Green Card Lottery 2027 Registration Delayed Past October Opening
The U.S. Department of State confirmed on October 16, 2025, that registration for the Diversity Visa (DV) 2027 lottery has been delayed past its traditional early October opening date. This marks an unprecedented delay in the program's history, as the green card lottery typically opens during the first week of October each year. The State Department stated that "dates for the DV-2027 program registration period will be widely publicized in the coming months."
The delay comes as the State Department implements significant changes to the lottery program, including the introduction of a mandatory $1 registration fee—the first time applicants will pay simply to enter the annual lottery. Immigration attorneys speculate the delay may be directly related to system updates required for the new payment processing infrastructure.
Historic $1 Registration Fee Now Required for All Applicants
Starting with the DV-2027 cycle, all diversity visa lottery participants must pay a $1 electronic registration fee, marking a fundamental shift in how the program operates.
- Effective Date: The final rule was published in the Federal Register on September 16, 2025, and took effect immediately
- Payment Method: Fees must be paid through an authorized U.S. government portal at the time of registration
- Non-Refundable: Registration fees will not be refunded regardless of lottery results or visa application outcomes
- Revenue Generation: The fee is expected to generate approximately $25 million annually to cover operational costs
- Existing Fee Unchanged: The $330 diversity visa application fee for selected winners remains the same
The State Department justified the new fee as necessary to cover operational costs including annual system updates, data storage, automated randomized selection processes, and security reviews. This represents the first time in the program's 30-year history that applicants must pay to enter the lottery.
Who Is Affected by These Changes
These updates impact millions of prospective immigrants from eligible countries worldwide who rely on the diversity visa lottery as their pathway to U.S. permanent residency. Approximately 14-15 million people apply to the green card lottery annually, competing for 55,000 available diversity visas.
For First-Time Applicants
If you're planning to apply for the first time, you'll need to budget for the $1 registration fee and ensure you have a valid payment method accepted by the U.S. government portal. Additionally, prepare compliant passport photos that meet the strict technical requirements—rejected applications due to photo errors will not receive refunds of the registration fee.
For Previous Lottery Participants
Previous participation does not guarantee exemption from the new fee. Every applicant, regardless of prior lottery entries, must pay the $1 registration fee for each DV-2027 submission. The State Department has confirmed there are no waivers or exceptions to this requirement.
For Immigration Attorneys and Preparers
Legal professionals assisting clients with diversity visa applications should update their fee structures and client advisories to reflect the new $1 registration cost. Ensure clients understand that this fee is separate from legal representation costs and the $330 visa application fee for lottery winners.
How to Prepare for DV-2027 Registration - Step by Step
While official registration dates haven't been announced, prospective applicants can prepare now to ensure a smooth application process when the window opens.
- Monitor Official Sources: Check travel.state.gov regularly for the announcement of exact registration dates and instructions
- Prepare Compliant Photos: Obtain passport photos that meet U.S. diversity visa technical specifications, including proper dimensions, background color, and facial positioning requirements
- Gather Required Documents: Collect passport information, birth certificates, and educational credentials for yourself and all eligible family members
- Verify Eligibility: Confirm your country of birth is eligible for the DV-2027 program by checking the official country list when published
- Prepare Payment Method: Ensure you have access to a payment method accepted by the U.S. government portal (typically credit or debit cards)
- Create Accurate Records: Prepare accurate information about your education and work history, as errors can lead to disqualification even after selection
Important Dates and Timeline for DV-2027
Here's what we know about the DV-2027 timeline based on State Department announcements and historical patterns:
- September 16, 2025: $1 registration fee rule published in Federal Register and took effect immediately
- October 2025 (Expected): Registration was expected to open but was delayed; new dates to be announced
- Coming Months: State Department will widely publicize official registration period dates through travel.state.gov and Federal Register
- Typical Registration Window: Historically runs for approximately 30-60 days once opened (exact dates pending announcement)
- May 2027 (Estimated): Lottery results typically announced approximately 7 months after registration closes
- October 2027 - September 2028: Selected applicants process visa applications and attend consular interviews
Frequently Asked Questions About Green Card Lottery Updates
Why Was the DV-2027 Registration Delayed?
The U.S. State Department has not officially confirmed the specific reason for the delay. However, immigration attorneys and experts speculate the delay is related to implementing the new $1 electronic registration fee system and updating payment processing infrastructure. The State Department has only stated that registration dates "will be widely publicized in the coming months."
Is the $1 Registration Fee Refundable If I'm Not Selected?
No, the $1 registration fee is non-refundable under all circumstances. Whether you are selected or not selected in the lottery, or if your application is rejected due to errors, the registration fee will not be returned. This is separate from the $330 diversity visa application fee that lottery winners pay when applying for their visa.
Can I Still Apply If I Don't Have a Passport Yet?
Yes, you can still apply for the DV-2027 lottery without a passport. While the Trump administration proposed a rule requiring passports for all applicants, this requirement will not take effect for the DV-2027 cycle due to the regulatory review timeline. However, if selected, you will need a valid passport before your visa interview.
How Will I Know When Registration Opens?
The State Department will announce official registration dates through their website at travel.state.gov and publish a notice in the Federal Register. Registration dates will be "widely publicized" according to official statements. Applicants should monitor official government sources and avoid relying on third-party websites that may provide inaccurate information or charge excessive fees.
What You Need to Know About the Green Card Lottery Delay
The DV-2027 diversity visa lottery registration delay represents an unusual departure from the program's traditional October opening schedule. With the introduction of the historic $1 registration fee and potential system upgrades, applicants should remain patient and vigilant for official announcements from the State Department.
Start preparing now by gathering required documents and ensuring your passport photo meets all technical requirements to avoid application rejection and loss of the non-refundable registration fee. For assistance with compliant passport photos for your diversity visa application, VisaPics offers specifications for over 952 document types from 172 countries, ensuring your photos meet exact U.S. government standards before submission.