Green Card Lottery Faces Unprecedented Delay in October 2025
The U.S. Diversity Visa (DV-2027) Green Card Lottery has been delayed for the first time in the program's history, according to official confirmation from the U.S. Department of State on October 8, 2025. The lottery registration, which typically opens during the first week of October each year, has not yet launched, leaving millions of prospective applicants worldwide waiting for an official announcement.
A State Department spokesperson confirmed the delay but did not provide a specific launch date, stating only that "an announcement for the DV 2027 program is forthcoming" and that "registration dates and other details will be announced when available." The delay coincides with the implementation of significant program changes, including a new registration fee structure.
Major Changes to the Diversity Visa Program
The green card lottery is undergoing its most significant transformation in recent years, affecting how applicants register and pay for entry. These changes will impact the estimated 25 million annual registrants worldwide.
- New $1 Registration Fee: Effective October 16, 2025, all DV lottery applicants must pay a $1 electronic registration fee, marking the first time the program charges for entry (Federal Register, September 16, 2025)
- Registration Delay: The DV-2027 lottery has been postponed beyond its traditional early October start date, with no confirmed opening date as of October 11, 2025
- Proposed Passport Requirement: Future applicants may need to upload a valid passport copy during registration, though this rule is not finalized for DV-2027
- Cuban Nationals Ineligibility: Cuban natives are ineligible for DV-2026 onwards because more than 50,000 Cubans immigrated to the U.S. in the last five years
- Revenue Generation: The new $1 fee is expected to generate approximately $25 million annually to cover program operational costs
The $1 registration fee represents a fundamental shift in how the diversity visa lottery is funded. Previously, only the 55,000 lottery winners paid fees, while the entire registration system served 25 million applicants annually at no initial cost.
Who Is Affected by These Green Card Lottery Changes
These updates impact millions of potential immigrants from eligible countries worldwide. Understanding how these changes affect different applicant groups is crucial for proper preparation.
For First-Time DV Lottery Applicants
If you're planning to enter the green card lottery for the first time, you'll need to budget for the new $1 registration fee in addition to the standard $330 processing fee if selected. Ensure your passport photo meets official requirements before the registration period opens, as photo specifications remain strict and non-compliant photos lead to automatic disqualification.
For Previous DV Lottery Participants
Veterans of the program will notice the new payment requirement during registration. Additionally, if you're monitoring for the DV-2027 opening date, continue checking the official State Department website at dvprogram.state.gov regularly, as the announcement could come at any time without advance notice.
For Cuban Nationals and UK Residents
Cuban natives are no longer eligible for the diversity visa lottery starting with DV-2026. A small number of UK entrants received incorrect selection results for DV-2026 and should verify their status using the official Entrant Status Check tool on the State Department website.
How to Register for the Green Card Lottery - Step by Step
When registration opens for DV-2027, follow these steps to ensure your entry is complete and compliant:
- Check Eligibility: Verify your country of birth is eligible (countries that sent more than 50,000 immigrants to the U.S. in the past 5 years are excluded)
- Prepare Your Passport Photo: Obtain a compliant passport photo meeting strict U.S. visa photo specifications, including white background, neutral expression, and proper dimensions
- Gather Required Documents: Have your passport information, birth certificate details, and education/work history documentation ready before starting your application
- Pay the $1 Registration Fee: Complete the electronic payment during the registration process on the official dvprogram.state.gov website (fee required starting October 16, 2025)
- Submit Application Online: Fill out the electronic entry form carefully, as errors or missing information will result in disqualification
- Save Your Confirmation Number: Print or screenshot your confirmation number immediately - you'll need it to check results in May 2026
- Check Results in May: DV-2027 results will be available starting May 2026 through September 30, 2027 on the official website
Important Dates and Timeline for Green Card Lottery
Mark these critical dates on your calendar to stay on track with the diversity visa lottery process:
- October 16, 2025: New $1 electronic registration fee takes effect (Federal Register final rule)
- October 2025 (TBD): DV-2027 registration period expected to open (exact date not yet announced by State Department)
- November 2025 (estimated): DV-2027 registration period expected to close, typically 30-35 days after opening
- May 2026: DV-2027 lottery results will be available for checking online with confirmation number
- September 30, 2027: Final deadline for all DV-2027 selectees to receive their visa or adjust status
Frequently Asked Questions About Green Card Lottery Updates
Why Was the DV-2027 Green Card Lottery Delayed?
The State Department has not officially confirmed the reason for the delay. However, immigration experts believe it's related to implementing the new $1 registration fee system and potential technical updates to the registration platform. Some sources also cite a possible federal government shutdown as a contributing factor, though this has not been confirmed by the State Department.
Will I Get My $1 Fee Back If I'm Not Selected?
No, the $1 registration fee is non-refundable. This fee covers the operational costs of running the lottery program for all 25 million annual applicants, not just the 55,000 winners. If selected, you will still need to pay the standard $330 diversity visa application fee separately.
Can I Still Apply If I Applied for Previous DV Lotteries?
Yes, you can apply every year regardless of previous applications or rejections. Each fiscal year's diversity visa lottery is completely independent. Not being selected in previous years does not affect your chances in future lotteries, as the selection is entirely random.
What Photo Requirements Must I Meet for the Green Card Lottery?
Your digital passport photo must meet strict U.S. Department of State specifications: 2x2 inches (51x51mm), taken within the last 6 months, white or off-white background, neutral facial expression, both eyes open, no glasses, and proper head positioning. Non-compliant photos result in automatic disqualification, so consider using a professional passport photo service to ensure accuracy.
What You Need to Know About the Green Card Lottery
The DV-2027 Green Card Lottery represents a turning point for the diversity visa program with the introduction of the $1 registration fee and unprecedented registration delay. Prospective applicants should monitor the official State Department website at dvprogram.state.gov for the announcement of registration dates, which could be published at any time.
When registration opens, ensure your passport photo meets all technical requirements to avoid disqualification - non-compliant photos are the leading cause of entry rejection. Additionally, only use the official government website for registration, as fraudulent third-party sites charging excessive fees are common. Remember that the $330 processing fee is only required if you're selected as a winner, not during initial registration where only the $1 fee applies.