Historic Changes to Green Card Lottery Registration Process
The U.S. Department of State has confirmed an unprecedented delay in the Diversity Visa (DV) 2027 green card lottery registration, marking the first time in program history that the application period has not opened during its traditional early October timeframe. As of October 21, 2025, the State Department has not announced official registration dates, stating only that "there will be changes to the DV entry process" and that dates will be "widely publicized in the coming months."
This delay coincides with the introduction of a mandatory $1 electronic registration fee, effective September 16, 2025, making this the first year the green card lottery will no longer be completely free to enter. The new fee structure affects an estimated 25 million annual registrants worldwide who compete for 55,000 immigrant visas distributed through the program.
Key Changes for DV-2027 Green Card Lottery
The State Department has implemented several significant modifications to the diversity visa lottery program for the 2027 cycle:
- Mandatory $1 Registration Fee: Published in the Federal Register on September 16, 2025, all applicants must now pay electronically when submitting their entry
- Delayed Registration Opening: The traditional early October start date has been postponed indefinitely, with no specific timeline announced as of late October 2025
- Entry Process Modifications: The State Department confirmed "changes to the DV entry process" beyond just the fee requirement, though specific details remain undisclosed
- Non-Refundable Payment: Registration fees cannot be refunded regardless of lottery results and cannot be transferred between lottery years
- Electronic Payment Requirement: All fees must be paid through the official U.S. Government portal at dvprogram.state.gov
Immigration attorneys speculate that the current delay may be related to implementing the new payment infrastructure and additional security measures. The Department declined to provide a specific reason for the postponement beyond acknowledging upcoming process changes.
Who Is Affected by These Green Card Lottery Changes
The DV-2027 registration delay and new fee structure impact millions of prospective immigrants worldwide. Understanding how these changes affect different applicant groups is essential for planning your immigration strategy.
For First-Time Diversity Visa Applicants
If you're applying for the green card lottery for the first time, you'll need to budget for the $1 registration fee in addition to preparing your application materials. Ensure you have access to electronic payment methods accepted by U.S. Government portals. Additionally, make sure your passport photo meets all official requirements before the registration period opens.
For Annual DV Lottery Participants
Regular applicants who typically submit entries each October must now wait for the State Department's official announcement regarding registration dates. The indefinite delay means you should monitor the official dvprogram.state.gov website regularly and be prepared to submit quickly once registration opens, as the entry period historically lasts only about 30 days.
For Applicants in Countries with Limited Digital Payment Infrastructure
The electronic payment requirement may create significant barriers for applicants in regions without widespread access to digital payment systems. You may need to arrange payment assistance through trusted family members or friends with international payment capabilities, ensuring you maintain complete control over your application submission.
How to Prepare for DV-2027 Registration - Step by Step
While waiting for the official registration opening, take these essential steps to ensure you're ready to submit your green card lottery application:
- Monitor Official Channels: Check dvprogram.state.gov and travel.state.gov weekly for registration date announcements; dates will also be published in the Federal Register
- Prepare Payment Method: Ensure you have a valid credit card, debit card, or other electronic payment method accepted by U.S. Government portals for the $1 fee
- Gather Required Documents: Collect passport information, birth certificates, marriage certificates (if applicable), and recent photographs meeting strict diversity visa specifications
- Take Compliant Photos: Your passport photo must meet specific requirements including size, background color, and facial positioning; use professional visa photo services to ensure compliance
- Verify Eligibility: Confirm your country of birth is eligible for DV-2027 and that you meet education or work experience requirements (high school diploma or two years of qualifying work experience)
- Prepare Spouse and Children Information: Even if family members won't immigrate with you, you must list all eligible dependents or risk disqualification
- Create Reminder System: Set up calendar alerts to check for registration opening announcements, as the entry period typically lasts only 30-35 days once it begins
Important Dates and Timeline for Green Card Lottery
While the DV-2027 registration timeline remains uncertain, here are the confirmed dates and expected milestones:
- September 16, 2025: New $1 registration fee rule published in Federal Register and took effect immediately
- October 16, 2025: Mandatory electronic registration fee requirement officially begins for all diversity visa lottery applicants
- Early October 2025 (Postponed): Traditional registration opening date that did not occur; new dates to be announced "in the coming months"
- Expected Registration Period: Typically 30-35 days once announced; applicants must submit during this window only
- May 2026 (Projected): DV-2027 lottery results traditionally become available in early May, approximately 7 months after registration closes
- October 2026 - September 2027: Fiscal year during which DV-2027 visa winners can complete processing and immigrate to the United States
Frequently Asked Questions About the Green Card Lottery Delay
Why Was the DV-2027 Green Card Lottery Registration Delayed?
The U.S. State Department confirmed "there will be changes to the DV entry process" but has not provided specific reasons for the delay beyond this statement. Immigration experts believe the postponement relates to implementing the new $1 electronic payment system and potential additional security measures. The Department stated that registration dates will be announced on travel.state.gov and in the Federal Register "in the coming months."
Is the $1 Green Card Lottery Fee Refundable If I Don't Win?
No, the $1 registration fee is non-refundable under all circumstances. According to the State Department's rule published September 16, 2025, fees cannot be refunded regardless of whether you win the lottery, whether you move forward with a visa application, or whether you're selected but don't qualify. Additionally, fees cannot be transferred between different lottery years, so you must pay $1 each time you apply.
How Will the $1 Fee Help Prevent Green Card Lottery Scams?
The State Department indicated that the registration fee could help reduce fraud by discouraging third-party scammers from submitting multiple fake entries on behalf of unknowing applicants. With 25 million annual registrants, the fee creates a financial barrier to mass fraudulent submissions while generating approximately $25 million to cover program administration costs, enhanced security reviews, and system upgrades that further protect applicants from scams.
When Will DV-2027 Registration Actually Open?
As of October 21, 2025, the State Department has not announced specific registration dates. According to the November 2025 Visa Bulletin, "Dates for the DV-2027 program registration period will be widely publicized in the coming months." Applicants should monitor dvprogram.state.gov, travel.state.gov, and the Federal Register for official announcements rather than relying on third-party websites or services.
Can I Still Apply for Free Without Paying the $1 Fee?
No, the $1 electronic registration fee is mandatory for all DV-2027 applicants starting October 16, 2025. This is the first year in the program's history that entry is not completely free. The fee must be paid electronically through the official government portal at the time of application submission. Be cautious of any service claiming to offer free entry or charging significantly more than $1, as these are likely scams.
What You Need to Know About Green Card Lottery Changes
The DV-2027 diversity visa lottery represents a turning point for the program with the introduction of the first-ever registration fee and an unprecedented delay in the application period. While the $1 fee may seem minimal, it affects 25 million annual applicants and signals the State Department's commitment to improving program administration and reducing fraud.
Prospective applicants should remain vigilant by monitoring only official government sources for registration announcements and avoiding third-party services that charge excessive fees. Before the registration period opens, ensure your passport photo meets all official requirements to avoid disqualification. For professional assistance with compliant visa photos, check our comprehensive passport photo specifications to ensure your application has the best chance of success.