Green Card Lottery 2027 Registration Delayed by State Department
On November 5, 2025, the U.S. Department of State announced that the Diversity Visa 2027 (DV-2027) Green Card Lottery registration has been delayed while the agency implements major changes to the entry process. For the first time in the program's 30-year history, applicants will pay a $1 electronic registration fee. The State Department confirmed that the start date will be announced "as soon as practicable," leaving millions of hopeful immigrants worldwide in uncertainty.
This unprecedented delay has created confusion among the estimated 25 million annual applicants who typically register during the traditional October-November window. However, the State Department also issued urgent fraud warnings as scammers exploit the delay to target vulnerable applicants with fake registration websites and false promises.
Key Changes to the DV-2027 Green Card Lottery Program
The U.S. State Department has announced several significant updates that will fundamentally change how applicants enter the diversity visa lottery:
- New $1 Entry Fee: First-ever non-refundable electronic registration fee published in the Federal Register on September 16, 2025
- Registration Period Delayed: Traditional October opening postponed indefinitely with no confirmed start date as of November 25, 2025
- Enhanced Verification Systems: Modernized portal with improved fraud detection to eliminate duplicate and fraudulent entries
- Passport Requirements Enforced: Stricter validation of passport information during the electronic registration process
- Same Application Window for Winners: Selected applicants can still apply between October 1, 2026, and September 30, 2027
- No Changes to Selection Numbers: Approximately 129,516 winners will be selected, similar to DV-2026 results announced May 3, 2025
The State Department emphasized that these changes are designed to protect program integrity and prevent fraud. The $1 fee is completely non-refundable regardless of selection outcome and cannot be transferred to future lottery years.
Who Is Affected by the DV-2027 Lottery Delay
The registration delay impacts millions of prospective immigrants worldwide, particularly those who have been preparing applications and photo documentation according to the traditional October timeline.
For First-Time Applicants
If you're planning to apply for the first time, use this delay to ensure your passport photo meets the strict diversity visa requirements. The new verification systems will reject non-compliant photos immediately, so professional preparation is more critical than ever.
For Previous Lottery Participants
Even if you've applied in past years, the $1 fee and enhanced verification mean you cannot simply reuse old confirmation numbers or photos. You must prepare a fresh application with compliant documentation and be ready to pay the electronic fee.
For Immigration Consultants and Legal Representatives
Legal professionals should advise clients to wait for the official announcement rather than attempting registration through third-party websites. The State Department has confirmed it does not use agents and will only accept applications through the official dvprogram.state.gov portal.
How to Apply for DV-2027 When Registration Opens - Step by Step
When the State Department announces the official registration period, follow these steps to submit a compliant application:
- Prepare Your Passport Photo: Obtain a professional diversity visa photo that meets exact specifications (2x2 inches, 600x600 pixels minimum, taken within 6 months, plain white background)
- Gather Required Documents: Have your valid passport, birth certificate, and educational certificates ready for reference during registration
- Visit the Official Portal Only: Go directly to dvprogram.state.gov when registration opens - never use third-party websites or services
- Complete the Electronic Form: Fill out the DS-5501 form with accurate information matching your passport exactly (name, birthdate, country of birth)
- Pay the $1 Registration Fee: Use a valid payment method to submit the non-refundable electronic fee through the official portal
- Save Your Confirmation Number: Print or screenshot your unique confirmation number - this is the ONLY way to check results when announced in May 2026
Important Dates and Timeline for DV-2027
Based on official State Department announcements, here are the critical dates to remember for the diversity visa lottery:
- November 5, 2025: State Department announces DV-2027 registration delay and new $1 fee implementation
- Registration Start Date: To be announced "as soon as practicable" - monitor travel.state.gov for official updates
- Registration End Date: Typically runs 30-60 days after opening - exact window to be confirmed
- May 2026 (Expected): DV-2027 lottery results announcement through Entry Status Check at dvprogram.state.gov
- October 1, 2026 - September 30, 2027: Visa application period for selected winners to complete immigrant visa process
Critical Fraud and Scam Warnings for DV-2027 Applicants
The State Department has issued urgent warnings about fraudulent schemes exploiting the registration delay. Scammers are targeting hopeful immigrants with fake websites, false winner notifications, and deceptive services claiming to increase selection odds.
