DV-2027 Green Card Lottery Registration Officially Delayed
The U.S. State Department has officially delayed the DV-2027 Green Card Lottery registration past its expected early October 2025 opening date. The delay comes as the department implements a historic $1 electronic registration fee that takes effect October 16, 2025, marking the first time applicants must pay to enter the annual Diversity Visa lottery.
The registration period typically runs from early October to early November each year, with DV-2026 opening October 2-November 7, 2024. However, the State Department has not announced specific dates for DV-2027, stating only that registration dates "will be widely publicized in the coming months."
Historic $1 Registration Fee: What Changed on October 16, 2025
Starting October 16, 2025, every Diversity Visa lottery entrant must pay a $1 electronic registration fee at the time of application. This represents a fundamental shift in how the program operates.
- Non-Refundable Fee: The $1 charge will not be refunded regardless of lottery results or whether you proceed with a visa application
- Payment Required Upfront: All applicants must pay through the official government portal at dvprogram.state.gov during registration
- Separate from Application Fee: The $1 registration fee is in addition to the existing $330 Diversity Visa application fee for selected winners
- Annual Revenue Impact: The State Department projects the new fee will generate approximately $25 million annually
- Cost Distribution Goal: The fee aims to distribute operational costs more broadly instead of placing the burden only on lottery winners
- Fraud Prevention: The department states the fee will help reduce fraudulent and duplicate entries
The final rule establishing the $1 registration fee was published in the Federal Register on September 16, 2025, and took effect the same day. Immigration experts speculate this fee implementation is the primary reason for the DV-2027 registration delay.
Who Is Affected by the Green Card Lottery Changes
The new $1 fee and registration delay impact millions of prospective immigrants worldwide who participate in the Diversity Visa program annually. Understanding how these changes affect different applicant groups is crucial for proper preparation.
For First-Time DV Lottery Applicants
If you're applying to the green card lottery for the first time, you'll need to budget for the new $1 registration fee and prepare payment information in advance. Ensure you have a valid payment method accepted by the U.S. government portal before registration opens.
For Previous Lottery Participants
Past applicants who applied to DV-2026 or earlier programs for free will now face the mandatory $1 charge. Remember that this fee is per person, so families applying together will need to pay $1 for each individual entry including eligible spouses and children.
For Applicants from Countries with Limited Resources
The $1 fee raises concerns for applicants from economically disadvantaged countries who make up a large portion of DV lottery participants. For individuals in countries with limited access to international payment systems or banking infrastructure, the fee could pose practical challenges beyond the nominal cost.
How to Prepare for DV-2027 Registration - Step by Step
Follow these steps to ensure you're ready when DV-2027 registration officially opens:
- Monitor Official Channels: Check dvprogram.state.gov regularly for the official announcement of DV-2027 registration dates
- Prepare Payment Method: Ensure you have a valid credit card, debit card, or other payment method accepted by the U.S. government portal
- Gather Required Documents: Collect digital passport photos meeting strict U.S. requirements (2x2 inches, white background, taken within 6 months)
- Verify Eligibility: Confirm your country of birth is eligible for DV-2027 and you meet education or work experience requirements
- Review Photo Specifications: Ensure your passport photo meets all technical requirements to avoid disqualification (visit VisaPics for country-specific photo guidelines)
- Bookmark the Portal: Save the official dvprogram.state.gov website and avoid scam sites charging excessive fees
- Set Registration Reminders: Create calendar alerts for when registration opens, as the window typically lasts only 30-35 days
Important Dates and Timeline for DV-2027
While specific DV-2027 dates remain unannounced, here's the expected timeline based on previous years and official statements:
- September 16, 2025: Final rule for $1 registration fee published in Federal Register
- October 16, 2025: New $1 electronic registration fee officially takes effect
- Expected Late October - Early November 2025: DV-2027 registration period likely to open (typically 30-35 days)
- May 2026 (Estimated): DV-2027 lottery results expected to be announced based on historical patterns
- October 1, 2026 - September 30, 2027: Visa application period for DV-2027 winners
- September 30, 2027: Final deadline for DV-2027 visa processing and issuance
DV-2026 Updates: Results Already Available
While DV-2027 faces delays, the DV-2026 lottery results were announced May 3, 2025. Approximately 129,516 prospective applicants including selectees, spouses, and children were registered as eligible to apply for immigrant visas.
However, Cuban nationals were deemed ineligible for DV-2026 because more than 50,000 Cubans immigrated to the United States in the past five years. Additionally, a small number of entrants from the United Kingdom and dependent areas received incorrect selection results and were advised to recheck their status using the official Entrant Status Check tool.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why Was the DV-2027 Green Card Lottery Delayed?
The U.S. State Department delayed DV-2027 registration to implement the new $1 electronic registration fee that took effect October 16, 2025. While the department hasn't explicitly confirmed this as the reason, immigration attorneys and experts believe the fee implementation requires technical updates to the registration portal and processing systems.
Is the $1 Registration Fee Refundable If I'm Not Selected?
No, the $1 registration fee is completely non-refundable under all circumstances. You will not receive a refund whether you're selected or not selected in the lottery, whether you proceed with a visa application or not, or even if you make an error in your application. This fee is separate from the $330 visa application fee that only selected winners must pay.
How Can I Avoid Green Card Lottery Scams?
Only apply through the official U.S. government website at dvprogram.state.gov, which will charge only the mandatory $1 registration fee. Be extremely cautious of third-party websites charging $50-$200 for "application assistance" or "registration services." The application process is free except for the $1 fee, and no intermediary service is required or recommended by the State Department.
What Countries Are Eligible for the DV-2027 Lottery?
Countries that sent more than 50,000 immigrants to the United States in the past five years are ineligible. Based on DV-2026 precedent, Cuba was excluded, and other high-immigration countries like China (mainland), India, Mexico, Philippines, and Vietnam may also be ineligible. The complete list of eligible countries will be published when DV-2027 registration officially opens.
Do I Need Professional Photos for My Green Card Lottery Application?
Yes, photo requirements for the Diversity Visa lottery are extremely strict, and incorrect photos are among the top reasons for disqualification. Your photo must be 2x2 inches, taken within the last 6 months, with a plain white background, and meet specific technical requirements for lighting, composition, and digital file specifications. Many applicants use professional visa photo services like VisaPics to ensure their photos meet all official U.S. requirements and avoid costly disqualification.
What You Need to Know About the Green Card Lottery Changes
The introduction of the $1 registration fee represents the most significant change to the Diversity Visa lottery program in years. While the fee is nominal, it fundamentally shifts the program's cost structure and may affect participation rates, particularly among applicants from economically disadvantaged countries. The State Department's goal is to distribute operational costs more fairly and reduce fraudulent entries.
If you're planning to apply for DV-2027, stay vigilant for the official registration announcement and ensure your passport photo meets all technical requirements before the registration window opens. With only 30-35 days typically available for registration and approximately 50,000 diversity visas available annually from millions of entries, preparation is crucial. Visit VisaPics to verify your photo meets U.S. green card lottery specifications and avoid disqualification due to photo errors.
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