Green Card Lottery Program Updates for Late 2025
The green card lottery program is experiencing significant changes in late 2025. The U.S. Department of State has delayed DV-2027 registration indefinitely while implementing a mandatory $1 entry fee, marking the first time the diversity visa lottery won't be free to enter.
Meanwhile, 129,516 DV-2026 selectees are actively processing their applications with a critical September 30, 2026 deadline. The December 2025 Visa Bulletin has released updated cutoff numbers, with substantial advances announced for January 2026.
Key Green Card Lottery Changes for 2025-2026
The State Department has announced several major modifications affecting both current and future lottery participants.
- DV-2027 Registration Delayed: The traditional early October registration window has been postponed indefinitely beyond November 2025
- New $1 Entry Fee: Starting with DV-2027, a mandatory non-refundable $1 electronic registration fee is required, effective September 16, 2025
- Enhanced Security: Portal modernization with improved identity verification and fraud prevention systems
- Reduced Visa Numbers: DV-2026 annual limit reduced to approximately 52,000 visas due to NACARA provisions
- No Passport Required: Despite proposed rules, passports will not be mandatory for DV-2027 registration
Immigration experts anticipate the DV-2027 registration announcement in late November or early December 2025. The registration window may open between December 2025 and January 2026, potentially with a shorter 2-3 week entry period compared to the traditional one-month window.
DV-2026 December 2025 Cutoff Numbers
The December 2025 Visa Bulletin shows minimal movement for most regions, but significant advances are coming in January.
Current December 2025 Regional Cutoffs
- Africa: 17,500 (Algeria separately at 17,250)
- Asia: 10,000 (Nepal separately at 6,000)
- Europe: 7,750
- Oceania: 1,100
- South America/Caribbean: 1,850
- Egypt: 16,000 (country-specific limit)
January 2026 Advance Notification
- Africa: Jumping from 17,500 to 35,000 (100% increase)
- Asia: Advancing from 10,000 to 15,000
- Europe: Moving from 7,750 to 8,500
- Nepal: Remaining at 6,000
- Oceania & South America: No changes expected
The substantial January advance for Africa suggests the State Department is accelerating visa issuance to ensure all available diversity visas are used before the fiscal year ends.
Who Is Affected by These Green Card Lottery Updates
These changes impact millions of potential immigrants hoping to obtain U.S. permanent residence through the diversity visa program.
For DV-2026 Selectees
If you were selected in the DV-2026 lottery, your case number determines when you can schedule your visa interview. Check the monthly Visa Bulletin to see if your number is current. You must complete all processing by September 30, 2026—no extensions are possible.
For Future DV-2027 Applicants
If you're planning to enter the DV-2027 lottery, prepare the $1 registration fee and ensure you have a valid passport photo that meets requirements. Monitor the official State Department website for registration announcements, as the entry window may be shorter than previous years.
For Affected Country Nationals
Natives of Cuba are ineligible for DV-2026 due to exceeding statutory immigration limits. Previously published selection results including Cuban nationals have been corrected. Some UK nationals also received corrected notifications.
How to Check Your DV-2026 Status - Step by Step
Follow these steps to verify your selection status and prepare for your visa interview.
- Visit the Official Website: Go to dvprogram.state.gov/ESC (the only legitimate source)
- Enter Your Confirmation Number: Use the 16-character confirmation number from your original entry
- Provide Personal Information: Enter your last name, date of birth, and complete the CAPTCHA verification
- Review Your Status: If selected, you'll receive a confirmation page with your case number and instructions
- Prepare Documentation: Gather required documents including birth certificates, police certificates, and compliant passport photos
- Complete DS-260: Submit the online immigrant visa application form and pay required fees
Important Green Card Lottery Dates and Timeline
Keep track of these critical deadlines for both DV-2026 processing and DV-2027 registration.
- Now - September 30, 2026: DV-2026 status check available at dvprogram.state.gov
- December 2025 - January 2026: Expected DV-2027 registration announcement
- January 2026: Major cutoff advances for Africa (35,000) and Asia (15,000)
- September 30, 2026: Final deadline for all DV-2026 visa issuance—no exceptions
- October 1, 2026 - September 30, 2027: DV-2027 visa application period (if selected)
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the DV-2027 Green Card Lottery Cancelled?
No, the DV-2027 lottery is not cancelled, only delayed. The U.S. Department of State confirmed on November 5, 2025, that they will announce the start date "as soon as practicable." The delay allows implementation of the new $1 fee system and enhanced security measures.
How Much Does the Green Card Lottery Cost Now?
Starting with DV-2027, there is a mandatory $1 electronic registration fee that must be paid at submission. This fee is non-refundable regardless of selection outcome. The rule took effect September 16, 2025. Previously, lottery entry was completely free.
Do I Need a Passport to Enter the DV-2027 Lottery?
No, a passport is not required for DV-2027 registration. Although a passport requirement was proposed in August 2025, officials confirmed it won't take effect in time for this lottery cycle due to procedural timelines.
How Do I Know If I Won the Green Card Lottery?
The only way to check is through the official Entrant Status Check at dvprogram.state.gov. The State Department does not send emails or letters to winners. Any communication claiming you've won is a scam. You must proactively check using your confirmation number.
What Photo Requirements Apply for DV Lottery?
Your passport photo must meet strict U.S. visa requirements: 2x2 inches (51x51mm), white background, recent (within 6 months), and showing your full face. Incorrect photos are a common reason for disqualification.
What You Need to Know About the Green Card Lottery
The diversity visa program remains one of the most accessible paths to U.S. permanent residence, with approximately 55,000 visas available annually. However, with over 20.8 million entries for DV-2026, competition is intense. The new $1 fee may slightly reduce frivolous entries but won't significantly impact selection odds.
For those planning to apply to DV-2027, start preparing now by ensuring your passport photo meets all visa requirements and gathering necessary personal information. Monitor the official State Department website at travel.state.gov for announcements, and beware of scam websites claiming the lottery is already open or offering "guaranteed" selection.