures geographic diversity in the program.
What You Need to Know - Bottom Line
The green card lottery program continues with two parallel tracks: DV-2026 processing through September 2026 and the upcoming DV-2027 registration. With 129,516 selectees competing for 52,000 visas, current DV-2026 winners should prioritize completing their applications promptly.
For DV-2027, prepare now by ensuring your passport is valid and your photo meets official requirements. Have a credit or debit card ready for the $1 fee, and bookmark dvprogram.state.gov to catch the registration opening. Avoid scam websites—the State Department never contacts winners via email or phone.