DV-2027 Green Card Lottery Delayed: What You Need to Know
The Green Card Lottery 2027 registration has been unexpectedly delayed beyond its traditional early October opening date, leaving millions of hopeful applicants worldwide waiting for official confirmation from the U.S. Department of State. As of October 6, 2025, State Department officials confirmed that "an announcement for the DV 2027 program will be made soon" on travel.state.gov, but have not provided a specific launch date for the registration period that typically runs from early October through mid-November.
This year's delay comes as the State Department implements significant changes to the Diversity Visa Lottery program, including the introduction of a mandatory $1 registration fee—the first time in the program's history that applicants will be charged simply to enter the lottery. Additionally, potential technical updates and proposed passport requirements may be contributing factors to the postponement.
Major Changes to Green Card Lottery Registration in 2025
The DV-2027 lottery introduces several critical changes that applicants must understand before registration opens:
- New $1 Registration Fee: Effective October 16, 2025, all applicants must pay a $1 electronic registration fee to enter the lottery. This fee was established through a final rule published in the Federal Register on September 16, 2025, and is expected to generate approximately $25 million annually to help cover program operational costs.
- Non-Refundable Payment: The $1 fee will not be refunded regardless of lottery results or whether applicants proceed with a visa application. Fees cannot be transferred between lottery years.
- Passport Requirement Under Consideration: The Trump administration published a proposed rule on August 5, 2025, to mandate that all DV lottery applicants possess a valid passport. However, due to the time required for finalization following the public comment period that closed September 19, 2025, this passport rule will not be implemented for the DV-2027 registration cycle.
- Additional Processing Fees: Winners selected in the lottery must still pay the standard $330 fee to apply for their Diversity Visa during the interview process, separate from the $1 registration fee.
Who Is Affected by the Green Card Lottery Delay
The delayed opening impacts approximately 25 million people worldwide who typically register for the Diversity Visa program each year. Only 55,000 immigrant visas are available through the DV-2027 lottery, making it one of the most competitive pathways to U.S. permanent residency.
For First-Time Applicants
If you're planning to enter the Green Card Lottery for the first time, you'll need to prepare for the new $1 registration fee and ensure you have a valid payment method ready when registration opens. While a passport is not currently required for DV-2027, having your passport information readily available can help expedite the application process and prepare you for potential future requirements.
For Repeat Applicants
Previous lottery participants should note that each registration year is independent. Even if you've applied in past years, you must submit a new application and pay the $1 fee for DV-2027. There is no advantage or disadvantage based on previous participation, and each year's lottery is conducted separately.
How to Prepare for DV-2027 Green Card Lottery Registration
While waiting for the official registration announcement, prospective applicants can take several important steps to ensure they're ready:
- Verify Your Eligibility: Confirm that you're from an eligible country and meet the education or work experience requirements. Applicants must have either a high school diploma or two years of qualifying work experience within the past five years.
- Prepare Your Photo: You'll need a recent digital passport photo that meets strict U.S. visa photo requirements. Ensure your passport photo meets all specifications for head size, background color, and image quality to avoid disqualification—a common reason for application rejection.
- Set Up a Payment Method: Since the $1 registration fee is mandatory starting October 16, 2025, prepare a valid credit card or electronic payment method accepted by the State Department's online system.
- Gather Family Information: You must include your spouse and all unmarried children under 21 in your application, even if they don't plan to immigrate with you. Have their photos and biographical information ready.
- Monitor Official Sources: Check travel.state.gov regularly for the official announcement. Avoid third-party websites or agents claiming to offer registration services, as many are scams.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Green Card Lottery
When Will DV-2027 Green Card Lottery Registration Open?
The State Department has confirmed that registration will open soon but has not announced specific dates. Based on historical patterns, registration typically runs for approximately one month between October and November. Interested applicants should monitor travel.state.gov for the official announcement with exact dates and deadlines.
Why Is There a $1 Fee for the Green Card Lottery Now?
The U.S. Department of State implemented the $1 registration fee to "more fairly place the burden of the lottery registration on individuals seeking the benefit" rather than charging only the small percentage of winners for all program administration costs. The fee helps cover system upgrades, enhanced data collection, security reviews, and fraud prevention measures.
Do I Need a Passport to Enter the DV-2027 Lottery?
No, a passport is not required for the DV-2027 lottery registration opening in October 2025. While the Trump administration proposed a passport requirement in August 2025, this rule will not be finalized in time for the current registration cycle. However, if selected, you will need a valid passport for your visa interview.
When Will DV-2027 Lottery Results Be Announced?
Following the typical timeline, DV-2027 lottery results are expected to be announced in May 2026. Winners can check their status exclusively through the official Entrant Status Check on dvprogram.state.gov using their confirmation number. The State Department will not notify winners by email or mail.
What Happens After Registration Opens
Once the DV-2027 registration period begins, applicants will have approximately 30 days to submit their entries through the official Electronic Diversity Visa website. Each person may submit only one entry per registration period—submitting multiple entries will result in disqualification of all applications.
After registration closes in November 2025, the State Department will conduct a random computer drawing to select approximately 125,000 entries, from which up to 55,000 diversity visas will be issued. Results will be available in May 2026, and selected applicants will have until September 30, 2027, to complete their visa processing and enter the United States.
Bottom Line: Stay Informed and Prepare Now
The Green Card Lottery 2027 represents a valuable opportunity for individuals from eligible countries to obtain U.S. permanent residency, but the delayed opening and new $1 registration fee require applicants to stay vigilant and prepared. With approximately 25 million applicants competing for just 55,000 visas, ensuring your application is complete, accurate, and submitted with proper documentation is crucial.
Most importantly, make sure your visa photo specifications are perfect before registration opens—photo errors are among the leading causes of disqualification. Whether you're applying for the first time or trying again, having all your documents ready, including a compliant passport photo, will give you the best chance of success when the registration window finally opens.
Continue monitoring travel.state.gov for the official DV-2027 announcement, and consider preparing your application materials now to avoid the last-minute rush when registration begins. With proper preparation and attention to requirements like photo specifications and accurate biographical information, you'll be ready to submit your entry as soon as the State Department opens the registration period.