Breaking: DV-2027 Green Card Lottery Registration Delayed Past October 2025
The U.S. Department of State confirmed on October 9, 2025, that registration for the DV-2027 Diversity Visa lottery has been delayed past its traditional early October opening date, marking an unprecedented delay in the program's history. This announcement comes alongside a major policy change: the introduction of a $1 electronic registration fee for all Green Card lottery applicants.
The delay affects millions of hopeful immigrants worldwide who typically begin their Green Card lottery applications in the first week of October. The State Department has stated that registration dates will be "widely publicized in the coming months," but has not provided a specific timeline for when the DV-2027 application period will open.
Historic $1 Registration Fee Introduced for Green Card Lottery
For the first time in the Diversity Visa program's history, applicants will be required to pay a fee to enter the Green Card lottery. The final rule establishing the $1 registration fee was published in the Federal Register on September 16, 2025, and took effect the same day.
- Fee Amount: $1 per entry, payable at time of submission via electronic payment
- Non-Refundable: Registration fees will not be refunded regardless of lottery results or selection status
- Separate from Application Fee: This is in addition to the existing $330 Diversity Visa application fee required if selected
- Revenue Generation: State Department estimates the fee will generate approximately $25 million annually
- Payment Method: Must be paid online through the official DV entry portal at dvprogram.state.gov
- First Implementation: Will apply to DV-2027 registration when it opens (date TBA)
According to the State Department, "The new registration fee will more fairly allocate the costs of managing the random selection process to those who register. It will also discourage speculative registrations by individuals exploiting potential entrants." The fee aims to make the program more self-sustaining and fraud-resistant by spreading operational costs across all entrants.
Who Is Affected by These Green Card Lottery Changes
These changes impact anyone planning to apply for the Diversity Visa lottery in the upcoming DV-2027 registration period and beyond. The new fee structure represents a significant policy shift affecting millions of potential applicants worldwide.
For First-Time Green Card Lottery Applicants
If you're planning to apply for the DV-2027 lottery, you'll need to prepare for the $1 registration fee in addition to meeting all standard eligibility requirements. Make sure you have a valid payment method ready when registration opens, and ensure your passport photo meets all official requirements before starting your application.
For Previous DV Lottery Participants
If you've applied for the Green Card lottery in previous years for free, you'll now need to pay the $1 fee for each new entry. The fee is non-refundable, so verify all your information carefully before submitting to avoid paying twice for duplicate or incorrect entries.
For Immigration Attorneys and Consultants
Legal professionals assisting clients with Diversity Visa applications should inform them about the new fee requirement and adjust service offerings accordingly. Immigration attorneys speculate that implementing the new payment processing system globally could be the reason for the current registration delay.
How to Prepare for DV-2027 Green Card Lottery Registration
While the exact registration dates haven't been announced, you can take these steps now to prepare for when the DV-2027 lottery opens:
- Verify Your Eligibility: Confirm your country of birth is eligible for the DV-2027 program (check the State Department's country list)
- Prepare Your Digital Photo: Obtain a compliant passport-style photo meeting all U.S. visa photo specifications (recent photo taken within 6 months, white background, specific dimensions)
- Gather Required Documents: Collect birth certificates, marriage certificates, and education credentials (high school diploma or equivalent)
- Set Up Payment Method: Ensure you have a valid credit/debit card or electronic payment method accepted for the $1 registration fee
- Create a Reminder: Monitor the official DV program website at dvprogram.state.gov regularly for registration date announcements
- Prepare Accurate Information: Write down all required information (full name, date of birth, address) to avoid errors during registration
Important Dates and Timeline for Green Card Lottery
Here's the current timeline for the Diversity Visa lottery program across different fiscal years:
- September 16, 2025: New $1 registration fee rule published in Federal Register and took effect
- October 9, 2025: State Department confirmed DV-2027 registration delay past traditional October opening
- October 16, 2025: $1 electronic registration fee officially required for all future DV lottery entries
- October 2025 - TBA: DV-2027 registration period (dates to be announced - typically 30-60 days)
- May 2026 (Expected): DV-2027 results will be available for selected applicants to check online
- October 1, 2026 - September 30, 2027: DV-2027 winners can apply for immigrant visas and schedule interviews
Frequently Asked Questions About Green Card Lottery Updates
Why Was the DV-2027 Green Card Lottery Registration Delayed?
The State Department has not officially confirmed the exact reason for the delay. However, immigration attorneys believe the delay is likely related to implementing the new $1 electronic payment processing system across all U.S. embassies and consulates worldwide. The State Department has only stated that registration dates will be "widely publicized in the coming months."
Is the $1 Green Card Lottery Fee Refundable?
No, the $1 registration fee is non-refundable regardless of your lottery results. The fee must be paid at the time of entry and will not be returned whether you are selected, not selected, or if you make an error in your application. This makes it crucial to double-check all information before submitting your entry.
Can I Still Apply for the Green Card Lottery for Free?
No, starting with the DV-2027 lottery, all applicants must pay the $1 registration fee. This is the first time in the Diversity Visa program's history that a registration fee has been required. The fee is separate from the $330 visa application fee that selected winners must pay if they choose to proceed with their immigrant visa application.
How Do I Check If I Won the Green Card Lottery?
You can only check your DV lottery results on the official website at dvprogram.state.gov using your confirmation number. The State Department does not send notification letters by mail, email, or phone. Results are typically available in May of each year and remain accessible until September 30 of the following year.
What Green Card Lottery Applicants Need to Know Right Now
The introduction of the $1 registration fee and the unprecedented delay in DV-2027 registration represent significant changes to the Diversity Visa lottery program. With approximately 55,000 immigrant visas available annually through the program, competition remains intense, making it more important than ever to prepare your application carefully.
Start preparing now by ensuring your passport photo meets all official U.S. visa photo requirements and gathering your eligibility documents. Monitor the official State Department DV program website regularly for the announcement of DV-2027 registration dates. When the registration period opens, submit your entry promptly and keep your confirmation number safe—you'll need it to check your results in May 2026.