Green Card Lottery December 2025: What's Changing
The Green Card Lottery program is undergoing significant changes in December 2025. DV-2027 registration remains delayed as the State Department implements a new $1 fee requirement, while DV-2026 selectees continue processing with updated visa bulletin cutoff numbers.
Additionally, immigration restrictions affecting 19 countries have created uncertainty for thousands of diversity visa applicants. Here's everything you need to know about the current state of the program.
Key Green Card Lottery Updates for December 2025
Several major developments are affecting both current and future DV lottery participants.
- DV-2027 Registration Delayed: The typical October start date has been pushed back, with registration now expected in late December 2025 or January 2026
- New $1 Fee Introduced: For the first time in the program's 30+ year history, applicants must pay a mandatory, non-refundable $1 registration fee
- DV-2026 Cutoffs Released: December 2025 visa bulletin numbers are now available for current selectees to check interview eligibility
- Reduced Visa Numbers: Only approximately 52,000 diversity visas will be issued this fiscal year, down from the typical 55,000
- Travel Ban Impact: Nationals from 19 countries face paused immigration applications and processing delays
These changes represent the most significant modifications to the Diversity Visa program in recent years. The State Department confirmed they are implementing system updates to accommodate the new fee structure.
Who Is Affected by These Changes
Different groups of applicants face varying impacts from these December 2025 updates.
For DV-2026 Selectees
If you were selected in the DV-2026 lottery, your case is actively processing. Check the December 2025 visa bulletin to see if your case number falls below your region's cutoff. All processing must be completed by September 30, 2026—there are no extensions.
For Future DV-2027 Applicants
You must wait for the official registration announcement on dvprogram.state.gov. Have your passport ready, as new requirements may include passport uploads. Prepare $1 for the registration fee using a valid credit or debit card.
For Applicants from Restricted Countries
Nationals from the 19 affected countries—including Afghanistan, Iran, Venezuela, Cuba, Haiti, and Somalia—face paused applications. Green card decisions, citizenship interviews, and asylum cases are currently halted for these nationalities.
How to Check Your DV-2026 Status - Step by Step
Follow these steps to verify your selection status and interview eligibility.
- Visit the Official Website: Go to dvprogram.state.gov/ESC—this is the only legitimate status check portal
- Enter Your Confirmation Number: Use the confirmation number you received when you submitted your DV-2026 entry
- Check the Visa Bulletin: Compare your case number to the December 2025 cutoff numbers for your region
- Complete Your DS-260: If current, submit your immigrant visa application online through the Consular Electronic Application Center
- Prepare Required Documents: Gather your valid passport, birth certificate, police certificates, and passport-sized photos meeting official requirements
Important Dates and Timeline
Mark these critical dates on your calendar for the Green Card Lottery program.
- May 3, 2025 - September 30, 2026: DV-2026 results available for status checks
- December 2025 - January 2026 (Expected): DV-2027 registration window opens
- October 1, 2026 - September 30, 2027: DV-2027 visa application period (for those selected)
- September 30, 2026: Final deadline for all DV-2026 visa issuance—no exceptions
Frequently Asked Questions
When Will DV-2027 Green Card Lottery Registration Open?
The State Department has not announced the exact date. Registration is expected between late December 2025 and January 2026. Monitor only the official website dvprogram.state.gov for announcements. Any site claiming registration is currently open is fraudulent.
How Do I Pay the New $1 Registration Fee?
The $1 fee must be paid electronically at the time of entry submission. You'll need a valid credit or debit card. The fee is non-refundable regardless of whether you're selected. This change aims to reduce fraudulent and duplicate entries.
What Happens If My Country Is on the Travel Ban List?
If you're a national of one of the 19 restricted countries, your immigration applications are currently paused. This includes green card applications, citizenship ceremonies, and asylum decisions. Consult with an immigration attorney for case-specific guidance, as narrow waivers may be available in limited circumstances.
How Many People Were Selected for DV-2026?
Approximately 129,516 selectees were chosen from over 20.8 million entries. However, only about 52,000 visas will actually be issued. Being selected doesn't guarantee a visa—you must complete all processing steps and have your case number become current.
What You Need to Know: Bottom Line
The Green Card Lottery program continues to evolve with the DV-2027 delay and new fee requirements marking historic changes. DV-2026 selectees should prioritize completing their applications before the September 2026 deadline, while prospective DV-2027 applicants must wait for official registration announcements.
Ensure your passport photo meets all official requirements before submitting any visa application. Visit VisaPics to verify your photo specifications match the exact dimensions and standards required by U.S. immigration authorities. Stay informed by checking official State Department sources and avoid scam websites promising early registration access.