DV-2027 Green Card Lottery Registration Unexpectedly Delayed
The U.S. Department of State has confirmed an unprecedented delay in opening the Diversity Visa (DV) 2027 Green Card Lottery registration, which traditionally begins in early October each year. As of October 16, 2025, the State Department has not announced official registration dates but stated that dates "will be widely publicized in the coming months." This marks the first significant delay in the program's modern history, leaving millions of hopeful applicants worldwide waiting for their chance to enter.
Immigration attorneys and industry experts speculate the delay is directly linked to implementing a major program change: the introduction of a mandatory $1 electronic registration fee for all entrants. The new fee system, which became effective September 16, 2025, represents the first time the Diversity Visa Lottery has charged applicants for initial entry submission.
Major Changes to Green Card Lottery Registration Process
The DV-2027 lottery cycle introduces several critical updates that applicants must understand before registration opens:
- $1 Registration Fee: Every applicant must pay a non-refundable $1 electronic fee when submitting their entry through the official government portal at dvprogram.state.gov
- No Refunds Policy: The $1 fee is non-refundable regardless of lottery results, whether applicants are selected, or if they choose not to proceed with visa applications
- Payment at Submission: Fees must be paid online immediately when clicking "submit" on the entry form through a secure U.S. Treasury payment system accepting major credit and debit cards
- Revenue Generation: With approximately 25 million annual registrants, the State Department estimates this fee will generate $25 million annually to cover program operational costs
- Delayed Opening: Registration will not open in October 2025 as traditionally expected, with new dates to be announced in coming months
The State Department declined to provide specific reasons for the registration delay when contacted by immigration news outlets. However, experts believe the implementation of the new online payment infrastructure requires additional testing and system integration time to handle millions of simultaneous transactions securely.
Who Is Affected by These Green Card Lottery Updates
These changes impact millions of prospective immigrants worldwide who rely on the Diversity Visa program as their primary pathway to U.S. permanent residency.
For First-Time DV Lottery Applicants
If you're planning to enter the Green Card Lottery for the first time, you'll need to prepare a payment method (credit or debit card) before registration opens. The $1 fee must be paid for each individual entry, meaning families entering separately will each pay $1. Ensure your passport photo meets official U.S. visa photo requirements to avoid disqualification after selection.
For Previous DV Lottery Participants
Veterans of previous lottery cycles will notice the most significant change: the entry process is no longer free. Budget for the $1 fee per person, and remember that fees from previous years cannot be transferred or credited. The registration window timing may also differ from traditional October-November periods you've experienced in past years.
For DV-2026 Lottery Winners
If you were selected in the DV-2026 lottery (results released May 3, 2025), these changes do not affect your case. Continue following your consular processing timeline and prepare for your visa interview. The $330 diversity visa application fee for selected applicants remains unchanged at this time.
How to Prepare for DV-2027 Registration - Step by Step
Take these actions now to ensure you're ready when registration opens:
- Obtain Valid Payment Method: Secure a credit or debit card accepted for international online transactions (Visa, Mastercard, American Express, or Discover)
- Prepare Required Photos: Get compliant passport-style photos for yourself and all family members being included in your entry - photos must meet strict U.S. diversity visa specifications
- Gather Personal Documents: Collect passport information, birth certificates, and educational documents for all applicants to complete the online form accurately
- Monitor Official Announcements: Check the official State Department website at travel.state.gov regularly for registration opening announcements - avoid third-party lottery services charging excessive fees
- Create Email Account: Set up a dedicated email address for lottery communications and ensure you can access it long-term for result notifications
Important Dates and Timeline for DV-2027
Mark these critical dates on your calendar to avoid missing registration opportunities:
- September 16, 2025: New $1 registration fee rule took effect officially in Federal Register
- October 2025 (Expected): Traditional registration opening did not occur - dates postponed to later announcement
- Coming Months: State Department will widely publicize official DV-2027 registration opening and closing dates
- Typically 60-Day Window: Historical registration periods last approximately 60 days, though exact DV-2027 duration not yet confirmed
- May 2027 (Projected): DV-2027 lottery results expected to be announced, following historical patterns from previous years
- October 2027-September 2028: Fiscal year 2027 during which selected DV-2027 winners must complete visa processing and enter the United States
Frequently Asked Questions About Green Card Lottery Changes
Why Is There Now a $1 Fee for the Diversity Visa Lottery?
The State Department implemented the $1 registration fee to help cover operational costs of the DV lottery program. Previously, only the 55,000 lottery winners paid fees, while approximately 25 million people entered for free annually. The new system distributes costs more broadly across all participants, generating an estimated $25 million in annual revenue for program administration.
Can I Get a Refund If I'm Not Selected in the Lottery?
No, the $1 registration fee is completely non-refundable under all circumstances. Whether you're selected or not selected in the lottery, choose not to proceed with your application, or are found ineligible during processing, the fee will not be returned. This policy is clearly stated in the Federal Register rule published September 16, 2025.
When Will DV-2027 Registration Actually Open?
The State Department has not announced specific dates as of mid-October 2025. Official guidance states that registration dates "will be widely publicized in the coming months." Experts recommend monitoring the official website at dvprogram.state.gov and subscribing to State Department email updates for immediate notification when registration opens.
What You Need to Know About the Delayed DV-2027 Lottery
The unprecedented delay in DV-2027 registration represents a significant shift in the Diversity Visa program as the State Department implements new payment infrastructure. While frustrating for eager applicants, the delay ensures the new $1 fee system functions properly to handle millions of simultaneous entries securely. The 55,000 available green cards remain unchanged, maintaining the same opportunity level for qualified applicants worldwide.
Start preparing now by ensuring your passport photo meets requirements and gathering necessary documentation for all family members. When registration opens, you'll need to move quickly during the limited submission window. Consider using professional visa photo services to ensure your application isn't disqualified due to photo non-compliance - even a $1 entry becomes wasted money if technical photo requirements aren't met precisely according to U.S. government specifications.