Green Card Lottery Registration Delayed for First Time in History
The U.S. Department of State has officially delayed the DV-2027 Green Card Lottery registration beyond its traditional early October opening date. This unprecedented delay coincides with the implementation of a new $1 electronic registration fee that took effect on October 16, 2025—the first time applicants must pay simply to enter the diversity visa lottery.
The State Department has declined to provide specific reasons for the delay or announce new registration dates. A spokesperson stated that "registration dates for the DV-2027 program will be widely publicized in the coming months," leaving millions of prospective applicants worldwide in limbo.
Historic $1 Entry Fee Takes Effect October 16, 2025
Immigration attorneys and industry experts widely believe the registration delay stems from technical preparations needed to implement the new fee system.
- Fee Amount: $1 per entry, paid electronically at time of registration (non-refundable)
- Effective Date: October 16, 2025, following final rule publication on September 16, 2025
- Revenue Generation: Expected to generate approximately $25 million annually from 25 million applicants
- Purpose: Cover operational costs and reduce fraudulent entries from third-party scammers
- Separate from Application Fee: The $1 fee is in addition to the existing $330 application fee for lottery winners
This represents a fundamental shift in how the diversity visa lottery operates. Previously, only the 55,000 annual lottery winners who proceeded with applications paid fees. Now, all 25 million estimated annual registrants will contribute to program expenses.
Who Is Affected by the DV-2027 Delay
The registration delay impacts millions of prospective immigrants worldwide who were expecting to submit their entries starting in early October 2025.
For First-Time Applicants
If you're planning to apply for the first time, you'll need to wait for the State Department to announce new registration dates. Monitor the official website at dvprogram.state.gov regularly. Additionally, ensure your passport photo meets strict diversity visa requirements before registration opens.
For Previous DV Lottery Participants
Past participation doesn't exempt you from the new $1 fee. You'll need a valid payment method (credit or debit card) to complete your DV-2027 registration. Start gathering required documents now, including digital passport-style photos that comply with official specifications.
For Immigration Attorneys and Consultants
Legal professionals should advise clients about the new fee structure and unknown registration timeline. Many clients may have questions about payment methods, refund policies, and how the delay affects their immigration plans for fiscal year 2027.
How to Prepare for DV-2027 Registration - Step by Step
While registration dates remain unannounced, prospective applicants can take these crucial preparation steps now:
- Prepare Payment Method: Ensure you have a valid credit or debit card that works for international transactions and can process the $1 fee
- Take Compliant Photos: Obtain digital passport photos that meet State Department specifications—proper background, dimensions, and head positioning are critical
- Gather Required Documents: Collect passport information, birth certificates, marriage certificates (if applicable), and educational credentials
- Monitor Official Channels: Check dvprogram.state.gov and travel.state.gov regularly for registration date announcements
- Verify Eligibility: Confirm your country of birth qualifies for DV-2027 and you meet education or work experience requirements
- Create Reminder System: Set up alerts to notify you when registration opens, as the window typically lasts only 30-45 days
Important Dates and Timeline for DV-2027
Here's what we know about the DV-2027 Green Card Lottery timeline so far:
- September 16, 2025: Final rule establishing $1 registration fee published in Federal Register
- October 16, 2025: New $1 electronic registration fee officially takes effect
- Expected October 2025 (Delayed): DV-2027 registration was supposed to open but has been postponed indefinitely
- Coming Months: State Department to announce actual registration dates "widely publicized in the coming months"
- Typical Registration Period: Once opened, registration usually runs for 30-45 days (exact dates TBD)
- Expected Results Announcement: May 2027 (if following historical patterns for previous lotteries)
- Visa Interview Period: October 1, 2026 through September 30, 2027 (fiscal year 2027)
Frequently Asked Questions About Green Card Lottery Updates
Is the $1 Fee Refundable If I'm Not Selected?
No, the $1 registration fee is completely non-refundable regardless of whether you're selected in the lottery or not. This fee covers the administrative costs of processing all 25 million entries. Even if you decide not to proceed with your application after paying, you will not receive a refund.
When Will DV-2027 Registration Actually Open?
The State Department has not announced specific registration dates yet. They only stated dates will be "widely publicized in the coming months." Immigration experts recommend monitoring dvprogram.state.gov weekly for updates. Historically, registration opens in early October, but DV-2027 is already delayed past that timeframe.
Can I Still Enter Without Paying the $1 Fee?
No, starting with DV-2027, all applicants must pay the $1 electronic registration fee to submit their entry. There are no exceptions or waivers for this requirement. Payment will be processed through the official government portal at the time of online registration using a credit or debit card.
How Many Green Cards Are Available Through DV-2027?
The diversity visa program makes 55,000 immigrant visas available each fiscal year. However, approximately 125,000 entrants are typically selected to account for those who don't complete the process. This means roughly 44% of selectees will ultimately receive a green card if they meet all requirements.
What You Need to Know About the Registration Delay
The DV-2027 Green Card Lottery delay represents a significant shift in the program's 30-year history. The new $1 fee aims to reduce fraud and cover operational costs, but it also means millions of hopeful applicants must now wait for registration to open. Immigration experts advise staying vigilant and monitoring official State Department channels for announcements.
Start preparing now by ensuring your passport photo meets all diversity visa requirements—proper photo specifications are one of the most common reasons for disqualification. VisaPics specializes in creating compliant passport and visa photos for all U.S. immigration documents, helping you avoid costly rejections when DV-2027 registration finally opens. Visit our visa photo specifications page to verify your documents meet official standards before submitting your green card lottery application.