DV-2027 Green Card Lottery Registration Officially Delayed
The U.S. Department of State confirmed on November 5, 2025, that the DV-2027 Diversity Visa Lottery registration has been delayed indefinitely while implementing "certain changes" to the entry process. The lottery, which typically opens during the first week of October, remains closed as of mid-November 2025, leaving approximately 25 million annual prospective applicants in limbo.
The State Department announced it will reveal the DV-2027 registration start date "as soon as practicable" but provided no specific timeline. This marks the first significant delay in the program's recent history and coincides with the implementation of a historic new $1 registration fee.
Historic $1 Registration Fee Now Required for Green Card Lottery
For the first time since the Diversity Visa program's inception, applicants must now pay to enter. The new rule became effective September 16, 2025.
- Fee Amount: $1 per entry, payable electronically at time of registration
- Implementation Date: October 16, 2025 (though DV-2027 registration hasn't opened yet)
- Non-Refundable: Fee will not be returned if you're not selected or decide not to proceed
- Revenue Generation: Expected to generate approximately $25 million annually from 25 million registrants
- Rationale: Spreads program costs across all applicants instead of only the 55,000 lottery winners
- Payment Method: Electronic payment required through official State Department website
Immigration attorneys speculate the delay in opening DV-2027 registration may be directly related to implementing the global payment collection system for this new fee. The State Department has issued fraud warnings, cautioning applicants that the DV-2027 program is not yet open despite false claims circulating online.
Who Is Affected by the Green Card Lottery Delay
The delay impacts millions of prospective immigrants worldwide who rely on the annual lottery for their chance at U.S. permanent residency. The State Department confirmed the delay will not affect visa application windows for selected winners.
For DV-2027 Prospective Applicants
If you're planning to enter the DV-2027 lottery, you must wait for the official announcement from the State Department before registering. Those selected in DV-2027 will still have the full window from October 1, 2026, to September 30, 2027, to apply for their immigrant visas, regardless of when registration opens.
For DV-2026 Selectees
If you were selected in the DV-2026 lottery (results announced May 3, 2025), your application timeline remains unchanged. You can check your status at dvprogram.state.gov and must complete your visa application between October 1, 2025, and September 30, 2026.
For Countries with High Application Volumes
Applicants from countries with historically high participation rates—including Nigeria, Egypt, Ukraine, Ghana, and Ethiopia—should monitor the official State Department website closely. The delay may compress the registration window once it opens, making early submission even more critical.
How to Prepare for DV-2027 Registration - Step by Step
While waiting for registration to open, take these steps to ensure you're ready to submit immediately when the window opens:
- Gather Required Documents: Prepare digital passport photos meeting strict specifications, birth certificates, marriage certificates, and educational credentials
- Verify Photo Requirements: Ensure your passport photo meets U.S. visa photo specifications—proper background, dimensions, and head positioning are critical for acceptance
- Prepare Payment Method: Set up an electronic payment method capable of processing the $1 registration fee internationally
- Check Eligibility: Confirm your country of birth qualifies and you meet education/work experience requirements (high school diploma or 2 years of qualifying work experience)
- Bookmark Official Website: Only use dvprogram.state.gov—avoid third-party sites charging inflated fees or making false promises
- Create Secure Records: Prepare to save your confirmation number immediately upon registration—this is your only way to check results later
Important Dates and Timeline for Green Card Lottery 2027
Here's what you need to know about the DV-2027 timeline, based on official announcements and historical patterns:
- September 16, 2025: New $1 registration fee final rule became effective
- October 2025 (Expected): Normal registration opening—delayed indefinitely
- November 5, 2025: State Department officially confirms delay, no new date announced
- November 11, 2025: Registration remains closed as of this date
- TBD (Announcement Pending): DV-2027 registration window opening date
- Typically 30-60 Days: Expected registration period length once it opens
- May 2026 (Estimated): DV-2027 results announcement (approximately 6 months after registration closes)
- October 1, 2026 - September 30, 2027: Visa application period for DV-2027 selectees
Frequently Asked Questions About Green Card Lottery Updates
Will the $1 Fee Be Refunded If I'm Not Selected?
No, the $1 registration fee is non-refundable regardless of whether you're selected in the lottery or choose not to proceed with your application. This fee covers program administration costs and fraud prevention measures implemented by the State Department.
How Will I Know When DV-2027 Registration Opens?
The State Department will announce the registration start date on the official website at dvprogram.state.gov and travel.state.gov. Do not trust third-party websites, emails, or phone calls claiming registration is open—these are often scams targeting applicants.
Can I Still Enter DV-2027 Despite the Delay?
Yes, you will be able to enter once registration officially opens. The delay only affects the start date, not eligibility or the number of available visas (55,000 annually). The State Department has confirmed that those selected will still have their full one-year window to apply.
Why Is the Green Card Lottery Delayed This Year?
The State Department cites "certain changes to the entry process" as the reason for the delay. Immigration experts believe the delay stems from implementing the new $1 electronic fee collection system globally and upgrading antifraud measures throughout the registration platform.
Do I Need a Lawyer to Enter the Diversity Visa Lottery?
No, the DV lottery registration is free to complete yourself (plus the $1 fee) through the official State Department website. However, if selected, many applicants work with immigration attorneys to navigate the visa application process, prepare documentation, and ensure their passport photo and other requirements meet strict government standards.
What You Need to Know Before Registration Opens
The DV-2027 delay represents a significant shift in the Diversity Visa program, combining administrative changes with the first-ever entry fee. Prospective applicants should remain patient and avoid fraudulent websites promising early access or guaranteed selection.
When registration opens, ensure your passport photo meets all U.S. government specifications—incorrect photos are the leading cause of disqualification. Additionally, bookmark the official dvprogram.state.gov website and prepare all required documents in advance to submit your application immediately when the window opens, as the registration period may be compressed due to the delay.