Green Card Lottery 2027 Registration Officially Delayed
The U.S. Department of State has confirmed that the DV-2027 Diversity Visa Lottery registration will not open on its traditional first-week-of-October timeline. As of October 8, 2025, the State Department announced that registration dates remain forthcoming, leaving millions of prospective applicants worldwide waiting for clarity.
The delay affects the annual program that distributes 55,000 Green Cards to applicants from eligible countries. A State Department spokesperson confirmed that "an announcement for the DV 2027 program is forthcoming" but provided no specific launch date.
What's Causing the DV-2027 Registration Delay?
Multiple factors are contributing to the unprecedented delay in opening the green card lottery registration window:
- Federal Government Shutdown: The U.S. federal government entered a shutdown as of October 1, 2025, due to lapsed appropriations. The DV Program is not classified as an essential service, freezing its administrative processes.
- New $1 Registration Fee Implementation: Technical updates are required to implement the newly mandated $1 electronic registration fee, which takes effect October 16, 2025.
- System Upgrades: The State Department is making changes to the DV entry process, requiring technical infrastructure updates before registration can open.
- Fraud Prevention Measures: Enhanced verification systems are being implemented to reduce lottery fraud and unauthorized entries.
The $1 registration fee represents the first time the Diversity Visa Lottery will charge applicants. Previously, the program was completely free to enter, though a $330 visa processing fee still applies for selected winners.
Key Changes to the Green Card Lottery for 2027
Several significant updates will affect DV-2027 applicants when registration eventually opens:
New $1 Electronic Registration Fee
Effective October 16, 2025, all diversity visa lottery applicants must pay a $1 non-refundable electronic fee at the time of application submission. This fee cannot be transferred between lottery years and will not be refunded regardless of selection results. The final rule establishing this fee was published in the Federal Register on September 16, 2025.
Passport Requirement Status - Not This Year
While the Trump administration proposed mandatory passport uploads for all DV applicants to combat fraud, this requirement will not be implemented for DV-2027. The proposed rule, published in the Federal Register on August 5, 2025, requires additional finalization time. The public comment period closed September 19, 2025, but implementation is expected for future lottery years, not the upcoming October 2025 registration period.
Enhanced Photo Requirements
DV-2027 applicants must submit digital photos meeting strict specifications. Photos must be recent (taken within the last 6 months), show a full-face view against a plain white or off-white background, and meet size requirements of 1 inch to 1 3/8 inches (22mm to 35mm) for head height. The maximum file size is 240 KB with a resolution between 300-1200 DPI. Glasses are not permitted except for medical reasons, and the photo must reproduce natural skin tones without digital enhancement.
Who Is Affected by the Green Card Lottery Delay
The DV-2027 registration delay impacts prospective applicants worldwide, particularly those planning to submit entries during the traditional October window. Understanding how the delay affects different groups is crucial for planning.
For First-Time Applicants
If you've never applied for the diversity visa lottery before, monitor the official State Department website at dvprogram.state.gov for registration opening announcements. Prepare your documents now, including qualifying passport photos that meet strict specifications. Remember that approximately 55,000 Green Cards will be available, so early preparation is essential once registration opens.
For Previous Lottery Participants
Past DV lottery entries do not carry over to new years—you must submit a fresh application for DV-2027. The new $1 registration fee means you'll need a valid payment method for electronic submission. If you were selected in previous years but didn't pursue your Green Card, you can reapply, but selection is not guaranteed.
For Countries with High Demand
Applicants from countries that send large numbers of immigrants to the United States (such as China, India, Mexico, and others) may face eligibility restrictions. The State Department will publish the official list of eligible countries when registration opens. Countries with over 50,000 immigrants to the U.S. in the previous five years are typically excluded from the diversity visa lottery program.
How to Prepare for DV-2027 Registration - Step by Step
While registration remains delayed, prospective applicants should use this time to prepare all required materials and documentation:
- Check Your Eligibility: Verify that your country of birth is eligible for the diversity visa lottery program. You must also meet education requirements (high school diploma or equivalent) or have two years of qualifying work experience.
