DV-2027 Green Card Lottery Registration Delayed Beyond October 2025
The U.S. Department of State has confirmed that the Diversity Visa (DV) 2027 lottery registration has been delayed past its traditional early October opening date, marking an unprecedented postponement in the program's history. As of November 2025, no official registration dates have been announced for the green card lottery that offers 55,000 immigrant visas to qualifying applicants worldwide. The State Department stated that registration dates "will be widely publicized in the coming months" on the official website, travel.state.gov.
This delay affects millions of potential applicants across Africa, Asia, Eastern Europe, and other regions who typically begin preparing their applications in early October. Additionally, the program has introduced its first-ever $1 electronic registration fee, effective September 16, 2025, adding another layer of change to this year's lottery process.
Major Changes to Green Card Lottery Program
The DV-2027 cycle introduces several significant updates that all prospective applicants need to know:
- New $1 Registration Fee: All applicants must pay a non-refundable $1 fee at the time of online registration, marking the first time participants must pay to enter the lottery
- Delayed Registration Timeline: The application period, typically opening in early October, has been postponed with no confirmed start date as of November 2025
- System Upgrades Required: The State Department is implementing enhanced data collection, security reviews, and antifraud measures before opening registration
- Annual Revenue Impact: The new $1 fee is expected to generate approximately $25 million annually to cover operational costs and technology improvements
- Proposed Passport Requirement: Future cycles may require all applicants to have a valid passport, though this rule will not apply to DV-2027
The registration fee must be paid online via credit card, debit card, or other electronic payment methods accepted by the State Department. This fee is separate from and in addition to the existing $330 Diversity Visa application fee that selected lottery winners must pay when applying for their immigrant visa.
Who Is Affected by These Updates
The green card lottery delay and new fee structure impacts different groups of international applicants in distinct ways.
For First-Time DV Lottery Applicants
If you're planning to enter the diversity visa lottery for the first time, you'll need to budget for the new $1 registration fee and monitor the State Department website closely for the opening announcement. Prepare your digital passport photo in advance to meet strict photo requirements for visa applications, as technical rejections are common. Additionally, gather educational or work experience documentation proving you meet the program's eligibility criteria.
For Repeat Lottery Participants
Previous applicants should note that the $1 fee represents a permanent change to the program, not a one-time charge. You must pay this fee every year you apply, regardless of previous entries. Moreover, expired passport photos or documents prepared for an October submission may need updating given the registration delay.
For Immigration Consultants and Attorneys
Legal professionals assisting clients with DV lottery applications should update fee schedules to include the new $1 registration charge. However, be aware that scammers are exploiting the delay and confusion around the new fee structure, so educate clients to only use the official travel.state.gov portal for registration.
How to Prepare for DV-2027 Registration - Step by Step
Follow these essential steps to ensure you're ready when registration finally opens:
- Monitor Official Sources: Bookmark travel.state.gov and check daily for the registration announcement, as the State Department will post dates there first
- Prepare Your Digital Photo: Obtain a compliant passport photo that meets the strict diversity visa photo specifications, including white background, neutral expression, and specific dimensions
- Verify Your Eligibility: Confirm you're from an eligible country and meet education requirements (high school diploma or equivalent) or work experience requirements (two years in a qualifying occupation)
- Gather Spouse and Children Information: Collect birth dates, birthplaces, and photos for your spouse and all unmarried children under 21, even if they won't immigrate with you
- Set Up Payment Method: Ensure you have a valid credit or debit card ready to pay the $1 registration fee when the portal opens
- Save Confirmation Number: Once you submit, save your unique confirmation number immediately, as this is the only way to check your lottery results later
Important Dates and Timeline for DV-2027
Here are the key dates and expected timeline for the DV-2027 green card lottery:
- September 16, 2025: New $1 registration fee rule took effect in the Federal Register
- Early October 2025 (Expected): Registration was scheduled to open but was postponed indefinitely
- November 2025 (Current): State Department indicates registration dates will be announced "in the coming months"
- Late 2025/Early 2026 (Estimated): Registration period likely to open for approximately 30-60 days once announced
- May 2026 (Projected): Lottery results typically announced roughly 6-7 months after registration closes
- October 2026: First diversity visas for DV-2027 winners become available for processing and issuance
Frequently Asked Questions About Green Card Lottery Updates
Why Was the DV-2027 Green Card Lottery Registration Delayed?
The U.S. State Department has not provided specific reasons for the delay, but immigration experts cite several contributing factors. The implementation of the new $1 electronic registration fee requires significant updates to the online application system and payment processing infrastructure. Additionally, a recent government shutdown may have halted critical IT work needed to launch the updated portal with enhanced antifraud measures and security reviews.
Is the $1 Registration Fee Refundable If I'm Not Selected?
No, the $1 diversity visa lottery registration fee is non-refundable under all circumstances. You will not receive a refund whether you're selected or not selected in the lottery, if you make errors in your application, or if you later decide not to pursue your immigrant visa. This fee is separate from the $330 visa application fee that only applies if you win the lottery and proceed with your green card application.
Can I Still Apply for DV-2027 or Has the Window Closed?
Yes, you can still apply for DV-2027 because the registration period has not yet opened as of November 2025. The State Department confirmed the program is postponed, not cancelled. When registration dates are announced, you will have at least 30 days to submit your entry. Monitor the official travel.state.gov website for the announcement, which will be widely publicized when it becomes available.
What Photo Requirements Do I Need to Meet for the Diversity Visa Lottery?
Your diversity visa photo must meet strict U.S. passport photo requirements to avoid automatic rejection. The photo must be in color, taken within the last six months, against a plain white or off-white background, showing full face with neutral expression and both eyes open. Dimensions must be square (600x600 to 1200x1200 pixels), and file size between 240 KB and 240 KB in JPEG format. Many applicants use professional services like VisaPics to ensure their photos meet all technical specifications and avoid costly rejections.
What You Need to Know About the DV-2027 Delay
The DV-2027 green card lottery registration delay represents an unusual disruption to the annual diversity visa program, but applicants should remain patient and vigilant. The State Department has confirmed the program will proceed once system upgrades and the new fee structure are fully implemented. Check travel.state.gov regularly for official announcements, and be wary of scammers charging excessive fees or claiming to have special access to the lottery.
Use this extra time wisely by ensuring your passport photo meets all diversity visa requirements and gathering necessary documentation for your application. When registration finally opens, having compliant photos and complete information will help you submit quickly and avoid the technical errors that disqualify thousands of applicants each year. For professional assistance with passport photo specifications for your visa application, consider using specialized services to ensure your entry meets all U.S. government standards.
--- The article has been researched and written based on the latest available information from official U.S. State Department sources and immigration news outlets. The content is SEO-optimized with strategic keyword placement, proper heading structure, FAQ sections targeting voice search, and internal link opportunities for passport photo services.