Historic Changes Coming to Green Card Lottery Program
The U.S. Department of State has announced unprecedented changes to the Diversity Visa (DV) Lottery program for DV-2027, including the first-ever registration fee and a delayed opening that has left millions of prospective applicants waiting. For the first time in the program's 33-year history, entrants will pay a $1 electronic registration fee to participate in the lottery, marking a significant departure from the previously free application process.
The registration period for DV-2027, which typically opens in early October, has been delayed indefinitely as of December 2025. The State Department confirmed in its November Visa Bulletin that registration dates "will be widely publicized in the coming months," leaving applicants uncertain about when they can submit their entries for the chance to win one of approximately 55,000 green cards available annually.
Key Changes to the Diversity Visa Lottery Program
The DV-2027 program introduces several major policy shifts that will affect all prospective applicants worldwide. Understanding these changes is crucial for anyone planning to enter the lottery.
- New $1 Registration Fee: Published in the Federal Register on September 16, 2025, this non-refundable fee applies to every entry submitted, even if not selected
- Delayed Registration Period: No official start or end dates announced as of December 2025, breaking from the traditional early October opening
- Cost Reallocation: The $1 fee shifts lottery management costs from the $330 visa application fee to the initial registration stage
- Enhanced Photo Requirements: Stricter compliance with passport photo specifications expected to reduce disqualifications
- Government Shutdown Impact: October 2025 federal shutdown may have contributed to registration system delays
Immigration attorneys speculate that technical challenges implementing the new payment system, combined with the federal government shutdown in early October 2025, contributed to the unprecedented delay. The State Department has remained largely silent on specific reasons for the postponement beyond confirming that new registration dates will be announced in the coming months.
Who Is Affected by These Green Card Lottery Changes
These policy changes impact millions of prospective immigrants from eligible countries worldwide. Understanding how these updates affect your specific situation is essential for successful participation.
For First-Time DV Lottery Applicants
If you're planning to enter the diversity visa lottery for the first time, you'll need to prepare for the new $1 registration fee payment system. This means having a valid payment method ready when registration opens, as the fee is charged immediately upon submission. Additionally, ensure your passport photo meets all technical requirements to avoid disqualification, as photo rejections account for a significant percentage of invalid entries.
For Previous DV Lottery Participants
Past participants should note that the new fee structure applies regardless of how many times you've entered before. Each entry requires a separate $1 payment, and the fee is non-refundable whether you're selected or not. Monitor the official State Department website at dvprogram.state.gov regularly for registration opening announcements, as the delayed timeline means missing the window could cost you an entire year.
For DV-2026 Lottery Winners
If you won the DV-2026 lottery (results announced May 3, 2025), you have until September 30, 2026 to complete your visa application process. The new changes to DV-2027 don't affect your timeline, but ensure you complete all required steps including scheduling your consular interview and submitting all required documentation well before the deadline.
How to Prepare for DV-2027 Registration - Step by Step
Taking these preparatory steps now will position you for success when registration finally opens, potentially in late 2025 or early 2026.
- Verify Your Eligibility: Confirm your country of birth is eligible (countries with high U.S. immigration rates are typically excluded, including China, India, Mexico, and several others)
- Prepare Payment Method: Have a valid credit or debit card ready for the $1 registration fee, as cash and other payment methods won't be accepted
- Take Compliant Passport Photos: Obtain professional passport photos that meet strict U.S. visa photo requirements (2x2 inches, white background, recent photo within 6 months)
- Gather Required Information: Collect passport details, birth certificates, and educational documents (high school diploma or equivalent work experience required)
- Monitor Official Sources: Check dvprogram.state.gov weekly for registration date announcements and bookmark the site for quick access
- Prepare for Your Spouse and Children: Gather documentation for all eligible family members who will be included on your entry
Important Dates and Timeline for Green Card Lottery
While DV-2027 dates remain unannounced, understanding the broader timeline helps you plan your immigration journey effectively.
- September 16, 2025: $1 registration fee rule published and effective immediately in Federal Register
- October 2025 (Expected): DV-2027 registration period was anticipated to open but was delayed indefinitely
- December 2025 (Current): No official registration dates announced; State Department promises updates "in coming months"
- Late 2025 or Early 2026 (Projected): Registration period expected to open for approximately 30-60 days once announced
- May 2026 (Estimated): DV-2027 lottery results would typically be announced if following historical patterns
- October 2026-September 2027: Winners would have this fiscal year window to complete visa processing and enter the U.S.
Frequently Asked Questions About Green Card Lottery Changes
Why Is There a New $1 Fee for the Green Card Lottery?
The State Department implemented the $1 registration fee to "more fairly allocate the costs of managing the random selection process to those who register." Previously, lottery management costs were bundled into the $330 visa application fee paid only by winners. Now, the registration cost is distributed among all participants, making the system more equitable.
Can I Get a Refund If I'm Not Selected in the Lottery?
No, the $1 registration fee is non-refundable regardless of whether you're selected as a lottery winner. This applies even if you make a mistake on your application, submit a duplicate entry, or decide not to proceed with your application. The fee covers the administrative costs of processing your entry through the random selection system.
How Many People Win the Green Card Lottery Each Year?
The DV lottery program makes approximately 55,000 diversity visas available annually, though the actual number can vary slightly. For DV-2026, approximately 129,516 applicants were initially selected from over 20.8 million qualified entries, representing a selection rate of less than 1%. However, only about 51,850 visas are actually issued, as not all selected applicants complete the process or qualify for final approval.
What You Need to Know About the Green Card Lottery Delay
The unprecedented delay in opening DV-2027 registration underscores the importance of staying informed through official government sources. Immigration attorneys recommend checking the State Department's diversity visa website at least weekly, as the registration window may open with limited advance notice and close after just 30-60 days.
While waiting for registration to open, ensure your passport photo meets all technical requirements to avoid disqualification. Professional visa photo services like VisaPics can help you create compliant photos that meet strict U.S. diversity visa specifications, including proper sizing, background color, and facial positioning. With photo-related errors accounting for many lottery disqualifications, investing in quality documentation now can save you from disappointment later when results are announced.