Historic Changes to Green Card Lottery Registration Process
The U.S. Department of State has confirmed an unprecedented delay in the opening of the DV-2027 Diversity Visa lottery, which typically begins in early October each year. As of October 23, 2025, registration remains closed with no official start date announced. Additionally, the State Department has implemented a $1 electronic registration fee for all applicants, marking the first paid entry requirement in the program's 33-year history.
The new fee became effective September 16, 2025, following publication of the final rule in the Federal Register. This change fundamentally shifts how the green card lottery program is funded and raises important questions for the estimated 25 million annual applicants worldwide.
Key Changes for DV-2027 Green Card Lottery
The State Department has announced several critical updates that will affect all diversity visa lottery applicants this year:
- $1 Registration Fee Required: All applicants must pay a $1 electronic fee when submitting their DV-2027 entry through the official government website (dvprogram.state.gov)
- No Refunds Available: The $1 fee is non-refundable regardless of lottery results, whether you're selected or not, and cannot be transferred between lottery years
- Registration Delayed: The application period has not opened as expected in early October 2025, with the State Department stating dates "will be widely publicized in the coming months"
- Process Changes Coming: A State Department spokesperson confirmed "there will be changes to the DV entry process" beyond just the registration fee
- 55,000 Green Cards Available: The total number of diversity visas remains unchanged at 55,000 for the DV-2027 program year
- $330 Application Fee Still Required: Winners selected in the lottery must still pay the separate $330 diversity visa application fee to proceed with their immigration case
The $1 registration fee is expected to generate approximately $25 million annually to cover operational costs including system upgrades, data storage, automated selection processes, and enhanced security reviews.
Who Is Affected by These Green Card Lottery Changes
These updates impact millions of potential immigrants worldwide who hope to obtain permanent residence in the United States. Here's how different groups are affected:
For First-Time Diversity Visa Applicants
If you're applying to the green card lottery for the first time, you'll need to prepare for the $1 payment in addition to gathering required documentation. Make sure you have a valid payment method ready and only use the official government website at dvprogram.state.gov. Be extremely cautious of scam websites that may charge more than $1 or promise to improve your chances.
For Previous Lottery Participants
Past participation does not guarantee future selection, and the new fee applies to everyone regardless of how many times you've entered before. Additionally, you cannot reuse photos from previous applications as each entry must include a current, compliant passport-style photograph that meets State Department specifications.
For Eligible Country Nationals
The list of eligible countries for DV-2027 excludes high-immigration nations including Bangladesh, Brazil, Canada, China (mainland-born), India, Mexico, Nigeria, Pakistan, Philippines, South Korea, United Kingdom, and Vietnam. Natives of all other countries can apply, though you must also meet education or work experience requirements.
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: Check travel.state.gov/DiversityVisa regularly for registration date announcements; the State Department will also publish dates in the Federal Register
- Verify Your Eligibility: Confirm you're a native of an eligible country and have either a high school education (or equivalent) OR two years of qualifying work experience in a field requiring at least two years of training
- Prepare Payment Method: Ensure you have a valid credit or debit card ready to pay the $1 registration fee at the time of application submission
- Get Compliant Photos: Obtain recent passport-style photos that meet strict State Department specifications including proper dimensions, background color, and facial positioning (ensure your passport photo meets requirements before applying)
- Gather Required Information: Collect passport details, birth certificates, education documents, and information for any spouse or children under 21 who will be included in your application
- Use Only Official Website: Never use third-party "visa consultant" sites; register exclusively through dvprogram.state.gov to avoid scams and ensure your entry is valid
- Submit Early: When registration opens, apply as soon as possible during the registration window (typically about one month) to avoid last-minute technical issues
Important Dates and Timeline for Green Card Lottery
Here's what you need to know about the DV-2027 timeline:
- September 16, 2025: $1 registration fee final rule published in Federal Register and took effect immediately
- Expected October 2025: Normal registration opening timeframe - delayed without announced date as of October 23, 2025
- Announced "Coming Months": State Department will publicize DV-2027 registration dates on travel.state.gov and in Federal Register
- Registration Period: Typically runs for approximately one month once opened (exact dates to be announced)
- May 2026 (Expected): Selection results typically become available through Entrant Status Check on dvprogram.state.gov
- Fiscal Year 2027: Selected diversity visa winners must complete their visa application and immigration process during the designated fiscal year
Frequently Asked Questions About Green Card Lottery Changes
Why Is There Now a Fee to Enter the Diversity Visa Lottery?
The State Department implemented the $1 fee to more fairly distribute the costs of administering the lottery program. Previously, only the 55,000 winners paid fees, but the program's operational costs cover processing entries from approximately 25 million annual applicants. The new fee spreads these costs across all registrants rather than placing the entire burden on the small percentage of successful applicants.
How Can I Avoid Green Card Lottery Scams With the New Fee?
Only register through the official U.S. government website at dvprogram.state.gov and never pay more than $1 for registration. Be extremely cautious of any third-party websites, "visa consultants," or individuals claiming they can improve your chances or offering to submit your application. If someone requests additional money or promises guaranteed selection, it is definitely a scam. The lottery selection is completely random and cannot be influenced.
When Will DV-2027 Green Card Lottery Registration Actually Open?
The State Department has not announced specific dates as of October 23, 2025. According to the November Visa Bulletin, registration dates "will be widely publicized in the coming months." Prospective applicants should monitor travel.state.gov/DiversityVisa and the Federal Register for official announcements. The delay appears related to implementing the new payment system and other process changes.
Are My Passport Photos Good Enough for the Diversity Visa Application?
Your diversity visa lottery photo must meet strict State Department specifications including specific dimensions, recent date (within 6 months), plain white or off-white background, and proper head positioning. Regular passport photos often meet these requirements, but you should verify all specifications before submitting. Using an incorrect photo is one of the most common reasons for disqualification, so check our visa photo specifications to ensure compliance.
Will the $1 Fee Be Refunded If I'm Not Selected?
No, the $1 registration fee is non-refundable under all circumstances. Whether you're selected in the lottery or not, and regardless of whether you proceed with a visa application, the registration fee will not be returned. Additionally, fees cannot be transferred between different lottery years, so you must pay $1 each time you apply.
What You Need to Know About DV-2027 Green Card Lottery
The introduction of the $1 registration fee and unexpected delay represent significant changes to the diversity visa lottery program. However, the core opportunity remains unchanged with 55,000 green cards available to qualified applicants from eligible countries worldwide. The fee itself is minimal compared to the value of obtaining permanent residence in the United States.
To maximize your chances of success, stay vigilant for the official registration announcement, prepare all required documents in advance, and ensure your passport photo meets requirements before the application window opens. Most importantly, only use the official government website and never trust third-party services that claim to improve your odds. The selection process remains completely random and fair for all qualified applicants.