Green Card Lottery 2027 Registration Delayed for First Time in Program History
The U.S. Department of State has confirmed that the DV-2027 Green Card Lottery registration has been delayed past its traditional early October 2025 opening date, marking an unprecedented delay in the Diversity Visa program's history. According to the November 2025 Visa Bulletin, "Dates for the DV-2027 program registration period will be widely publicized in the coming months."
This delay comes as the State Department implements a new $1 electronic registration fee for all applicants, the first time participants must pay simply to enter the annual green card lottery. The fee took effect on September 16, 2025, when the final rule was published in the Federal Register.
Major Changes to Green Card Lottery Program for 2027
The DV-2027 lottery introduces several significant changes that all prospective applicants need to know:
- New $1 Registration Fee: All applicants must pay $1 USD electronically when submitting their DV-2027 application, marking the first-ever entry fee for the diversity visa lottery program
- Non-Refundable Payment: The $1 fee is non-refundable, even if you are not selected or decide not to pursue your application
- Delayed Registration Period: Registration was expected to open in early October 2025 but has been postponed with no official dates announced as of November 2025
- Existing $330 Visa Fee Unchanged: The long-standing visa application fee paid only by lottery winners remains at $330
- 55,000 Visas Available: The program continues to offer up to 55,000 immigrant visas annually to eligible applicants from qualifying countries
- Enhanced Anti-Fraud System: Immigration experts believe the delay stems from implementing upgraded anti-fraud technology alongside the new fee collection system
According to the Department of State, the new fee structure means that an estimated 25 million annual registrants will help cover program expenses, rather than only the 55,000 lottery winners who move forward with visa applications. This represents a fundamental shift in how the diversity visa program is funded.
Who Is Affected by These Green Card Lottery Updates
These changes impact millions of prospective immigrants worldwide who rely on the diversity visa lottery as their pathway to U.S. permanent residency.
For First-Time Green Card Lottery Applicants
If you're planning to apply for the DV-2027 lottery for the first time, you'll need to budget for the new $1 registration fee in addition to preparing your passport photo and required documentation. Furthermore, ensure your passport photo meets all official requirements, as rejected applications due to improper photos are one of the most common reasons for disqualification.
For Previous Lottery Participants
Past applicants who have entered the diversity visa lottery in previous years should note that the application process now requires payment, unlike previous years when registration was completely free. Additionally, you must re-register for each lottery cycle, as previous applications do not carry over to DV-2027.
For Immigration Attorneys and Assistance Providers
Legal professionals and organizations helping clients with diversity visa applications should update their materials and client communications to reflect the new $1 fee requirement and prepare for the delayed registration timeline. Moreover, be vigilant about scam websites charging excessive fees, as the official government registration fee is only $1.
How to Prepare for DV-2027 Green Card Lottery Registration
While official registration dates haven't been announced, you can take these steps now to ensure you're ready when the application period opens:
- Verify Your Eligibility: Confirm that your country of birth is eligible for the DV-2027 lottery by checking the official State Department list, as some countries with high immigration rates to the U.S. are excluded
- Prepare Required Documents: Gather your passport, birth certificate, and recent photographs that meet the strict diversity visa photo specifications (2x2 inches, white or off-white background, taken within the last 6 months)
- Set Up Payment Method: Ensure you have a valid credit or debit card ready to pay the $1 registration fee electronically on the official government website
- Monitor Official Channels: Bookmark the official Diversity Visa Program website at dvprogram.state.gov and check regularly for the announcement of registration dates
- Understand Photo Requirements: Review the technical specifications for your passport photo, as improper photos are the leading cause of disqualification and your application cannot be corrected once submitted
- Beware of Scams: Only apply through the official U.S. government website; legitimate registration costs only $1, not the hundreds of dollars some fraudulent websites charge
Important Dates and Timeline for DV-2027
Based on historical patterns and current information, here's the expected timeline for the DV-2027 Green Card Lottery:
- Late 2025 (Date TBA): Registration period opens for DV-2027, expected to last 30-35 days when announced
- May 2026: Lottery results announced; winners can check their status using the Entrant Status Check tool on the official website
- October 2026 - September 2027: Fiscal year 2027 when selected applicants may receive their immigrant visas and enter the United States
- Throughout 2026-2027: Selected winners attend visa interviews, submit required documentation, and pay the $330 visa application fee
Frequently Asked Questions About the Green Card Lottery Delay
Why Was the DV-2027 Green Card Lottery Registration Delayed?
The U.S. Department of State has not officially disclosed the specific reason for the delay. However, immigration attorneys and experts speculate that the delay stems from implementing the new $1 electronic fee collection system and upgraded anti-fraud technology. Additionally, political factors and a government shutdown that halted key IT work may have contributed to the postponement.
When Will the DV-2027 Registration Period Open?
As of November 2025, the State Department has not announced specific dates but stated that "registration dates will be widely publicized in the coming months." Historically, the lottery opens in early October and runs for about 30-35 days, so applicants should monitor the official dvprogram.state.gov website closely for updates.
Is the $1 Registration Fee Refundable If I'm Not Selected?
No, the $1 registration fee is non-refundable under all circumstances. You will not receive a refund even if you are not selected in the lottery, make a mistake in your application, or decide not to pursue your application after submission.
Do I Need a Passport to Apply for the Green Card Lottery?
Currently, a passport is not mandatory to enter the DV lottery, though you will need one if selected to proceed with your visa application. However, the Trump administration proposed a rule in August 2025 to mandate passports for all applicants, but this rule will not be implemented for the DV-2027 cycle due to finalization delays.
What You Need to Know About the DV-2027 Green Card Lottery
The diversity visa lottery remains one of the most accessible pathways to U.S. permanent residency, offering 55,000 immigrant visas annually to individuals from countries with historically low immigration rates to the United States. Despite the registration delay and new $1 fee, the program continues to provide life-changing opportunities for millions of hopeful immigrants worldwide.
Prospective applicants should use this waiting period to thoroughly prepare their applications, ensuring their passport photo meets all technical specifications and gathering required documentation. Moreover, stay alert for official announcements from the State Department and avoid scam websites that charge excessive fees or make false promises about improving your chances of selection. The selection process is completely random, and proper preparation of your application materials is the only way to ensure you won't be disqualified for technical errors.