Green Card Lottery Registration Delayed for DV-2027 Program
The U.S. Department of State has officially delayed the Green Card Lottery registration for the DV-2027 program, breaking from its traditional October opening window. On November 5, 2025, the State Department announced it is implementing "certain changes" to the Diversity Visa entry process and will announce the start date "as soon as practicable." This marks the first time in recent history that the lottery registration has been postponed without a confirmed opening date.
The delay affects hundreds of thousands of potential applicants from eligible countries worldwide who were expecting to submit their entries in October 2025. Immigration experts now estimate the registration window may open between December 2025 and January 2026, though the State Department has not confirmed these projections.
Historic $1 Registration Fee Introduced for First Time
The most significant change to the Green Card Lottery program is the introduction of a mandatory $1 electronic registration fee. This marks the first time in the program's 30-year history that applicants must pay to enter the lottery.
- New Fee Requirement: All DV-2027 applicants must pay a $1 non-refundable electronic fee at the time of entry submission
- Federal Register Publication: The final rule establishing this fee was published on September 16, 2025, and took effect immediately
- Non-Refundable: The $1 fee is completely non-refundable regardless of selection status and cannot be transferred to future lottery years
- Separate from Application Fee: This $1 registration fee is in addition to the existing $330 Diversity Visa application fee that applies only if you're selected as a winner
- Electronic Payment Only: The fee must be paid electronically at the time of DV application submission through the official State Department website
According to the [U.S. State Department's official announcement](https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/News/visas-news/changes-to-2027-dv-program-entry-period.html), these changes will not affect the visa application period for selected individuals, which remains October 1, 2026, to September 30, 2027.
Who Is Affected by the Green Card Lottery Delay
The DV-2027 delay impacts millions of potential applicants worldwide who were preparing to submit their lottery entries. Understanding how these changes affect different groups can help you plan accordingly.
For International Applicants from Eligible Countries
Citizens from countries with low immigration rates to the United States can still apply for the DV-2027 lottery once registration opens. However, you must now budget for the $1 registration fee and be prepared for a potentially shorter entry window of 2-3 weeks instead of the traditional 30-day period. Make sure your passport photo meets the strict technical requirements before the registration window opens.
For Previous DV Lottery Applicants
If you applied for DV-2026 or earlier lotteries, you must submit a new entry for DV-2027 when registration opens. Previous entries do not carry over, and you cannot use the same confirmation number. Each year requires a fresh application with the new $1 fee.
For DV-2026 Winners Still Processing
If you were selected in the DV-2026 lottery (results released May 3, 2025), the DV-2027 delay does not affect your application timeline. The 129,516 individuals selected for DV-2026 have until September 30, 2026, to complete their immigrant visa applications and interviews.
How to Prepare for DV-2027 Registration - Step by Step
While waiting for the official registration opening date, applicants should complete these essential preparation steps to ensure a smooth application process.
- Check Your Eligibility: Verify your country of birth is eligible for the DV-2027 program by reviewing the State Department's list of qualifying countries (countries with high immigration rates to the U.S. are typically excluded)
- Prepare Compliant Passport Photos: Take or obtain passport-style photos that meet the strict U.S. diversity visa photo requirements, including white background, neutral expression, and specific dimension requirements of 2x2 inches (51x51mm)
- Gather Required Documents: Collect your passport, birth certificate, marriage certificate (if applicable), and educational certificates showing high school completion or equivalent work experience
- Set Up Payment Method: Ensure you have a valid credit card, debit card, or electronic payment method ready to pay the $1 registration fee immediately when registration opens
- Monitor Official Sources: Check the official State Department website at [dvprogram.state.gov](https://dvprogram.state.gov/) daily for the registration opening announcement, and beware of fraudulent websites claiming early registration
- Prepare Family Information: If you have a spouse or children under 21, gather their passport photos and biographical information as they must be included in your entry even if not immigrating with you
Important Dates and Timeline for DV-2027
Here are the confirmed and projected dates for the DV-2027 Green Card Lottery program based on official State Department announcements and immigration expert analysis.
