Green Card Lottery Registration Delayed for DV-2027 Program
The U.S. Department of State has confirmed a delay in opening registration for the Diversity Visa (DV) 2027 program, which typically launches in early October. As of late October 2025, the registration portal remains closed, leaving millions of prospective applicants worldwide waiting for official announcement of the entry period. The State Department stated in its November Visa Bulletin that "dates for the DV-2027 program registration period will be widely publicized in the coming months."
The DV-2027 lottery will offer up to 55,000 immigrant visas to individuals from countries with historically low immigration rates to the United States. However, this year marks a significant departure from tradition with the introduction of mandatory registration fees and potential technical updates to the application system. Immigration experts speculate the delay may be linked to implementing the new payment infrastructure required for the $1 electronic registration fee.
Major Changes to Green Card Lottery Registration Process
The DV-2027 program introduces several important updates that applicants need to know before registration opens:
- New $1 Registration Fee: For the first time in program history, all applicants must pay a $1 electronic registration fee, effective September 16, 2025, as published in the Federal Register
- Delayed Opening Date: Registration did not open during the typical early October timeframe, with exact dates to be announced on travel.state.gov in the coming months
- $25 Million Revenue Generation: The Department of State estimates the new fee will generate approximately $25 million from an expected 25 million annual registrants
- Winners Still Pay $330: Selected lottery winners must still pay the standard $330 diversity visa application fee to process their immigrant visa applications
The registration fee represents a significant policy shift, moving operational costs from the 55,000 lottery winners to all participants. Previously, only successful applicants paid fees, but the State Department argues this change "more fairly places the burden of lottery registration on individuals seeking the benefit of gaining access to the DV application process."
Who Is Affected by These Green Card Lottery Updates
The DV-2027 program changes impact prospective immigrants worldwide, particularly those from countries with low U.S. immigration rates. Understanding how these updates affect you is crucial for successful application.
For First-Time Diversity Visa Applicants
If you've never entered the green card lottery before, you'll need to prepare payment information for the $1 registration fee, which must be paid electronically at the time of application. Additionally, ensure your passport photo meets strict U.S. visa photo requirements—photos that don't comply with specifications will result in automatic disqualification. VisaPics offers compliant passport photo services for all diversity visa applications.
For Previous DV Lottery Participants
Even if you've entered the lottery in previous years for free, you must now pay the $1 electronic fee for DV-2027 registration. Save your confirmation number carefully, as it's the only way to check your selection status when results are announced in May 2026. The State Department never sends email or phone notifications to lottery winners.
For DV-2025 and DV-2026 Winners
If you were selected in previous lottery cycles, note that DV-2025 winners must complete their immigrant visa processing before September 30, 2025. DV-2026 results were announced on May 3, 2025, with approximately 131,060 applicants registered and notified from 19,927,656 qualified entries received.
How to Apply for DV-2027 Green Card Lottery - Step by Step
Follow these essential steps to successfully register for the diversity visa lottery when registration opens:
- Monitor Official Website: Check travel.state.gov/dvlottery regularly for the official announcement of DV-2027 registration dates—never rely on third-party websites or services
- Prepare Compliant Photos: Obtain recent passport-style photos that meet strict U.S. diversity visa photo specifications for yourself and all family members included in your application
- Gather Required Documents: Have your passport information, birth certificate details, education certificates, and spouse/children information ready before registration opens
- Prepare Payment Method: Ensure you have a valid credit or debit card to pay the $1 electronic registration fee at the time of application submission
- Complete Application Accurately: Fill out the electronic entry form at dvprogram.state.gov during the official registration period, typically lasting 30-60 days
- Save Confirmation Number: Print and securely store your unique confirmation number—this is the only way to check if you were selected when results are announced
- Check Results in May: Return to dvprogram.state.gov in May 2026 using your confirmation number to see if you were selected
Important Dates and Timeline for DV-2027
Key dates to remember for the Diversity Visa 2027 lottery program:
- September 16, 2025: New $1 registration fee took effect per Federal Register publication
- October 2025 (Expected): Registration period anticipated to open sometime in October or November 2025, pending official State Department announcement
- November 2025 (Estimated): Registration period expected to close approximately 30-60 days after opening
- May 2026 (Projected): Lottery results typically announced in early May of the following year
- September 30, 2027: All DV-2027 winners must complete immigrant visa processing before this fiscal year deadline
Frequently Asked Questions About Green Card Lottery Updates
Why Was the DV-2027 Lottery Registration Delayed?
The U.S. State Department has not provided a specific reason for the delay beyond stating there will be "changes to the DV entry process." Immigration experts believe the delay is related to implementing the new $1 electronic payment system and potential technical updates to the application portal. The State Department confirmed registration dates will be widely publicized on travel.state.gov in the coming months.
How Do I Pay the $1 Diversity Visa Registration Fee?
The $1 registration fee must be paid electronically at the time you submit your DV-2027 application through the official dvprogram.state.gov website. You'll need a valid credit or debit card to complete the payment. This fee is non-refundable and separate from the $330 diversity visa application fee that lottery winners must pay later if selected.
What Photo Requirements Must I Meet for the Green Card Lottery?
Your diversity visa lottery photo must meet strict U.S. passport photo specifications: recent photo taken within 6 months, white or off-white background, full face view directly facing camera, neutral expression, and specific dimension requirements. Photos that don't comply with these specifications will result in automatic disqualification. Professional services like VisaPics can ensure your photos meet all technical requirements for visa applications.
Can I Still Enter the DV Lottery for Free?
No, starting with the DV-2027 program, all applicants must pay a mandatory $1 electronic registration fee. This is the first time in program history that a fee has been required just to enter the lottery. However, entering remains accessible at just $1 compared to other U.S. immigration pathways that cost thousands of dollars.
What You Need to Know About the 2027 Green Card Lottery
The DV-2027 diversity visa lottery represents a new era for the program with the introduction of mandatory registration fees and delayed opening dates. Prospective applicants should regularly check the official State Department website at travel.state.gov for the official announcement of registration dates expected in the coming months. The program will continue to offer 55,000 immigrant visa opportunities to qualified individuals from eligible countries worldwide.
To maximize your chances of success, prepare all required documentation in advance, ensure your passport photo meets strict U.S. visa specifications, and have payment information ready when registration opens. Avoid scam websites that charge excessive fees—the only official registration portal is dvprogram.state.gov, and legitimate entry costs just $1. For professional assistance with compliant visa photos for your diversity visa application, VisaPics provides specification-compliant photo services for all 172 countries and over 952 document types.