Breaking: DV-2027 Green Card Lottery Registration Delayed
The U.S. Department of State has officially delayed the opening of the DV-2027 Diversity Visa Lottery, breaking with a decades-long tradition of early October registration. As of November 14, 2025, no official opening date has been announced, affecting millions of prospective applicants worldwide. The delay coincides with the implementation of a historic $1 electronic registration fee that took effect on October 16, 2025.
According to the November 2025 Visa Bulletin, the State Department confirmed that "dates for the DV-2027 program registration period will be widely publicized in the coming months." This marks the first time in the program's history that applicants must pay to enter the annual green card lottery, which typically makes 55,000 immigrant visas available to individuals from countries with low rates of immigration to the United States.
Key Changes to the 2027 Diversity Visa Lottery Program
The State Department has introduced several significant changes that will affect all future applicants:
- New $1 Entry Fee: All DV-2027 applicants must pay a non-refundable $1 electronic registration fee when submitting their entry, effective October 16, 2025
- Enhanced Security Measures: Stricter passport verification requirements proposed on August 5, 2025, requiring valid, unexpired passport information and biographic page scans unless exempt
- Delayed Registration Period: Traditional early October opening postponed indefinitely as the department implements new payment systems and anti-fraud measures
- Revenue Generation: The new fee structure is expected to generate approximately $25 million annually from an estimated 25 million registrants
- Fraud Prevention Focus: Payment requirement designed to discourage third-party scammers from submitting multiple fake entries on behalf of unsuspecting applicants
Morgan Bailey, a partner at Mayer Brown and former senior official at the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), stated that the delay combined with regulatory updates suggests the State Department is substantially modifying the registration process. The changes represent the most significant overhaul of the Diversity Visa program in recent years.
Who Is Affected By These Green Card Lottery Changes
These updates impact different groups of applicants in various ways. Understanding how the changes affect your specific situation is crucial for proper preparation.
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 in addition to ensuring your passport photo meets requirements. The new payment system requires a credit or debit card for the electronic transaction through the secure U.S. Treasury payment portal. First-time applicants should also be aware that this fee is separate from the $330 Diversity Visa application fee that only applies if you're selected as a winner.
For Previous DV Lottery Participants
Past applicants who are accustomed to free registration will need to adjust to the new fee structure. Additionally, the enhanced passport verification requirements mean you must have a valid, unexpired passport to register, whereas previous years allowed some flexibility. Make sure your passport photo and documentation comply with current specifications before the registration period opens.
For DV-2026 Lottery Winners
If you were selected in the DV-2026 lottery (results announced May 3, 2025), these changes do not affect your application. You can continue processing your immigrant visa application through September 30, 2026, under the existing rules and fee structure. However, approximately 129,516 registered DV-2026 applicants should monitor the November Visa Bulletin for cutoff dates and processing updates.
How to Prepare for DV-2027 Registration - Step by Step
Follow these essential steps to ensure you're ready when registration opens:
- Monitor Official Sources: Bookmark dvprogram.state.gov and check regularly for the official registration opening announcement (ignore third-party sites claiming early access)
- Verify Passport Validity: Ensure your passport is valid and unexpired, and obtain high-quality scans of the biographic page as required by new security measures
- Prepare Payment Method: Have a valid credit or debit card ready for the $1 electronic registration fee through the U.S. Treasury payment system
- Get Compliant Photos: Obtain passport photos that meet strict U.S. diversity visa photo requirements, including proper background, dimensions, and recent capture date
- Gather Documentation: Collect required information including birth certificates, education credentials, and spouse/children details if applicable
- Review Eligibility Requirements: Confirm your country of birth qualifies for DV-2027 (countries with high U.S. immigration rates are typically excluded)
- Save Confirmation Number: Once you submit your entry, immediately save and back up your confirmation number - this is the only way to check your results later
Important Dates and Timeline for DV-2027
Mark these critical dates on your calendar to avoid missing important deadlines:
- October 16, 2025: New $1 electronic registration fee rule took effect for all future DV lottery entries
- November 5, 2025: State Department issued public alert confirming DV-2027 registration period not yet open, with dates to be announced
- Registration Period (TBA): Typically lasts 30-60 days once opened - exact dates will be announced on dvprogram.state.gov
- Results Announcement (Estimated May 2027): Winners typically notified in early May of the following year through the Entrant Status Check portal
- Visa Processing (October 2027 - September 2028): Selected applicants have fiscal year 2028 to 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 U.S. State Department implemented the $1 fee to distribute operational costs more broadly across all applicants rather than only the 55,000 lottery winners. With approximately 25 million people entering annually, the fee generates $25 million in revenue to cover program administration. Additionally, the payment requirement helps reduce fraudulent or duplicate entries by creating a financial barrier for scammers who previously submitted thousands of fake applications at no cost.
Is the $1 Entry Fee Refundable If I'm Not Selected?
No, the $1 electronic registration fee is non-refundable regardless of lottery outcome. This fee is separate from the $330 Diversity Visa application fee that only winners pay when proceeding with their immigrant visa application. The registration fee applies to every entry submitted, whether you're selected or not.
When Will DV-2027 Registration Actually Open?
The State Department has not announced a specific opening date as of November 14, 2025. The traditional early October timeline was disrupted by the implementation of the new payment system and enhanced security measures. The department has stated that registration dates will be "widely publicized in the coming months" and urges applicants to monitor only the official website at dvprogram.state.gov for accurate information.
What You Need to Know About the Green Card Lottery Delay
The DV-2027 lottery delay represents a significant shift in the Diversity Visa program's administration, driven by modernization efforts and fraud prevention goals. While the postponement creates uncertainty for millions of prospective applicants, the State Department has confirmed the program is not cancelled, merely delayed. The new $1 fee and enhanced passport requirements signal a move toward more secure and accountable lottery administration.
Applicants should remain vigilant against fraud by using only the official government website at dvprogram.state.gov for registration and status checks. When preparing your application, ensure your passport photo meets requirements and all documentation is accurate and complete. For professional assistance with diversity visa photo specifications that comply with U.S. government standards, consider using specialized services that guarantee acceptance. Stay informed by monitoring official State Department channels, and be prepared to act quickly once registration opens, as the window is typically only 30-60 days.