How to Identify Green Card Lottery Scams
The U.S. government will NEVER email, call, text, WhatsApp, or contact you through social media about lottery selection. The only legitimate way to check your status is through the Entry Status Check at dvprogram.state.gov using your confirmation number. Additionally, no person or service can increase your chances of winning - selection is completely random by computer.
Red Flags of Fraudulent Services
Be extremely cautious of websites charging fees above $1, services promising guaranteed selection, anyone claiming registration is already open, or entities requesting payment through Western Union, MoneyGram, or cryptocurrency. The official government portal accepts only standard electronic payment methods for the $1 fee.
Frequently Asked Questions About the DV-2027 Green Card Lottery
When Will DV-2027 Registration Actually Open?
The State Department has not announced a specific date as of November 25, 2025. According to official statements, the registration period will be "widely publicized" across government channels when confirmed. Monitor travel.state.gov and official State Department social media accounts for the announcement. Never trust third-party websites or social media posts claiming to know the date.
Is the $1 Fee Refundable If I'm Not Selected?
No, the $1 electronic registration fee is completely non-refundable regardless of whether you're selected or rejected. This fee cannot be transferred to future lottery years. The fee is payable only through the official dvprogram.state.gov portal when registration opens, and you should never pay fees to third-party services or websites.
Can I Still Use My Old Passport Photo From Previous Applications?
No, diversity visa photos must be taken within the last 6 months of your application date. With the enhanced verification systems, the portal will likely reject outdated photos. Ensure your passport photo meets current specifications: 2x2 inches, 600x600 pixels minimum, plain white background, and recent appearance matching your current passport.
What Countries Are Eligible for DV-2027?
Countries with high immigration rates to the U.S. are typically excluded from the diversity visa program. For DV-2027, expect exclusions for Bangladesh, Brazil, Canada, China (mainland), Colombia, Dominican Republic, El Salvador, Haiti, Honduras, India, Jamaica, Mexico, Nigeria, Pakistan, Philippines, South Korea, United Kingdom (except Northern Ireland), and Vietnam. However, verify the official list when registration opens.
How Many People Win the Green Card Lottery Each Year?
The State Department typically selects around 130,000 entries annually. For DV-2026, exactly 129,516 winners were selected from millions of entries. However, not all selected applicants complete the visa process, so the actual number of diversity visas issued is approximately 50,000 per fiscal year as mandated by Congress.
What You Need to Know About DV-2027 Registration
The unprecedented delay and new $1 fee mark significant changes to the Diversity Visa program that could affect your application strategy. Furthermore, enhanced verification systems mean photo and document compliance is more critical than ever. The State Department's modernization efforts aim to eliminate fraud, but legitimate applicants must be more diligent about following exact specifications.
While waiting for the official registration announcement, ensure your passport photo meets the strict diversity visa requirements to avoid automatic rejection. Moreover, bookmark the official dvprogram.state.gov portal and ignore any third-party websites or services claiming early access. Remember, the only cost to enter should be the $1 official fee, and the U.S. government will never contact you directly about winning - you must check results yourself using your confirmation number.
--- **Sources:** - [U.S. Department of State - Changes to 2027 Diversity Visa Program](https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/News/visas-news/changes-to-2027-dv-program-entry-period.html) - [Visa Lawyer Blog - Updates on the 2027 Diversity Visa Program](https://www.visalawyerblog.com/updates-on-the-2027-diversity-visa-program/) - [NEPYORK - U.S. State Department Warns of DV-2027 Lottery Scams](https://nepyork.com/2025/11/06/u-s-state-department-warns-of-dv-2027-lottery-scams-as-fake-entry-claims-spread/) - [BAL Immigration News - State Department Announces Changes to 2027 Diversity Visa Program](https://www.bal.com/immigration-news/united-states-state-department-announces-upcoming-changes-to-2027-diversity-visa-program-entry-entry-period-to-be-announced-as-soon-as-practicable/)