Green Card Lottery December 2025: Key Updates for DV-2026 and DV-2027
Green card lottery applicants face significant developments this December 2025, with the U.S. State Department releasing new cutoff numbers for DV-2026 selectees while DV-2027 registration remains delayed due to unprecedented program changes. These updates affect millions of hopeful immigrants worldwide seeking permanent U.S. residency.
The December 2025 visa bulletin brings good news for many DV-2026 winners, with substantial cutoff advances in most regions. However, the delayed DV-2027 registration and new $1 entry fee mark the biggest changes to the diversity visa lottery in its 30-year history.
December 2025 Green Card Lottery Cutoff Numbers Released
The State Department has published cutoff numbers for both December 2025 and January 2026 processing periods. If your case number falls below these thresholds, you can proceed with your immigrant visa application.
December 2025 Regional Cutoffs
- 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 & Caribbean: 1,850
January 2026 Regional Cutoffs
- Africa: 35,000 (Algeria: 20,000; Egypt: 16,000)
- Asia: 15,000 (Nepal: 6,000)
- Europe: 8,500
- North America (Bahamas): 20
- Oceania: 1,100
- South America & Caribbean: 1,850
The January cutoffs show significant advances, particularly for Africa (jumping from 17,500 to 35,000) and Asia (from 10,000 to 15,000). However, Nepal and Egypt continue to face country-specific limitations due to high application volumes.
Who Is Affected by These Green Card Lottery Updates
These December 2025 updates impact three distinct groups of applicants differently. Understanding your category helps determine your next steps.
For DV-2026 Selectees Already Notified
If you were selected in the DV-2026 lottery and your case number is below December's cutoff, schedule your interview immediately. Approximately 129,516 selectees are competing for roughly 52,000 available visas—reduced from 55,000 due to NACARA and NDAA amendments.
For Prospective DV-2027 Applicants
Registration has been delayed from its traditional October start date. The State Department announced on November 5, 2025, that changes to the entry process require additional implementation time. Expect registration between December 2025 and January 2026.
For Those Who Missed DV-2025
The DV-2025 program ended on September 30, 2025. If you were selected but did not obtain your visa by that deadline, unfortunately, your selection is no longer valid. You must wait to enter the DV-2027 lottery when it opens.
How to Check Your Green Card Lottery Status - Step by Step
Follow these steps to verify your DV-2026 selection status and case number.
- Visit the official portal: Go to dvprogram.state.gov/ESC (this is the ONLY official site)
- Enter your confirmation number: Use the 16-character confirmation number from your original registration
- Provide your personal details: Enter your last name and year of birth exactly as submitted
- Review your case number: If selected, compare your case number to current regional cutoffs
- Take action: If your number is current, proceed with DS-260 submission and interview scheduling
Important Dates and Timeline for Green Card Lottery Applicants
Mark these critical dates on your calendar to avoid missing opportunities.
- Now through September 30, 2026: DV-2026 status check available at dvprogram.state.gov
- December 2025 - January 2026: Expected DV-2027 registration window (unconfirmed)
- September 30, 2026: Final deadline for all DV-2026 visa issuance
- October 1, 2026 - September 30, 2027: DV-2027 visa issuance period (for selectees)
New $1 Registration Fee: What Green Card Lottery Applicants Must Know
The U.S. State Department published a final rule on September 16, 2025, establishing a mandatory $1 electronic registration fee for the diversity visa lottery. This marks the first time in the program's 30-year history that entering has not been free.
- Fee amount: $1 USD per entry (non-refundable, non-transferable)
- Payment method: Electronic payment through U.S. Treasury system during submission
- Expected revenue: Approximately $25 million annually from 25 million registrations
- Purpose: Reduce fraudulent and duplicate entries while covering administrative costs
The $330 immigrant visa application fee for selected applicants remains unchanged. Only the initial registration will require the new $1 payment.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Green Card Lottery
When will DV-2027 registration open?
The State Department has not announced an exact date, stating only that they will announce "as soon as practicable." Immigration experts expect the window to open between December 2025 and January 2026, with a shortened 2-3 week registration period instead of the traditional 30+ days.
What photo requirements must I meet for the green card lottery?
Your diversity visa photo must be recent (within 6 months), 2x2 inches (51x51mm), with a white or off-white background. The photo must show your full face with a neutral expression. Using a professional service like VisaPics ensures your passport photo meets all requirements and won't cause application rejection.
Does winning the green card lottery guarantee a visa?
No. Selection only means you're eligible to apply for a diversity visa. You must still meet all U.S. immigration requirements, pass background checks, complete medical examinations, and interview at a U.S. embassy or consulate. With 129,516 selectees competing for approximately 52,000 visas, not all winners receive green cards.
How can I avoid green card lottery scams?
The State Department never sends emails or letters to lottery winners. Any communication claiming you've won is fraudulent. Check your status exclusively at dvprogram.state.gov using your confirmation number. Never pay anyone claiming to "register" you or improve your chances—such services are scams.
What You Need to Know: Green Card Lottery Bottom Line
The December 2025 green card lottery updates bring significant cutoff advances for DV-2026 selectees, particularly those from Africa and Asia. If your case number is now current, act immediately—with only 52,000 visas available for 129,516 selectees, delays could cost you this opportunity.
For those planning to enter DV-2027, prepare your documents now, including a compliant visa photo that meets State Department specifications. Have $1 ready for the new registration fee, and monitor travel.state.gov for the official opening announcement. The shortened registration window means you'll need to act quickly when it opens.