Green Card Lottery Registration Delayed for First Time in Program History
The U.S. Department of State has confirmed an unprecedented delay in opening the DV-2027 Diversity Visa lottery registration, which typically begins in the first week of October. As of October 16, 2025, registration has not yet opened, leaving millions of hopeful applicants worldwide waiting for official dates to be announced.
This marks a significant departure from the program's traditional timeline. The delay coincides with the introduction of a new $1 registration fee—the first time applicants must pay to enter the green card lottery in the program's 30-year history.
Major Changes to the Diversity Visa Lottery Program
The State Department has implemented several critical updates that will affect all future applicants:
- $1 Registration Fee: Effective September 16, 2025, all DV lottery entries now require a $1 non-refundable electronic payment at the time of registration
- Delayed DV-2027 Registration: Opening dates have not been announced, breaking from the traditional early October start time
- Registration Period Expected: Once opened, the application window will likely run for approximately 30-37 days between October and November 2025
- Revenue Generation: The new fee is expected to generate approximately $25 million annually for program operations and fraud prevention
- Enhanced Security: Fee implementation aims to reduce fraudulent entries and discourage third-party scammers from submitting multiple fake applications
The State Department published the final rule establishing the registration fee in the Federal Register on September 16, 2025, with immediate effect. However, officials have declined to provide specific reasons for the DV-2027 registration delay.
Who Is Affected by These Green Card Lottery Updates
These changes impact all potential applicants for the Diversity Visa program, which awards 55,000 immigrant visas annually to individuals from countries with historically low immigration rates to the United States.
For DV-2027 Applicants (2025 Registration)
If you're planning to apply for the DV-2027 lottery, you must wait for the State Department to announce official registration dates. Monitor the official website at travel.state.gov for updates. You will need to pay the new $1 fee when registration opens, in addition to preparing your digital passport photo that meets strict U.S. visa photo requirements.
For DV-2026 Winners (Currently Processing)
If you were selected in the May 3, 2025 results announcement for DV-2026, you can continue processing your immigrant visa application through September 30, 2026. The $330 visa application fee remains unchanged for selected applicants. Note that approximately 129,516 individuals were selected for DV-2026.
For Cuban and UK-Dependent Territory Nationals
The State Department issued important corrections in October 2025 confirming that Cuban natives are ineligible for the DV-2026 program. Some entrants from Great Britain (United Kingdom) and its dependent areas also received corrected selection status results due to technical errors in the initial announcement.
How to Apply for the Green Card Lottery - Step by Step
Once the DV-2027 registration period opens, follow these steps to submit your application:
- Visit the Official Website Only: Go to https://dvprogram.state.gov/ - this is the ONLY legitimate site for DV lottery registration
- Prepare Your Passport Photo: Ensure your digital photo meets all U.S. passport photo specifications, including size, background color, and facial positioning requirements
- Gather Required Information: Have your passport, birth certificate, education credentials, and contact details ready before starting the application
- Complete the Electronic Entry Form: Fill out the DS-5501 form with accurate information about yourself and all eligible family members
- Pay the $1 Registration Fee: Submit your electronic payment through the official government website at the time of application
- Save Your Confirmation Number: Print or screenshot your confirmation number immediately - you'll need it to check results in May 2026
- Do Not Pay Anyone Else: Beware of scams - legitimate DV lottery registration costs only $1 USD, paid directly to the U.S. government
Important Dates and Timeline for DV-2027
Here's what you need to know about the green card lottery timeline:
- September 16, 2025: New $1 registration fee rule published and took immediate effect
- October 2025 (Expected): DV-2027 registration period anticipated to open, though exact date not yet announced by State Department
- November 2025 (Expected): Registration period likely to close after approximately 30-37 days of being open
- May 2026 (Projected): DV-2027 lottery results expected to be announced, following historical pattern of early May announcements
- October 1, 2026 - September 30, 2027: Fiscal year 2027 visa processing period for selected DV-2027 applicants
Frequently Asked Questions About the Green Card Lottery
Why Was the $1 Registration Fee Introduced for the Diversity Visa Lottery?
The State Department implemented the $1 fee to generate approximately $25 million annually for operational costs, including system upgrades, enhanced data collection, and security reviews. Additionally, the fee aims to reduce fraud by discouraging scammers from submitting thousands of fake entries. The fee is non-refundable, even if you're not selected or decide not to pursue your visa application.
When Will the DV-2027 Green Card Lottery Registration Open?
As of mid-October 2025, the State Department has not announced official registration dates for DV-2027. The department states that "dates for the DV-2027 program registration period will be widely publicized in the coming months." Historically, registration opens in early October, but this year's delay appears related to implementing the new fee system.
How Many People Win the Diversity Visa Lottery Each Year?
The program awards 55,000 immigrant visas annually. However, the State Department typically selects more applicants than available visas - for example, approximately 129,516 individuals were selected for DV-2026. This accounts for applicants who may not complete the process or fail to qualify during consular interviews. Only those who successfully complete all requirements and attend their visa interview receive actual green cards.
What Happens to the $330 Visa Application Fee?
The traditional $330 visa application fee remains unchanged and is still required only for lottery winners who are selected. The new $1 registration fee is separate and must be paid by all applicants at the time of entry, regardless of whether they win the lottery. If selected, you'll pay the $330 fee when scheduling your visa interview.
What You Need to Know About the DV Lottery Delay
The delay in opening DV-2027 registration represents an unusual situation for the Diversity Visa program. Prospective applicants should regularly monitor the official State Department website at travel.state.gov for announcements. The department has emphasized that registration dates "will be widely publicized" when they become available.
If you're preparing to apply, use this extra time wisely. Ensure your passport photo meets all official requirements - incorrect photos are a leading cause of disqualification. Additionally, verify your eligibility based on country of birth and education or work experience requirements. When registration opens, having your documents and compliant passport photo ready will help you submit your application quickly and avoid last-minute technical issues during the registration period.