Green Card Lottery 2027 Registration Delayed - What You Need to Know
The U.S. Department of State has confirmed a significant delay in the opening of registration for the Diversity Visa (DV-2027) Green Card Lottery, which traditionally begins in early October each year. As of November 3, 2025, the official registration dates have not been announced, leaving millions of prospective applicants worldwide waiting for the opportunity to apply. The State Department stated in the November 2025 Visa Bulletin that "dates for the DV-2027 program registration period will be widely publicized in the coming months."
This delay comes alongside the introduction of a groundbreaking change: for the first time in the program's history, applicants will be required to pay a $1 electronic registration fee. The new fee rule was published in the Federal Register on September 16, 2025, and took effect immediately on October 16, 2025.
Major Changes to the Diversity Visa Lottery Program
The DV-2027 Green Card Lottery introduces several important changes that all prospective applicants need to understand before registration opens.
- New $1 Registration Fee: The first-ever mandatory electronic registration fee of $1 per entry, ending the completely free lottery system that existed for decades
- Registration Delay: Unlike previous years when registration opened in early October, the DV-2027 application period has been postponed with no specific date announced
- Revenue Generation: The State Department estimates the $1 fee will generate approximately $25 million in revenue annually from applicants worldwide
- Cost Distribution: Previously, operational costs were covered solely by the $330 fee paid by lottery winners; now costs are distributed across all registrants
- Fraud Reduction: The Department stated the fee aims to "reduce speculative registrations by individuals seeking to exploit questionable potential entrants"
- Payment Method: The $1 fee must be paid electronically at the time of application submission through the official website
The State Department explained that "the new fee for registration will more fairly allocate the costs of managing the random selection process to those who register." Immigration attorneys note this change may significantly reduce fraudulent and duplicate entries that have plagued the program in recent years.
Who Is Affected by These Green Card Lottery Updates
These changes impact millions of prospective immigrants worldwide who rely on the Diversity Visa Lottery as their primary pathway to U.S. permanent residency. The program makes 55,000 green cards available annually to applicants from countries with low immigration rates to the United States.
For First-Time Applicants
If you're applying to the Green Card Lottery for the first time, you'll need to prepare for the new $1 electronic payment requirement. Ensure you have a valid payment method (credit card, debit card, or electronic payment system) ready when registration opens. You'll also need a compliant passport photo that meets strict U.S. visa photo requirements, so consider using professional services like VisaPics to ensure your application isn't rejected due to photo issues.
For Previous Lottery Applicants
If you've applied to previous Diversity Visa Lotteries, be aware that the registration process will include the new payment step. The $1 fee is non-refundable regardless of whether you're selected in the lottery. Each family member must have their own separate photo, but spouses and children under 21 can be included in one primary applicant's entry without additional fees.
For Immigration Consultants and Attorneys
Legal professionals assisting clients with DV-2027 applications should update their processes to include payment collection and submission. The State Department warns that the fee structure may change how some consulting services operate, and applicants should be cautioned against paying excessive fees to third-party services when the official registration costs only $1.
How to Apply for the DV-2027 Green Card Lottery - Step by Step
Follow these steps carefully to ensure your Diversity Visa Lottery application is submitted correctly when registration opens.
- Monitor the Official Website: Check dvprogram.state.gov regularly for the announcement of registration dates, which will be widely publicized when available
- Prepare Required Documents: Gather passport information, birth certificates, and compliant passport photos for yourself and all family members before registration opens
- Verify Photo Requirements: Ensure your passport photo meets exact specifications (2x2 inches, white background, recent photo taken within 6 months) to avoid automatic rejection
- Complete Online Entry Form: When registration opens, fill out the Electronic Diversity Visa Entry Form (E-DV) at the official government website only
- Pay the $1 Registration Fee: Submit the required $1 electronic payment using a valid credit card, debit card, or approved electronic payment method
- Save Your Confirmation Number: After submission, print or save your confirmation number immediately - you cannot check results without it
- Check Results in May 2026: Winners will be announced in May 2026 through the Entrant Status Check on the official website
Important Dates and Timeline for DV-2027
Here are the key dates and deadlines to remember for the Diversity Visa Lottery 2027 program.
- September 16, 2025: New $1 registration fee rule published in Federal Register and took effect
- October 16, 2025: Registration fee requirement officially implemented
- October-November 2025 (TBD): Expected registration period, though exact dates have not been announced by the State Department
- May 2026: Lottery results typically announced - winners can check their status using their confirmation number
- October 1, 2026: Fiscal year begins for DV-2027 visa processing and interviews at U.S. embassies worldwide
- September 30, 2027: Final deadline for DV-2027 visa issuance - all winners must receive their immigrant visa before this date
Frequently Asked Questions About the Green Card Lottery
How Do Photo Credits and the $1 Fee Work Together?
The $1 fee covers only your lottery registration with the U.S. government. You'll still need compliant passport photos for your application. Many applicants use professional photo services to ensure their photos meet exact specifications, as photo rejection is one of the top reasons for disqualification. Services like VisaPics offer affordable options with guarantee of compliance to official requirements.
Can I Get a Refund if I'm Not Selected?
No, the $1 registration fee is non-refundable regardless of lottery results. This fee covers the administrative costs of processing millions of entries worldwide. If you're selected as a winner, you'll pay an additional $330 diversity visa fee plus standard immigrant visa processing fees during your visa interview.
Why Was the Green Card Lottery Registration Delayed This Year?
The U.S. State Department has not provided a specific reason for the delay, though immigration experts speculate it's related to implementing the new $1 electronic payment system. The Department stated there will be "changes to the DV entry process" and promised to announce registration dates soon through official channels including travel.state.gov and the Federal Register.
How Many Green Cards Are Available Through the DV-2027 Lottery?
The Diversity Visa Program makes up to 55,000 immigrant visas available annually. For DV-2026 (the most recent completed lottery), approximately 129,516 applicants including family members were selected, though only 55,000 will ultimately receive visas. Selection does not guarantee a visa - winners must still meet all eligibility requirements and pass background checks.
Do Photo Credits Expire for Diversity Visa Applications?
If you're using a service like VisaPics for your passport photos, photo credits typically remain valid for one year from purchase. However, the U.S. government requires that your actual passport photo be taken within 6 months of your application date. Always check that your photo is recent and meets current specifications when applying for the Green Card Lottery.
What You Need to Know - Bottom Line
The DV-2027 Diversity Visa Lottery represents a significant shift in the program's 30-year history with the introduction of a $1 registration fee and an unprecedented delay in announcing registration dates. Prospective applicants should monitor the official State Department website at dvprogram.state.gov regularly for the announcement of registration dates, which officials promise will be "widely publicized in the coming months." The new fee structure aims to reduce fraud and distribute costs more fairly among millions of applicants worldwide.
To maximize your chances of success, prepare all required documents in advance, including compliant passport photos that meet exact U.S. visa photo specifications. Many applicants use professional services to ensure their passport photos meet requirements, as photo rejection is a leading cause of disqualification. When registration opens, submit your application promptly - historically, the registration window lasts only about 30 days, and with millions of applicants competing for 55,000 green cards, preparation is essential.