Green Card Lottery Registration Faces Unprecedented Delay
The U.S. Department of State confirmed on November 5, 2025, that the DV-2027 Green Card Lottery registration has been delayed with no official start date announced. This marks the first time in recent history that the Diversity Visa program has missed its traditional early October launch window. The State Department stated that registration dates will be announced "as soon as practicable" and "widely publicized in the coming months."
The delay affects approximately 25 million annual applicants worldwide who compete for up to 55,000 diversity immigrant visas each year. Immigration attorneys speculate the postponement is linked to significant program changes, including the implementation of a new electronic payment system and enhanced fraud prevention measures.
Major Changes to Green Card Lottery Program in 2025
The DV-2027 program introduces several historic changes that represent the most significant updates to the diversity visa lottery in years:
- New $1 Registration Fee: For the first time in program history, all applicants must pay a $1 electronic fee when submitting their entry, effective October 16, 2025
- Non-Refundable Payment: The fee is non-refundable regardless of lottery results and cannot be transferred between lottery years
- Enhanced Fraud Prevention: Proposed passport verification requirements announced August 5, 2025, though unlikely to take effect for DV-2027
- Electronic Payment System: All fees collected electronically at the time of submission through the official dvprogram.state.gov website
- Delayed Timeline: Registration delayed over one month past typical October 1-2 opening date with no confirmed start date
According to the final rule published in the Federal Register on September 16, 2025, the new fee structure ensures that the estimated 25 million annual registrants help cover program expenses, rather than placing the full burden on only the 55,000 lottery winners. The $330 Diversity Visa application fee still applies separately to selected winners.
Who Is Affected By These Green Card Lottery Changes
These updates impact millions of prospective immigrants worldwide seeking permanent residency in the United States through the diversity visa program.
For First-Time Applicants
New applicants must prepare to pay the $1 fee electronically and may need valid passport information depending on final rule implementation. Ensure your passport photo meets official U.S. visa photo requirements before registration opens. Budget for the non-refundable $1 entry fee plus the potential $330 application fee if selected.
For Previous DV Lottery Participants
If you've entered the green card lottery in previous years, be aware that the process has changed significantly. The new $1 fee applies to all entries, and you'll need electronic payment capability. Previous entries do not carry over, and fees from past applications cannot be transferred to DV-2027.
For DV-2026 Selectees
If you were selected in the DV-2026 lottery, you must complete your visa application by September 30, 2026. Selection results remain available through the Entrant Status Check on dvprogram.state.gov until at least that date. Selection in previous lottery years does not affect your eligibility to apply for DV-2027.
How to Prepare for DV-2027 Registration - Step by Step
Follow these steps to maximize your chances when registration opens:
- Monitor Official Website: Check dvprogram.state.gov regularly for the official announcement of DV-2027 registration dates and detailed instructions
- Prepare Electronic Payment: Ensure you have a valid credit or debit card ready for the $1 electronic registration fee payment
- Update Passport Photos: Obtain compliant passport photos that meet U.S. diversity visa photo specifications including proper dimensions, background, and quality standards
- Gather Required Documents: Collect birth certificates, marriage certificates (if applicable), and education credentials showing high school completion or equivalent
- Verify Eligibility: Confirm your country of birth is eligible for the DV-2027 program, as certain countries with high immigration rates are typically excluded
- Prepare Spouse and Children Information: Compile complete information for all eligible family members including names, birth dates, and current photos
- Create Reminder Alerts: Set up notifications to ensure you don't miss the registration deadline once announced by the State Department
Important Dates and Timeline for DV-2027
Here are the critical dates you need to know for the green card lottery:
- September 16, 2025: Final rule establishing $1 registration fee published in Federal Register
- October 16, 2025: New $1 electronic registration fee requirement takes effect
- November 5, 2025: State Department confirms DV-2027 delay, announces dates will be released "as soon as practicable"
- Registration Period (TBA): Typical 30-day window expected once announced, historically running early October to early November
- Results Announcement (Estimated May 2027): Selected applicants typically notified approximately 7 months after registration closes
- Fiscal Year 2027: Diversity visa numbers available October 1, 2026 through September 30, 2027 for selected applicants
Frequently Asked Questions About Green Card Lottery Updates
Why Is the DV-2027 Green Card Lottery Delayed?
The U.S. State Department has not officially disclosed the reason for the delay. Immigration experts speculate it's related to implementing the new $1 electronic payment system and potential technical updates to the registration platform. The delay may also involve enhanced fraud prevention measures and system modifications to handle passport verification requirements proposed in August 2025.
Will I Need a Passport to Enter the DV-2027 Lottery?
Based on current information, a passport will not be required for DV-2027 registration. While the State Department proposed a rule on August 5, 2025, requiring valid passport scans and biographic page uploads, officials indicate this requirement is unlikely to take effect in time for the DV-2027 cycle. However, applicants should monitor official announcements for any last-minute changes.
Can I Get a Refund If I'm Not Selected in the Lottery?
No, the $1 registration fee is completely non-refundable regardless of whether you're selected or rejected. The fee cannot be transferred to future lottery years. This fee is separate from the $330 Diversity Visa application fee, which only applies if you're selected and proceed with your green card application.
How Many People Win the Green Card Lottery Each Year?
The U.S. government makes up to 55,000 diversity immigrant visas available each fiscal year through the lottery program. However, approximately 25 million people enter annually, making the selection rate roughly 0.22%. The State Department selects more than 55,000 initial winners to account for applicants who don't complete the process or don't qualify after further vetting.
What You Need to Know About the Delayed Registration
The unprecedented delay in DV-2027 registration represents a significant shift in the diversity visa program administration. With the introduction of the first-ever registration fee and enhanced vetting procedures, prospective applicants should prepare thoroughly before the registration window opens. The State Department's commitment to announcing dates "in the coming months" suggests registration could open anywhere from mid-November 2025 through early 2026.
To maximize your chances of success, ensure your passport photo meets all official requirements for U.S. visa applications and monitor the official dvprogram.state.gov website daily for registration announcements. Once the window opens, expect a shortened registration period due to the delay, making immediate action critical. Additionally, verify your eligibility criteria, prepare all required documentation in advance, and have electronic payment ready to avoid missing this opportunity for U.S. permanent residency.