DV-2027 Green Card Lottery Registration Unexpectedly Delayed
The U.S. Diversity Visa (DV) Lottery 2027 registration, which typically opens during the first week of October, has been officially delayed according to the State Department. The delay comes as officials implement significant changes to the entry process, including a newly introduced $1 electronic registration fee that took effect on September 16, 2025. Millions of hopeful immigrants worldwide are now waiting for the State Department to announce official registration dates.
The State Department confirmed the delay in a statement on October 8, 2025, noting that "there will be changes to the DV entry process" this year. However, they emphasized that the program remains legally mandated, stating: "The Diversity Visa program is established by statute, and the Department of State will continue to implement the program as required by law."
Historic $1 Registration Fee Now Required for Green Card Lottery
For the first time in the program's 30-year history, applicants must pay to enter the lottery. This marks a fundamental shift from the previously free registration process.
- Effective Date: September 16, 2025 (published in Federal Register)
- Fee Amount: $1 electronic registration fee per entry, plus existing $330 visa application fee for winners
- Payment Method: Electronic payment collected during online registration
- Revenue Estimate: Expected to generate approximately $25 million based on typical registration volume
- Implementation Start: All entries for DV-2027 lottery beginning October 2025
- Rationale: To cover operational costs including system maintenance, data storage, and security reviews
The State Department explained that this fee adjustment will "more fairly place the burden of the lottery registration on individuals seeking the benefit" rather than charging only the small percentage of successful registrants. Previously, only the 55,000 annual winners paid the $330 visa application fee, while the estimated 14-25 million annual registrants paid nothing.
Who Is Affected by These Green Card Lottery Changes
These changes impact anyone planning to apply for the DV-2027 lottery, with specific implications for different applicant groups.
For First-Time Applicants
If you're applying for the first time, you'll need to budget for the $1 registration fee and ensure you have a valid payment method. The fee is non-refundable regardless of lottery results, so prepare all required documents before starting your application to avoid paying multiple times due to errors.
For Repeat Applicants
Annual applicants who previously entered for free must now factor in the $1 cost. While minimal, this fee represents a barrier that the State Department acknowledges may slightly reduce fraudulent or duplicate entries. Make sure your passport photo meets current specifications to avoid disqualification after paying the fee.
For Countries with High Application Volumes
Countries like Egypt, Ghana, Kenya, Nepal, and Ukraine typically see hundreds of thousands of annual entries. The $1 fee may reduce some duplicate or speculative entries, potentially improving odds slightly for serious applicants from these regions.
How to Prepare for DV-2027 Registration - Step by Step
Take these actions now while waiting for the official registration period announcement:
- Monitor Official Sources: Check dvprogram.state.gov and travel.state.gov daily for registration date announcements
- Prepare Payment Method: Ensure you have a valid credit/debit card or electronic payment method ready for the $1 fee
- Get Compliant Photos: Take new passport photos that meet strict diversity visa specifications (2x2 inches, white background, recent within 6 months)
- Gather Required Documents: Collect birth certificates, marriage certificates (if applicable), and valid passport information
- Verify Eligibility: Confirm your country of birth qualifies (most countries eligible, but check exclusion list annually)
- Prepare Spouse/Children Information: Have full details ready for all family members even if not immigrating
- Save Confirmation Number: Once registered, immediately save your confirmation number - it's the only way to check results in May 2026
Important Dates and Timeline for DV-2027
Here's what to expect for the DV-2027 Green Card Lottery cycle:
- September 16, 2025: New $1 registration fee takes effect via Federal Register publication
- October 2025 (Expected): Registration period opens, likely early-to-mid October based on historical patterns
- November 2025 (Expected): Registration deadline, typically early November (exact dates pending official announcement)
- May 2026: Lottery results announced - winners can check status starting in May
- October 1, 2026 - September 30, 2027: Fiscal year during which DV-2027 visa interviews conducted and visas issued
- September 30, 2027: Final deadline for DV-2027 winners to receive immigrant visas
Frequently Asked Questions About the Green Card Lottery Delay
Why Was the DV-2027 Registration Delayed?
The State Department has not provided explicit reasons for the delay, but it coincides with implementing the new $1 registration fee system. Technical updates to the online registration portal likely require additional testing before launch. Additionally, there may be coordination with other proposed changes, such as a potential passport requirement currently under review.
Will I Need a Passport to Enter the DV-2027 Lottery?
Not for DV-2027. While the Trump administration proposed requiring passport uploads for all applicants in August 2025, this rule will not be implemented for the 2027 lottery due to insufficient time for finalization. The public comment period closed September 19, 2025, and the rule is still under review for future lottery years.
Is the $1 Fee Refundable If I'm Not Selected?
No, the $1 electronic registration fee is non-refundable regardless of lottery results. This fee covers the administrative costs of processing your entry through the randomized selection system. Only winners selected in May 2026 will proceed to pay the additional $330 visa application fee.
How Many Green Cards Are Available in the DV-2027 Lottery?
The DV program makes 55,000 immigrant visas available annually. These are distributed across six geographic regions with limits ensuring no single country receives more than 7% of the total. However, not all 55,000 are typically issued due to applicants who don't pursue their selection or fail to qualify.
Can I Submit Multiple Entries to Increase My Chances?
No, submitting multiple entries will disqualify you from the lottery entirely. Each person may submit only one entry during the registration period. If you're married, both spouses may each submit one entry, potentially doubling your household's chances. However, duplicate entries from the same person result in automatic disqualification.
What You Need to Know About the DV-2027 Delay
The DV-2027 Green Card Lottery delay is temporary, and the State Department has confirmed the program will proceed as required by law. Applicants should use this extra time to ensure their passport photos meet requirements and gather all necessary documentation. The new $1 fee represents the first-ever cost to enter the lottery, though it remains one of the most affordable immigration pathways to the United States.
Check the official State Department website at dvprogram.state.gov regularly for the announcement of registration dates. When the portal opens, typically for 30-40 days, don't delay your submission. If you need assistance with visa photo specifications for over 172 countries and 952 document types, professional services like VisaPics can help ensure your application isn't rejected for photo non-compliance. The stakes are high with millions competing for 55,000 green cards - make every detail count.