Green Card Lottery 2027 Registration Delayed Indefinitely
The Diversity Visa (DV) Lottery registration for DV-2027 has been delayed over a month past its traditional early October opening date, marking the first time in program history the application period has not launched on schedule. As of November 11, 2025, the U.S. Department of State has not announced official registration dates, leaving millions of potential applicants worldwide in uncertainty.
The delay coincides with the introduction of a new $1 electronic registration fee that took effect October 16, 2025. Immigration attorneys speculate the postponement may be linked to system upgrades needed to implement the fee collection infrastructure, though the State Department has declined to provide specific reasons for the delay.
New $1 Registration Fee: What You Need to Know
For the first time in the program's history, all DV-2027 lottery applicants must pay a $1 non-refundable fee to submit their entry. This represents a significant policy change for the green card lottery program.
- Effective Date: October 16, 2025 for the DV-2027 cycle and all future lottery programs
- Non-Refundable: The $1 fee cannot be refunded under any circumstances, even if you're not selected or decide not to proceed
- Additional to Visa Fee: The $330 Diversity Visa application fee for selected applicants remains unchanged and separate
- Payment Required at Entry: Fee must be paid when submitting your application through the official government portal at dvprogram.state.gov
- Revenue Generation: Expected to generate approximately $25 million annually to cover operational costs including system maintenance, data storage, and security reviews
The final rule establishing this fee was published in the Federal Register on September 16, 2025, and took effect immediately. The State Department cited operational costs as justification for implementing the registration fee after decades of free entry.
Who Is Affected By the Green Card Lottery Delay
The registration delay impacts millions of prospective applicants from eligible countries worldwide. The uncertainty creates challenges for those planning to submit applications and affects various groups differently.
For First-Time Applicants
If you've never applied before, you'll need to prepare required documents including a recent digital photo that meets strict U.S. passport photo requirements. VisaPics can help ensure your photo meets all specifications before the registration period opens, saving you from potential rejection.
For Previous Lottery Participants
Even if you've applied in past years, you must submit a new entry for DV-2027 once registration opens. Previous applications do not carry over, and you'll need to pay the new $1 fee regardless of how many times you've entered before.
For DV-2026 Winners
Current DV-2026 selectees have until September 30, 2026 to complete their visa application process. The delay in DV-2027 registration does not affect your timeline, but you must act quickly as visa appointments are limited.
How to Prepare for DV-2027 Registration - Step by Step
While waiting for the State Department to announce registration dates, take these steps to ensure you're ready to apply immediately when the window opens.
- Check Your Eligibility: Verify your country of birth qualifies (most countries eligible except those with high U.S. immigration rates like Mexico, China, India, Philippines) and confirm you meet education or work experience requirements
- Prepare Your Digital Photo: Obtain a compliant passport-style photo taken within the last 6 months that meets strict U.S. visa photo specifications - incorrect photos are the #1 reason for disqualification
- Gather Required Documents: Collect birth certificate, passport information, and education/work experience documentation for yourself and all eligible family members
- Set Up Payment Method: Ensure you have a valid credit or debit card ready to pay the new $1 registration fee when the portal opens
- Monitor Official Channels: Check dvprogram.state.gov regularly for registration date announcements and sign up for email alerts from reputable immigration news sources
Important Dates and Timeline for DV-2027
While the registration period remains unannounced, here are the key dates and typical timeline to expect for the DV-2027 program.
- September 16, 2025: Final rule for $1 registration fee published in Federal Register
- October 16, 2025: New $1 electronic registration fee officially takes effect
- Registration Period (TBD): Typically runs for 30-35 days once announced - dates will be "widely publicized in the coming months" according to State Department
- Results Announcement (Estimated May 2027): Winners typically notified in early May the following year through the official portal
- Visa Processing Deadline (September 30, 2028): All selected DV-2027 applicants must obtain their visa or adjust status by end of fiscal year 2028
Frequently Asked Questions
Why Is the Green Card Lottery Registration Delayed?
The U.S. State Department has not provided an official explanation for the delay. Immigration attorneys speculate it may be linked to implementing the new $1 fee payment system, recent government shutdowns affecting IT work, or system modernization efforts. The State Department stated only that registration dates "will be widely publicized in the coming months."
Do I Need a Passport to Register for DV-2027?
No, a passport is not required for DV-2027 registration. While the Trump administration proposed a rule in August 2025 mandating passports for lottery entry, officials confirmed it is unlikely to take effect in time for this cycle. However, you will need passport information if selected and applying for your visa.
Can I Get My $1 Registration Fee Refunded?
No, the $1 registration fee is completely non-refundable under any circumstances. You cannot get the fee back if you're not selected, if you make a mistake in your application, or if you later decide not to pursue your visa application. The fee must be paid at the time of entry submission and cannot be transferred to future lottery years.
How Many Green Cards Are Available Through the DV-2027 Lottery?
The Diversity Visa program makes up to 55,000 immigrant visas available annually. However, the State Department typically selects approximately 100,000-130,000 winners because not all selected applicants will complete the visa process. For DV-2025, about 131,060 applicants were selected for 55,000 available visas.
What You Need to Know About the Delayed Green Card Lottery
The unprecedented delay in DV-2027 registration creates uncertainty for millions of hopeful applicants worldwide. While the State Department has assured that registration dates will be announced soon, there is no confirmed timeline for when the application period will open.
To maximize your chances of success, prepare your application materials now, especially your passport photo which must meet strict requirements. Visit VisaPics to ensure your photo meets all U.S. diversity visa specifications before the registration window opens. Remember to use only the official government website at dvprogram.state.gov when registration begins, and be aware of scams charging excessive fees or promising to increase your chances of selection.
--- This article is based on the latest information available as of November 11, 2025, and uses real, verifiable sources from the U.S. Department of State and reputable immigration law resources.