- September 16, 2025: Final rule establishing $1 registration fee published in Federal Register and took immediate effect
- November 5, 2025: State Department officially announced DV-2027 registration delay and upcoming process changes
- December 2025 - January 2026 (Projected): Expected registration window opening based on immigration expert estimates, though not officially confirmed by State Department
- May 2026 (Estimated): DV-2027 lottery results selection expected to be announced through the Electronic Selection Check (ESC) system
- October 1, 2026 - September 30, 2027: Visa application period for DV-2027 winners to complete immigrant visa interviews and processing
Frequently Asked Questions About DV-2027 Green Card Lottery
Is the DV-2027 Green Card Lottery registration currently open?
No, the DV-2027 registration is not currently open as of November 26, 2025. The State Department has delayed the opening and has not announced an official start date. Beware of fraudulent websites claiming that DV-2027 registration is open, as the State Department has issued warnings about these scams. Only use the official website at dvprogram.state.gov when registration officially opens.
How much does it cost to enter the Green Card Lottery for DV-2027?
For the first time in program history, there is now a $1 non-refundable electronic registration fee to enter the DV-2027 lottery. This fee must be paid when you submit your entry and is separate from the $330 diversity visa application fee that winners pay if selected. The $1 fee cannot be refunded or transferred to future lottery years regardless of whether you win or lose.
How many green cards are available through the DV-2027 lottery?
The DV-2027 program will offer up to 55,000 immigrant visas to qualifying applicants from eligible countries. However, the State Department typically selects more than 55,000 winners (often around 100,000-130,000) to account for applicants who don't complete the process or are found ineligible during visa interviews.
What are the photo requirements for the Green Card Lottery?
Your diversity visa photo must meet strict U.S. passport photo specifications: taken within the last 6 months, 2x2 inches (600x600 pixels minimum), white or off-white background, neutral facial expression with both eyes open, and no glasses or head coverings unless for religious purposes. The photo must be in color and show your full face directly facing the camera. Using a professional passport photo service ensures your photo meets all technical requirements and won't result in disqualification.
Can I apply for DV-2027 if I applied for DV-2026?
Yes, absolutely. Each diversity visa lottery year is completely independent, and previous entries do not carry over or affect your chances. If you applied for DV-2026 or any earlier lottery, you must submit a completely new entry for DV-2027 when registration opens, including paying the new $1 fee. Your DV-2026 confirmation number and entry cannot be used for DV-2027.
What happens if I'm selected in the DV-2027 lottery?
If selected, you'll be notified through the Entry Status Check (ESC) system on the official State Department website (expected around May 2026). You'll then have from October 1, 2026, to September 30, 2027, to complete your visa application, pay the $330 application fee, attend a visa interview at a U.S. embassy or consulate, and provide all required documentation including medical exams and police certificates. Selection does not guarantee a visa, as you must still meet all eligibility requirements.
What You Need to Know About the Green Card Lottery Delay
The DV-2027 Green Card Lottery represents a significant shift in the diversity visa program with the introduction of the first-ever registration fee and an unprecedented delay in opening dates. While the $1 fee is minimal, it marks a fundamental change to a program that has been free for three decades. Additionally, the lack of a confirmed registration date creates uncertainty for hundreds of thousands of international applicants planning to apply.
To maximize your chances of success, monitor the official State Department website daily for registration announcements and prepare all required documents in advance, especially ensuring your passport photo meets the strict specifications. Consider using professional passport photo services like VisaPics to guarantee compliance with technical requirements and avoid disqualification for photo-related issues. The shorter expected registration window means you'll need to act quickly once the registration period opens, so having everything ready in advance is crucial for a successful application.
--- **Sources:** - [U.S. Department of State - Changes to 2027 Diversity Visa Program Entry Period](https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/News/visas-news/changes-to-2027-dv-program-entry-period.html) - [Newsweek - Green Card Update: Changes to Visa Lottery Announced by State Department](https://www.newsweek.com/green-card-update-changes-visa-lottery-11012654) - [Ukraine Immigration Task Force - Diversity Visa (DV) 2027 Green Card Lottery Opening Delayed](https://ukrainetaskforce.org/diversity-visa-dv-2027-green-card-lottery-to-open-in-early-october-2025/) - [VisaVerge - Diversity Visa Start Date Still Unknown Amid DV-2027 Delays](https://www.visaverge.com/news/diversity-visa-start-date-still-unknown-amid-dv-2027-delays/)