Green Card Lottery 2027: Major Changes Announced
The Green Card Lottery for fiscal year 2027 (DV-2027) has been delayed by more than two months, marking an unprecedented shift in the Diversity Visa Program. The U.S. Department of State announced on November 5, 2025, that registration would be postponed while implementing significant changes to the entry process.
This delay affects millions of hopeful applicants worldwide who typically register in early October. Additionally, the State Department has introduced a $1 registration fee for the first time in the program's 30+ year history.
DV-2027 Green Card Lottery Key Changes
The Diversity Visa Program is undergoing its most significant transformation since its inception in 1990.
- Registration Delay: The traditional October start date has been pushed to late December 2025 or January 2026
- New $1 Entry Fee: First-ever non-refundable registration fee to combat fraud and cover administrative costs
- Shorter Registration Window: Expected 2-3 weeks instead of the traditional 30+ days
- Enhanced Anti-Fraud Measures: New payment processing system integration to deter fraudulent entries
- No Passport Requirement: The proposed passport mandate will NOT apply to DV-2027
- Same Visa Period: Winners can still apply from October 1, 2026, through September 30, 2027
The State Department confirmed through various U.S. Embassies that they "will announce the start date for the DV-2027 registration period as soon as practicable." However, as of December 2025, no official dates have been released.
Who Is Affected by These Green Card Lottery Updates
These changes impact different groups of applicants in various ways. Understanding your situation helps you prepare accordingly.
For First-Time DV-2027 Applicants
If you're planning to enter the Green Card Lottery for the first time, prepare your passport photo that meets official requirements now. The $1 fee requires payment processing capabilities, so ensure you have access to a valid payment method. Have your documents ready for when registration opens unexpectedly.
For Current DV-2026 Selectees
If you were selected in the DV-2026 lottery, your timeline remains unchanged. You must complete your immigrant visa application or adjustment of status by September 30, 2026. Check your case number against the December cutoff numbers below to determine interview eligibility.
For Applicants From High-Demand Countries
Nationals from countries like Nepal and Egypt face lower cutoff numbers due to high application volumes. Prepare all documentation early, including proper visa photos, to avoid delays when your number becomes current.
How to Prepare for DV-2027 Registration - Step by Step
Follow these steps to maximize your chances when registration opens.
- Verify Eligibility: Confirm you're from an eligible country and meet education or work experience requirements (high school diploma or 2 years of qualifying work)
- Prepare Your Photo: Get a compliant passport-style photo that meets strict State Department specifications - incorrect photos cause automatic disqualification
- Gather Personal Information: Have your full name, birth date, birthplace, and current address ready exactly as shown on official documents
- Set Up Payment Method: Ensure you have a credit or debit card ready for the new $1 registration fee
- Monitor Official Sources: Only trust announcements from dvprogram.state.gov and travel.state.gov
- Save Confirmation Number: When you register, immediately save your confirmation number in multiple secure locations
December 2025 DV-2026 Visa Bulletin Cutoff Numbers
Current DV-2026 selectees should check if their case number is below these December cutoffs to schedule interviews.
- Africa: 17,500 (Algeria: 17,250; Egypt: 16,000)
- Asia: 10,000 (Nepal: 6,000)
- Europe: 7,750
- North America (Bahamas): 20
- Oceania: 1,100
- South America & Caribbean: 1,850
The DV-2026 program received 20,822,624 qualified entries, with approximately 129,516 selectees registered. Due to NACARA adjustments, available visas have been reduced to approximately 52,000 from the original 55,000 allocation.
Important Green Card Lottery Dates and Timeline
Mark these critical dates for both DV-2026 and DV-2027 programs.
- December 2025 - January 2026: Expected DV-2027 registration opening (exact date TBA)
- Through September 30, 2026: DV-2026 status check available at dvprogram.state.gov
- September 30, 2026: Final deadline for DV-2026 visa issuance
- May 2026 (estimated): DV-2027 lottery results announcement
- October 1, 2026 - September 30, 2027: DV-2027 visa application period
Frequently Asked Questions
Why Is the DV-2027 Green Card Lottery Registration Delayed?
The State Department is implementing technical changes to integrate a new payment processing system for the $1 fee and enhanced anti-fraud measures. These upgrades require additional development time, pushing the traditional October registration to late December 2025 or January 2026.
Will the $1 Fee Affect My Chances of Winning?
No, the fee does not affect selection odds. It's designed to reduce fraudulent multiple entries and cover administrative costs. Each eligible person is still limited to one entry per year. The fee is non-refundable regardless of selection outcome.
How Do I Know If DV-2027 Registration Has Opened?
Only trust official announcements from travel.state.gov or dvprogram.state.gov. The State Department will NOT contact you by email or letter. Any website claiming registration is currently open is fraudulent. Bookmark the official sites and check regularly.
What Photo Requirements Apply to the Green Card Lottery?
Your photo must be recent (within 6 months), 2x2 inches (51x51mm), with a plain white or off-white background. Head size must be between 1 inch and 1-3/8 inches. Glasses are not permitted. Incorrect photos are the most common reason for disqualification.
Can I Apply for DV-2027 If I'm Currently a DV-2026 Selectee?
Yes, you can enter DV-2027 while processing your DV-2026 visa. However, you cannot have two active immigrant visa applications simultaneously. If selected for both, you must choose which to pursue.
What You Need to Know About the Green Card Lottery
The DV-2027 Green Card Lottery represents a significant shift with its new $1 fee and delayed registration period. While the exact opening date remains unknown, applicants should prepare now by gathering documents and ensuring their passport photos meet requirements.
For current DV-2026 selectees, time is critical. Check your case number against December cutoff numbers immediately. Ensure all your documents, including properly formatted visa photos, are ready before your interview. Visit VisaPics to verify your photo meets official State Department specifications and avoid costly delays in your immigration journey.
Sources: - [U.S. Department of State - Changes to DV-2027 Entry Period](https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/News/visas-news/changes-to-2027-dv-program-entry-period.html) - [Official Electronic Diversity Visa Portal](https://dvprogram.state.gov/) - [USAGov - Diversity Visa Lottery Results](https://www.usa.gov/dv-lottery-results) - [November 2025 Visa Bulletin (PDF)](https://travel.state.gov/content/dam/visas/Bulletins/visabulletin_November2025.pdf) - [BAL Immigration News - DV-2026 Updates](https://www.bal.com/immigration-news/united-states-november-2025-visa-bulletin-dates-for-filing-chart-show-no-movement-diversity-visa-lottery-2026-updates/) - [Fragomen - FY 2026 DV Lottery Winners](https://www.fragomen.com/insights/united-states-state-department-releases-fy-2026-diversity-visa-lottery-winners-tomorrow.html)