- Prepare Compliant Passport Photos: Obtain digital photos that meet all DV lottery specifications—recent (within 6 months), proper sizing (22-35mm head height), white background, no glasses, and file size under 240 KB. Services like VisaPics can ensure your photos meet exact government specifications.
- Gather Personal Information: Compile details for yourself and all family members including full names, dates of birth, birthplaces, and current addresses. You'll need this information for each person listed on your application.
- Arrange Payment Method: Have a valid credit or debit card ready to pay the new $1 electronic registration fee when the application period opens. This fee is required for submission and cannot be waived.
- Monitor Official Sources: Bookmark dvprogram.state.gov and check regularly for the announcement of DV-2027 registration dates. Avoid third-party websites claiming to offer registration services—the official entry is always free (except the $1 fee).
Important Dates and Timeline for DV-2027
Based on State Department patterns and confirmed information, here's what to expect for the DV-2027 timeline:
- October 2025 (TBD): DV-2027 registration period opens—exact date to be announced by State Department following government shutdown resolution
- October 16, 2025: New $1 electronic registration fee takes effect for all diversity visa lottery applications
- November 2025 (Expected): Registration period closes after approximately 30-day window (typical duration is early October to early November)
- May 2026: DV-2027 lottery results announced via Entrant Status Check at dvprogram.state.gov
- October 2026 - September 2027: Selected applicants complete visa interviews and processing at U.S. embassies and consulates
- September 30, 2027: Final deadline for all DV-2027 visa issuance and entry to the United States
Frequently Asked Questions About Green Card Lottery Updates
Why Is the DV-2027 Green Card Lottery Delayed?
The State Department has not officially confirmed the exact reason, but the delay is attributed to multiple factors including the federal government shutdown starting October 1, 2025, technical implementation of the new $1 registration fee, and system upgrades to the DV entry platform. The diversity visa program is not considered an essential government service, so its operations are frozen during the shutdown.
How Much Does It Cost to Enter the Green Card Lottery Now?
Starting October 16, 2025, applicants must pay a $1 non-refundable electronic registration fee when submitting DV lottery entries. This is in addition to the existing $330 diversity visa application fee that applies only if you're selected in the lottery. The $1 fee cannot be refunded or transferred, regardless of your lottery results.
Do I Need a Passport to Apply for DV-2027?
No, passport uploads will not be required for DV-2027. While the Trump administration proposed mandatory passport requirements to reduce fraud, this rule will not take effect for the upcoming October 2025 application period. The proposal is still undergoing finalization and is expected to apply to future lottery years, not DV-2027.
What Photo Requirements Must I Meet for the Diversity Visa Lottery?
Your digital photo must be recent (taken within the last 6 months), show a full-face view against a plain white or off-white background, and meet specific size requirements with head height between 22mm and 35mm (1 inch to 1 3/8 inches). The file must be under 240 KB with 300-1200 DPI resolution. No glasses are permitted unless medically required, and no digital enhancement or filters are allowed. Submitting non-compliant photos is a common reason for disqualification.
Can I Still Apply If I Applied to Previous DV Lotteries?
Yes, you can and should apply each year. Previous lottery entries do not carry over or affect your eligibility for DV-2027. Each diversity visa lottery is completely independent, so even if you were not selected in DV-2026 or earlier years, you can submit a new application when DV-2027 registration opens. However, each application requires the new $1 fee.
What You Need to Know About the Green Card Lottery Delay
The DV-2027 registration delay represents an unusual disruption to the annual diversity visa lottery timeline, but the program remains active and will proceed once technical and administrative issues are resolved. The U.S. Department of State has confirmed that 55,000 Green Cards will still be available through the DV-2027 program, and registration will open with an official announcement forthcoming.
Prospective applicants should use this delay as an opportunity to prepare thoroughly—particularly ensuring your passport photo meets all government specifications, as non-compliant photos are a leading cause of disqualification. Professional photo services that specialize in visa and passport documentation can help ensure your application meets exact requirements. Monitor dvprogram.state.gov for the official registration announcement, and be prepared to submit your application promptly when the window opens, as early submission is recommended given the high volume of applications typically received.
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