Green Card Lottery 2027 Registration Delayed Indefinitely
The U.S. Department of State confirmed on November 5, 2025, that the Diversity Visa (DV) Program registration for the DV-2027 cycle has been delayed beyond its customary early October opening. The agency stated it will announce the start date "as soon as practicable" while implementing "certain changes" to the entry process.
This marks an unprecedented delay for the popular green card lottery program, which typically opens in early October and closes in early November each year. As of November 16, 2025, no official registration dates have been announced, leaving millions of prospective applicants worldwide in limbo.
Major Changes Coming to DV-2027 Green Card Lottery
The State Department is implementing several significant changes that immigration attorneys believe are causing the registration delay.
- $1 Electronic Registration Fee: For the first time in program history, all applicants must pay a $1 fee when submitting their entry, effective September 16, 2025
- Enhanced Fraud Prevention: New identity verification and passport validation systems are being integrated into the modernized registration portal
- Electronic Payment System: The new fee requires implementation of a secure payment processing infrastructure for global applicants
- Updated Entry Status Check: The Department is upgrading the ESC (Entry Status Check) system that applicants use to verify selection results
- 55,000 Available Visas: The DV-2027 program will offer up to 55,000 immigrant visas to qualifying applicants from eligible countries
The $1 registration fee represents a major shift in program administration. According to the Federal Register publication, this fee is designed to cover program costs, reduce fraudulent entries, and could generate approximately $25 million annually based on typical application volumes.
Who Is Affected by the Green Card Lottery Delay
The DV-2027 delay impacts millions of prospective immigrants from around the world who were preparing to submit applications in October 2025.
For First-Time Applicants
If you've never applied to the diversity visa lottery before, you'll need to wait for the official announcement before submitting your entry. Monitor the official State Department website at travel.state.gov regularly, and prepare your passport photos and documentation in advance to avoid last-minute rushes.
For Previous DV Lottery Participants
Past participation does not affect your eligibility for DV-2027, and you must submit a new application each year. The new $1 fee will apply to all applicants regardless of previous participation, and you'll need to ensure your passport photo meets the strict diversity visa photo requirements when registration opens.
For Immigration Professionals and Assistants
Immigration attorneys and authorized representatives should prepare clients for the new $1 fee and warn them about fraudulent services falsely claiming registration is already open. The State Department emphasizes that no one can increase selection chances through private services or payments.
How to Apply for DV-2027 Green Card Lottery - Step by Step
When registration opens, follow these steps to submit your diversity visa lottery application correctly.
- Wait for Official Announcement: Only apply through the official State Department website at dvprogram.state.gov when registration is officially open
- Prepare Required Documents: Gather a recent passport-style photo meeting strict specifications, passport information, and birth certificates for yourself and family members
- Complete Online Form: Fill out the Electronic Diversity Visa Entry Form (E-DV) with accurate personal information, education, and work history
- Pay $1 Registration Fee: Submit payment electronically through the official government portal using a valid payment method
- Save Confirmation Number: Print and securely store your confirmation number - this is the only way to check your selection status later
- Check Results in May 2026: Winners will be announced in May 2026 through the Entry Status Check at dvprogram.state.gov
Important Dates and Timeline for DV-2027
While specific registration dates remain unannounced, here's the expected timeline based on State Department statements.
- September 16, 2025: $1 registration fee rule published in Federal Register and took effect immediately
- November 5, 2025: State Department officially confirmed DV-2027 registration delay with no start date announced
- Late 2025 (Expected): Registration period anticipated to open "as soon as practicable" according to official statements
- May 2026: Selection results expected to be announced through Entry Status Check online portal
- October 2026 - September 2027: Selected applicants may apply for and receive immigrant visas during this fiscal year window
Critical Fraud Warnings for Green Card Lottery Applicants
Is the DV-2027 Lottery Currently Open?
No, the DV-2027 registration is not open as of November 2025. The State Department has issued official fraud warnings about false claims that registration is currently available. Any website or service claiming you can apply now is fraudulent and should be reported.
Can Services Increase My Chances of Selection?
No, absolutely not. The State Department emphasizes that selection is completely random and conducted by computer. No individual, organization, or paid service can influence selection results or provide early access to registration. Be extremely wary of anyone making such claims, as they are attempting to defraud you.
How Will I Know If I'm Selected?
Winners are never notified by email, phone, or postal mail. The only way to check your selection status is through the official Entry Status Check at dvprogram.state.gov using your confirmation number. Anyone contacting you claiming you've won and requesting fees or personal information is running a scam.
What Should I Pay for Registration?
Only $1 for the electronic registration when the portal officially opens. Fraudsters create fake websites charging significantly higher fees or requesting payment before registration opens. Always go directly to dvprogram.state.gov and never pay through third-party websites or services.
What You Need to Know About the Green Card Lottery Delay
The DV-2027 Green Card Lottery delay is unprecedented but not a cancellation. The State Department is implementing important modernization changes including the new $1 fee, enhanced fraud prevention, and improved identity verification systems. While frustrating for millions of hopeful applicants, these updates aim to strengthen program integrity and reduce the estimated 30-40% fraudulent entry rate.
To prepare for registration, ensure your passport photo meets the strict diversity visa photo requirements, as incorrect photos are the leading cause of disqualification. Consider using professional visa photo services like VisaPics to guarantee compliance with all technical specifications. Monitor travel.state.gov daily for official announcements, bookmark dvprogram.state.gov, and never trust unofficial sources claiming early access or guaranteed selection.