Historic Changes Coming to Green Card Lottery Program
The U.S. Department of State confirmed on October 9, 2025, that the DV-2027 Diversity Visa Lottery registration has been delayed past its traditional early October opening date. For the first time in program history, applicants will pay a $1 electronic registration fee starting October 16, 2025, marking a significant shift in how the green card lottery operates.
The delay affects an estimated 25 million annual registrants worldwide who compete for approximately 55,000 green cards distributed through the lottery system. The State Department has not released official registration dates but confirmed the program is postponed, not cancelled.
Key Changes for DV-2027 Green Card Lottery
The upcoming lottery cycle introduces several major updates that all applicants need to understand before registration opens.
- New $1 Registration Fee: Every applicant must pay $1 USD electronically at the time of registration through the official government portal
- Non-Refundable Payment: The fee cannot be refunded regardless of lottery results or application errors, and cannot be transferred between lottery years
- Additional Processing Fee Remains: The existing $330 Diversity Visa application fee still applies for selected winners who move forward with their applications
- Delayed Registration Period: Traditional October opening postponed with new dates to be announced in "coming months" according to State Department
- Enhanced Fraud Prevention: The registration fee aims to reduce fraudulent multiple entries submitted by third-party scammers
- Revenue Generation: Expected to generate approximately $25 million annually to cover program operational costs
The final rule establishing the $1 registration fee was published in the Federal Register on September 16, 2025, and took effect the same day. However, implementation delays and a brief government shutdown in early October 2025 contributed to postponing the registration opening.
Who Is Affected by These Green Card Lottery Changes
These updates impact millions of prospective immigrants worldwide who rely on the Diversity Visa program as their pathway to U.S. permanent residency.
For First-Time DV Lottery Applicants
If you're applying for the first time, budget for the new $1 registration fee plus potential passport photo requirements. The application process remains free on the official government website, but you'll need a valid payment method for the electronic fee. Ensure your passport photo meets all official requirements before registration opens.
For Previous Lottery Entrants
Past participation does not exempt you from the new fee requirement. Each lottery year requires a fresh application and separate $1 payment. Additionally, Cuban nationals should note they are ineligible for DV-2026 and likely future cycles following a policy clarification.
For Immigration Consultants and Legal Representatives
Legal professionals assisting clients must account for the new fee structure in their service pricing. The State Department warns that fraudulent websites may charge excessive fees, so ensure clients only use the official dvprogram.state.gov portal for registration.
How to Prepare for DV-2027 Registration - Step by Step
Follow these essential preparation steps to ensure you're ready when registration opens.
- Monitor Official Channels: Bookmark dvprogram.state.gov and check regularly for registration date announcements expected in coming months
- Verify Eligibility: Confirm you're a native of an eligible country (Cuba excluded) or qualify through your spouse's country of birth
- Prepare Valid Passport Photo: Obtain a compliant passport photo meeting U.S. specifications for visa applications with proper dimensions and background
- Gather Required Documents: Collect passport information, birth certificates, and educational credentials showing high school completion or qualifying work experience
- Set Up Payment Method: Ensure you have a valid electronic payment method ready for the $1 registration fee
- Create Reminder System: Set calendar alerts as registration typically remains open for only 30-37 days once it begins
- Avoid Scam Websites: Never enter personal information or pay fees on third-party websites claiming to offer DV lottery services
Important Dates and Timeline for Green Card Lottery
Keep track of these critical dates and deadlines for the DV lottery program.
- September 16, 2025: New $1 registration fee rule published and became effective
- October 16, 2025: Official implementation date for mandatory registration fee
- October 9, 2025: State Department confirmed DV-2027 registration delay
- Coming Months (Late 2025): Expected announcement of DV-2027 registration opening dates
- Typically 30-37 Days: Standard registration window once the lottery opens
- May 2026 (Projected): Anticipated DV-2027 results announcement based on historical patterns
- October 2026-September 2027: DV-2027 fiscal year for selected applicants to receive visas
Frequently Asked Questions
Why Was the DV-2027 Green Card Lottery Delayed?
The State Department cited the need to implement the new $1 electronic registration fee system as a primary factor. A brief government shutdown in early October 2025 also contributed to the delay. The department confirmed the lottery is postponed, not cancelled, with registration dates to be announced in coming months.
Is the $1 Registration Fee Refundable?
No, the $1 fee is completely non-refundable under all circumstances. You cannot get a refund even if you're not selected in the lottery, make an error on your application, or decide not to proceed. The fee also cannot be transferred to future lottery years.
How Do I Avoid Green Card Lottery Scams?
Only register through the official U.S. State Department website at dvprogram.state.gov. Never use third-party websites, respond to emails claiming you won, or pay anyone who offers to "increase your chances." The only legitimate fee is the $1 registration payment made directly on the government portal.
Can I Still Apply If I Don't Have U.S. Education?
Yes, you can qualify through either a high school diploma or equivalent, OR through two years of work experience in an occupation requiring at least two years of training within the past five years. Educational credentials must meet U.S. standards, and you'll need proper documentation for your visa application.
What Happened to Cuban Nationals in the DV-2026 Lottery?
The State Department initially included Cuba in the DV-2026 eligible countries list by error. After running the lottery, they notified selected Cuban applicants that they were ineligible due to high immigration rates from Cuba. This clarification will likely continue for future lottery cycles.
What You Need to Know About the Green Card Lottery
The DV-2027 Diversity Visa Lottery represents the most significant changes to the program in decades with the introduction of the $1 registration fee and unprecedented registration delays. Approximately 25 million applicants worldwide await the State Department's announcement of new registration dates expected in the coming months.
Preparation is critical for success in this competitive program. Ensure you have a compliant passport photo that meets all official visa specifications, gather required documentation, and set up electronic payment capabilities before registration opens. At VisaPics, we help thousands of applicants ensure their passport photos meet exact U.S. green card lottery requirements, eliminating photo-related application rejections that could cost you this opportunity.