Green Card Lottery 2027 Registration Officially Delayed
The U.S. Department of State confirmed on November 5, 2025, that the Diversity Visa (DV-2027) Green Card Lottery registration period has been delayed beyond its traditional early October opening. Officials announced they will "announce the start date for the DV-2027 registration period as soon as practicable" while implementing significant changes to the entry process.
This marks the first time in recent years that the annual green card lottery has been postponed past its usual October 2-7 registration window. The delay affects millions of hopeful immigrants worldwide who typically rush to submit entries during the brief fall registration period.
Major Changes Coming to Green Card Lottery Program
The State Department is implementing several significant changes that have contributed to the registration delay:
- New $1 Registration Fee: Starting with DV-2027, all applicants must pay a mandatory $1 electronic registration fee at the time of submission
- Fee Implementation Date: The final rule establishing the fee was published in the Federal Register on September 16, 2025, and became effective immediately
- Non-Refundable Payment: The $1 fee is non-refundable regardless of lottery results and cannot be transferred between lottery years
- Process Modifications: The Department is implementing unspecified "certain changes" to the DV entry process beyond just the fee requirement
- Enhanced Fraud Prevention: New measures proposed in August 2025 include requiring valid passport information and biographic page scans for enhanced vetting
This represents the first time the Green Card Lottery will not be completely free to enter since the program's inception in 1990. The State Department indicates the fee will help cover administrative costs for a program that receives tens of millions of entries annually.
Who Is Affected by the DV-2027 Delay
The registration delay impacts prospective immigrants from eligible countries worldwide who were expecting to apply in early October 2025.
For DV-2026 Lottery Winners
If you won the DV-2026 lottery, this delay does not affect you. Approximately 129,516 selectees and their family members have been registered for DV-2026 and remain eligible to apply for immigrant visas through September 30, 2026. Your passport photo requirements and visa application deadlines remain unchanged.
For First-Time Green Card Lottery Applicants
You must wait for the official announcement from the State Department before registering. Do not fall for fraudulent websites claiming DV-2027 registration is open. When registration does open, you'll need to prepare a valid payment method for the $1 fee and ensure your passport photos meet official specifications.
For Previous Lottery Participants
If you applied for DV-2026 or earlier years but weren't selected, you must submit a completely new entry for DV-2027. Previous entries and fees (once the new system launches) cannot be carried forward or refunded.
How to Prepare for DV-2027 Registration - Step by Step
While waiting for the official registration period announcement, take these preparatory steps:
- Check Your Eligibility: Verify your country of birth is eligible for the DV-2027 program (countries with high immigration rates to the U.S. are typically excluded)
- Gather Required Documents: Obtain a valid passport and prepare high-quality digital passport photos that meet U.S. State Department specifications
- Prepare Payment Method: Set up an electronic payment method that can process the $1 registration fee (credit card, debit card, or electronic payment service)
- Bookmark Official Website: Save the only legitimate registration site at dvprogram.state.gov to avoid fraudulent copycat websites
- Monitor State Department Updates: Check travel.state.gov regularly for the official announcement of registration dates
- Review Photo Requirements: Ensure your passport photo meets all specifications including proper background color, dimensions, and recent capture date (within 6 months)
Important Dates and Timeline
Here's what we know about the DV-2027 timeline based on official State Department announcements:
- September 16, 2025: Final rule establishing $1 registration fee published in Federal Register and took effect
- October 2025 (Expected but Delayed): DV-2027 registration was anticipated to open in early October but did not commence
- November 5, 2025: State Department officially confirmed delay and promised to announce start date "as soon as practicable"
- Registration Period (TBA): Typically lasts 30-35 days once opened, though exact dates remain unannounced
- May 2027 (Projected): Results typically announced approximately 7 months after registration closes
- October 1, 2027 - September 30, 2028: Fiscal year during which DV-2027 winners must receive their immigrant visas
Frequently Asked Questions
Why Was the DV-2027 Green Card Lottery Delayed?
The State Department cited implementation of "certain changes to the DV entry process" as the reason for the delay. While the $1 registration fee is one confirmed change, officials have not provided specific details about other modifications. Immigration experts suggest the delay may involve technical updates to the registration system or additional fraud prevention measures.
How Will I Know When DV-2027 Registration Opens?
The State Department will announce the official registration dates on their website at travel.state.gov and dvprogram.state.gov. These announcements will be "widely publicized" according to official statements. Never trust third-party websites or services claiming to have inside information about registration dates.
Is the $1 Registration Fee Legitimate or a Scam?
The $1 fee is completely legitimate and was officially established by the U.S. Department of State through a Federal Register publication on September 16, 2025. However, only pay this fee on the official government website (dvprogram.state.gov) when registration is officially open. Any other website charging fees is fraudulent.
Can I Still Apply for Free Like in Previous Years?
No, the free registration period has ended with the DV-2026 program. Starting with DV-2027 and all future diversity visa lottery programs, the mandatory $1 electronic registration fee applies to every entry. This fee is non-refundable and must be paid at the time you submit your application.
What Happens to My DV-2026 Entry If I Already Applied?
DV-2026 entries and results are completely separate from DV-2027. If you applied for DV-2026, you can check your results starting May 3, 2025, on the official website. Whether you won or lost DV-2026, you must submit an entirely new entry for DV-2027 once registration opens.
What You Need to Know About Green Card Lottery Changes
The DV-2027 Green Card Lottery delay represents a significant shift in the 35-year-old diversity visa program. The introduction of the $1 registration fee and unspecified process changes signal the State Department's commitment to reducing fraud while maintaining the program that awards up to 55,000 immigrant visas annually through random selection.
To avoid falling victim to fraud schemes, only use the official government website at dvprogram.state.gov when registration opens. Before applying, ensure your passport photo meets all requirements for U.S. visa applications and verify your country of birth qualifies for the program. Stay informed by checking official State Department announcements regularly at travel.state.gov.