DV-2027 Green Card Lottery Registration Delayed as New Fee Takes Effect
The U.S. Department of State has officially delayed the opening of the Diversity Visa (DV) 2027 Green Card Lottery beyond its traditional early October start date, marking the first delay in recent program history. Registration was expected to begin in the first week of October 2025, but the State Department confirmed on November 5, 2025 that the start date will be announced "as soon as practicable." The delay coincides with the implementation of a historic $1 electronic registration fee that took effect on October 16, 2025.
This represents the most significant change to the Green Card Lottery in decades, affecting an estimated 25 million applicants worldwide who participate in the annual program. The Diversity Visa program makes 55,000 immigrant visas available each year to individuals from countries with low rates of immigration to the United States.
Key Changes to the Diversity Visa Lottery Program
The State Department has implemented several major changes that are reshaping how applicants participate in the Green Card Lottery:
- New $1 Registration Fee: Effective October 16, 2025, all DV-2027 applicants must pay a $1 non-refundable electronic fee to enter the lottery, marking the first time participants pay simply to register
- Delayed Registration Period: The DV-2027 entry period has been postponed from its typical early October opening, with dates to be announced in the Federal Register and on travel.state.gov
- Reduced Visa Allocations: Available diversity visas decreased from 55,000 to approximately 51,600 for the 2025 and 2026 fiscal years
- Enhanced Fraud Prevention: Upgraded antifraud systems and security measures are being implemented alongside the new fee structure
- No Passport Requirement: Despite earlier proposals, a passport will not be required for DV-2027 registration due to procedural timeline constraints
The $1 fee is in addition to the existing $330 Diversity Visa application fee that selected winners must pay when applying for their immigrant visa. Registration fees are non-refundable regardless of lottery results, selection status, or whether applicants decide to proceed with their visa application.
Who Is Affected by These Green Card Lottery Changes
These changes impact millions of prospective immigrants worldwide who rely on the Diversity Visa program as their pathway to U.S. permanent residence. Understanding how these updates affect different groups is crucial for planning your immigration strategy.
For First-Time DV Lottery Applicants
If you're planning to enter the Green Card Lottery for the first time, you'll need to budget for the $1 registration fee and prepare acceptable payment methods before the registration period opens. The fee must be paid electronically at the time of registration through the official State Department website at dvprogram.state.gov. Make sure your passport photo meets the strict technical requirements to avoid disqualification.
For Previous DV Lottery Participants
Veterans of the lottery process will notice the new payment requirement and delayed timeline. Unlike previous years when registration was completely free, you must now pay $1 per entry, which cannot be transferred between lottery years. Monitor the official State Department website closely for the announcement of DV-2027 registration dates, expected in late November 2025.
For DV-2026 Lottery Winners
If you were selected in the DV-2026 lottery (results announced May 3, 2025), you have until September 30, 2026 to complete your visa application and interview process. Your eligibility is not affected by the new $1 fee, which only applies to future lottery cycles. However, you must still pay the standard $330 diversity visa application fee when submitting your immigrant visa application.
How to Register for the DV-2027 Green Card Lottery - Step by Step
When registration opens, follow these steps to ensure your entry is properly submitted:
- Monitor Official Announcements: Check travel.state.gov and dvprogram.state.gov regularly for the official registration period announcement, expected in late November 2025
- Prepare Required Documents: Gather a recent passport-style photo that meets State Department specifications (2x2 inches, white background, taken within 6 months) and information for your spouse and children under 21
- Complete Online Entry Form: Visit dvprogram.state.gov during the registration period and fill out the Electronic Diversity Visa Entry Form (E-DV) with accurate personal information
- Pay the $1 Registration Fee: Submit payment electronically using an accepted payment method (credit card, debit card, or electronic payment service) at the time of registration
- Save Confirmation Number: Print or screenshot your confirmation number immediately after submission - this is the only way to check your results and cannot be retrieved later
- Check Results in May 2026: Return to dvprogram.state.gov in May 2026 using your confirmation number to see if you were selected (the State Department does not send email notifications)
Important Dates and Timeline for DV-2027
Mark these critical dates on your calendar to ensure you don't miss important deadlines:
- September 16, 2025: Final rule establishing the $1 registration fee published in Federal Register and became effective immediately
- October 16, 2025: New $1 electronic registration fee takes effect for all future lottery entries
- Late November 2025 (Expected): DV-2027 registration period opening to be announced by State Department with specific dates
- 60-Day Registration Window: Entry period typically runs for approximately 60 days once opened (exact dates to be confirmed)
- May 2026 (Expected): DV-2027 lottery results to be announced on dvprogram.state.gov
- October 1, 2026 - September 30, 2027: Fiscal year 2027 during which DV-2027 selectees must complete visa processing and enter the United States
Frequently Asked Questions About Green Card Lottery Changes
Why Is There a $1 Fee for the Green Card Lottery Now?
The State Department implemented the $1 registration fee to cover operational costs of running the annual lottery program, including system maintenance, data storage, automated randomized selection, and security reviews. With an estimated 25 million entries per year, the fee will generate approximately $25 million annually to fund system upgrades and improved fraud prevention measures. The fee reflects actual costs and helps maintain the integrity of the diversity visa selection process.
Can I Get a Refund If I'm Not Selected in the Lottery?
No, the $1 registration fee is completely non-refundable regardless of lottery results. You will not receive a refund if you are not selected, if you decide not to complete your visa application after being selected, or if your visa application is denied. Additionally, the fee cannot be transferred to future lottery years, so you must pay $1 for each year you wish to enter.
When Will DV-2027 Registration Actually Open?
The State Department has not announced specific dates yet but stated on November 5, 2025 that registration will open "as soon as practicable." Based on historical patterns and current delays, registration is expected to open in late November or early December 2025. The Department will publish official dates on travel.state.gov and in the Federal Register. Monitor these official sources regularly as registration typically remains open for only 60 days.
How Many People Are Selected in the Green Card Lottery?
Approximately 125,000 to 130,000 individuals are selected each year, although only 55,000 diversity visas are available (reduced to about 51,600 in recent years). The State Department selects more people than available visas because not all selectees will complete the rigorous application process, pass background checks, or qualify for permanent residence. For DV-2026, exactly 129,516 applicants were selected from over 20.8 million qualified entries.
Do I Need a Passport to Register for DV-2027?
No, you do not need a passport to register for the DV-2027 lottery. While the State Department proposed requiring passport information during registration, officials confirmed this requirement will not take effect in time for the DV-2027 cycle due to procedural timelines. However, you will need a valid passport if you are selected and proceed with your immigrant visa application.
What You Need to Know About the Green Card Lottery Moving Forward
The Diversity Visa program is undergoing its most significant transformation in decades with the introduction of the $1 registration fee and enhanced security measures. While the delayed DV-2027 registration period has created uncertainty for millions of hopeful applicants, the program remains active and committed to providing 55,000 pathways to permanent U.S. residence annually. The State Department has assured applicants that registration dates will be widely publicized when finalized.
If you're planning to participate in the DV-2027 lottery, prepare your documents now including a compliant passport photo that meets all State Department requirements. At VisaPics, we help thousands of diversity visa applicants ensure their photos meet the strict technical specifications required to avoid automatic disqualification. Additionally, monitor official government sources closely for the registration period announcement expected in late November 2025, and be ready to pay the new $1 fee when you submit your entry.
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