Green Card Lottery 2027 Registration Delayed With Historic Changes
The U.S. Department of State announced on November 5, 2025, that the Diversity Visa 2027 lottery (DV-2027) registration has been delayed while implementing "changes to the DV entry process." For the first time in the program's 30-year history, applicants will be required to pay a $1 electronic registration fee to enter the lottery. As of November 26, 2025, the State Department has not released the official start date for registration.
The delay has left approximately 14-20 million prospective applicants worldwide in uncertainty, as the program traditionally opens in early October. Immigration experts now estimate the registration window may open between December 2025 and January 2026, with a potentially shorter 2-3 week entry period compared to the typical 30-day window.
Key Changes to DV-2027 Green Card Lottery Process
The State Department is implementing several significant updates to the Diversity Visa program. Here are the most important changes affecting applicants:
- New $1 Registration Fee: First-ever entry fee required for all DV-2027 applicants, payable online during submission
- Enhanced Antifraud System: Upgraded screening technology to detect duplicate and fraudulent entries more effectively
- Delayed Registration Period: No confirmed start date announced as of late November 2025, breaking from traditional October timeline
- Unchanged Visa Window: Selected applicants can still apply for immigrant visas between October 1, 2026 and September 30, 2027
- Proposed Passport Requirements: Future lotteries may require passport information at entry, though unlikely for DV-2027
- Same Photo Requirements: Applicants must still submit compliant passport-style photos meeting strict State Department specifications
The $1 fee, published in the Federal Register on September 16, 2025, is expected to generate approximately $25 million annually to fund operational costs and antifraud improvements. This non-refundable payment represents a major shift from the historically free lottery system that has operated since 1994.
Who Is Affected by These Green Card Lottery Changes
These updates impact millions of prospective immigrants worldwide who rely on the Diversity Visa program as their pathway to U.S. permanent residency. Understanding how these changes affect different groups is essential for planning your application.
For First-Time DV Lottery Applicants
If you're planning to enter the green card lottery for the first time, you'll need to prepare the $1 entry fee payment method and ensure your passport photo meets requirements before registration opens. Budget extra time to gather documents and verify your eligibility, as the entry window may be shorter than previous years.
For Previous Lottery Participants
Past applicants should note that the registration process will differ significantly from previous years. You'll need a valid payment method for the $1 fee, and the familiar free-entry system no longer applies. Additionally, be prepared for a potentially condensed application window that may require faster action than in previous lottery cycles.
For DV-2026 Winners
If you were selected in the DV-2026 lottery (results released May 3, 2025), these changes do not affect your case. You must complete your visa application before September 30, 2026, and the processing continues as normal regardless of DV-2027 delays.
How to Prepare for DV-2027 Registration - Step by Step
While waiting for the official registration start date, take these essential steps to ensure you're ready to submit your entry immediately when the portal opens:
- Get a Compliant Passport Photo: Obtain a photo that meets State Department specifications (2x2 inches, white background, recent image taken within 6 months)
- Prepare Payment Method: Set up a valid credit or debit card that can process the $1 online fee in U.S. currency
- Verify Eligibility: Confirm your country of birth qualifies (most countries eligible except those sending over 50,000 immigrants in the past 5 years)
- Gather Required Information: Collect personal details, education documents, and spouse/children information for the online form
- Monitor Official Channels: Check dvprogram.state.gov regularly for announcements; ignore third-party services claiming insider information
- Bookmark Official Portal: Save the official entry website to avoid fraudulent sites that charge excessive fees or steal personal information
- Review Photo Requirements: Double-check that your passport photo meets all technical specifications to avoid disqualification for non-compliance
Important Dates and Timeline for Green Card Lottery 2027
Here's what we know about the DV-2027 timeline based on official announcements and historical patterns:
- November 5, 2025: State Department announces DV-2027 registration delay and $1 fee requirement
- September 16, 2025: Final rule establishing $1 registration fee published in Federal Register and takes effect
- December 2025 - January 2026 (Estimated): Expected registration window opening based on immigration expert predictions
- Spring/Summer 2026 (Expected): Results announcement via Entry Status Check portal (exact date to be announced)
- October 1, 2026 - September 30, 2027: Visa application window for selected DV-2027 winners
- Current Status: DV-2026 results were released May 3, 2025, with 129,516 winners selected from eligible applicants
Frequently Asked Questions About DV-2027 Changes
Why Is the Green Card Lottery 2027 Delayed?
The State Department is implementing technical changes to the entry process, including the new $1 fee payment system and enhanced antifraud screening technology. These upgrades require modifications to the online registration portal before it can reopen. The delay allows proper testing of the new systems to prevent technical issues during the high-volume registration period.
Is the $1 Entry Fee Refundable If I'm Not Selected?
No, the $1 electronic registration fee is non-refundable regardless of selection outcome. This fee covers operational costs and antifraud measures for processing all entries. Payment is required at the time of submission, and you cannot complete your registration without it.
Will I Need a Passport to Enter the DV-2027 Lottery?
Passport information is currently not required for DV-2027 registration. While the State Department proposed a rule requiring passport details at entry (published August 5, 2025), immigration experts believe this change is unlikely to take effect for DV-2027 due to timing constraints. However, you will need a valid passport if you are selected and proceed with your visa application.
How Will I Know When DV-2027 Registration Opens?
The State Department will announce the registration start date on the official website at dvprogram.state.gov. Do not trust emails, social media posts, or third-party services claiming to have insider information. Only check the official government website for accurate dates and registration links.
What Photo Requirements Apply for the DV-2027 Entry?
Your digital photo must meet strict specifications: 2x2 inches (600x600 pixels minimum), recent image taken within 6 months, white or off-white background, neutral facial expression, and proper head positioning. Photos that don't meet these technical requirements will result in automatic disqualification. Consider using a professional service to ensure your passport photo meets all State Department standards.
What You Need to Know About the Green Card Lottery Delay
The DV-2027 delay represents a significant shift in the Diversity Visa program, with the introduction of the first-ever entry fee and enhanced antifraud systems. While the exact registration date remains unannounced, prospective applicants should use this time to prepare all required documents and ensure their passport photo meets requirements. The $1 fee and technical upgrades signal the State Department's commitment to reducing fraud in a program that receives millions of entries annually.
To maximize your chances of success, prepare your compliant passport photo now and monitor the official State Department website for registration announcements. Remember that only dvprogram.state.gov provides legitimate information—fraudulent services cannot increase your selection odds. Additionally, ensure your passport photo specifications meet all technical requirements, as photo-related errors are among the most common causes of disqualification in the diversity visa lottery.
--- **Sources:** - [U.S. Department of State - Diversity Visa Program](https://dvprogram.state.gov/) - [Newsweek - Green Card Update: Changes to Visa Lottery Announced](https://www.newsweek.com/green-card-update-changes-visa-lottery-11012654) - [Immigration Law Firm - DV-2027 Green Card Lottery Delay](https://www.lawfirm4immigrants.com/why-the-delay-in-dv-green-card-lottery-2027-is-trump-playing-games/) - [VisaVerge - DV-2027 Green Card Lottery: New $1 Fee](https://www.visaverge.com/news/dv-2027-green-card-lottery-new-1-fee-passport-checks-and-more/)