Green Card Lottery Registration Delayed for First Time in Program History
The U.S. Department of State has officially confirmed that the Diversity Visa (DV) 2027 green card lottery registration will not open in early October 2025 as expected. As of October 29, 2025, the department has not released official registration dates, stating only that the timeline "will be widely publicized in the coming months." This unprecedented delay affects millions of prospective applicants worldwide who typically apply during the traditional October-November registration window.
The delay coincides with the implementation of a historic $1 electronic registration fee that took effect on October 16, 2025, marking the first time in the program's 30-year history that applicants must pay to enter the lottery. Immigration attorneys speculate the postponement is linked to system upgrades needed to process the new payment requirement and implement additional fraud prevention measures.
Key Changes to the Diversity Visa Lottery Program
The DV-2027 cycle introduces several significant changes that prospective applicants need to understand before registration opens:
- New $1 Entry Fee: All applicants must pay a non-refundable $1 electronic registration fee when submitting entries (published in Federal Register September 16, 2025)
- Delayed Registration Period: Traditional October opening postponed indefinitely; State Department promises "wide publicity" before launch
- 55,000 Green Cards Available: The program continues to offer approximately 55,000 diversity immigrant visas annually to qualified applicants
- Enhanced Fraud Prevention: New security measures being implemented to combat unauthorized entries and identity theft in the lottery system
- Proposed Passport Requirement: Future cycles may require valid passport uploads at entry stage, though not implemented for DV-2027
The $1 registration fee represents a major policy shift affecting an estimated 25 million annual applicants worldwide. The fee is expected to generate approximately $25 million in annual revenue to help cover the diversity visa program's operational costs, rather than relying solely on the $330 processing fee paid by lottery winners.
Who Is Affected by the Green Card Lottery Delay
The DV-2027 registration delay impacts millions of prospective immigrants from eligible countries worldwide. Here's what different groups need to know:
For First-Time Applicants
If you're applying to the green card lottery for the first time, monitor the official State Department website at dvprogram.state.gov for registration announcements. You must meet education or work experience requirements and be a native of an eligible country. Ensure your passport photo meets strict US visa photo requirements before the registration window opens to avoid last-minute delays.
For Previous Lottery Participants
Past participation does not affect your eligibility to apply for DV-2027. You must submit a new entry when registration opens and pay the $1 fee for each application. Previous non-selection does not improve your odds, as all qualified entries receive equal random selection treatment regardless of application history.
For DV-2026 Selectees
If you were selected in the DV-2026 lottery (results released May 3, 2025), you have until September 30, 2026 to complete your immigrant visa application and interview process. The DV-2027 delay does not affect your DV-2026 case timeline or visa availability.
How to Prepare for DV-2027 Registration - Step by Step
While waiting for the official registration announcement, take these essential preparation steps to ensure you're ready when the lottery opens:
- Verify Eligibility: Confirm your country of birth appears on the eligible countries list and you meet education (high school diploma) or work experience (2 years in qualifying occupation) requirements
- Prepare Digital Photos: Obtain compliant passport-style photos meeting strict US diversity visa specifications (2x2 inches, white background, taken within 6 months, specific head positioning)
- Gather Required Documents: Collect passport information, birth certificates, marriage certificates, and children's documentation for accurate entry completion
- Set Up Payment Method: Ensure you have a valid credit or debit card ready to pay the mandatory $1 registration fee when the system launches
- Monitor Official Sources: Check dvprogram.state.gov and travel.state.gov regularly for registration announcements; avoid third-party scam websites charging excessive fees
Important Dates and Timeline for the Diversity Visa Program
Here's what you need to know about critical dates affecting the green card lottery program:
- September 16, 2025: $1 registration fee rule published in Federal Register and took immediate effect
- October 16, 2025: New electronic registration fee officially implemented by State Department
- October 2025-November 2025: Expected traditional registration window (delayed; actual dates to be announced)
- May 2026 (Estimated): DV-2027 lottery results typically announced approximately 6-7 months after registration closes
- October 1, 2026 - September 30, 2027: Fiscal Year 2027 visa processing period for DV-2027 selectees
Frequently Asked Questions About the Green Card Lottery Delay
Why Was the DV-2027 Green Card Lottery Registration Delayed?
The U.S. State Department has not provided an official reason for the delay. Immigration attorneys speculate the postponement relates to implementing the new $1 electronic registration fee system and upgrading fraud prevention measures. The department only states that registration dates "will be widely publicized in the coming months" through official channels.
How Much Does It Cost to Enter the DV-2027 Green Card Lottery?
Starting with DV-2027, all applicants must pay a non-refundable $1 electronic registration fee when submitting entries. This marks the first time the lottery is not free to enter. If selected, winners pay an additional $330 diversity visa processing fee. Beware of scam websites charging hundreds of dollars for "assistance" with the free government application.
When Will DV-2027 Registration Open?
The State Department has not announced specific dates as of October 29, 2025. Traditionally, registration opens in early October and closes in early November, spanning approximately 30-37 days. Applicants should monitor dvprogram.state.gov for official announcements expected "in the coming months." The Federal Register will also publish registration details when finalized.
Can I Still Apply If I Applied for Previous Diversity Visa Lotteries?
Yes, absolutely. Previous participation does not disqualify you from entering DV-2027. Each lottery year is completely independent, so you must submit a new entry when registration opens. Your previous non-selection or participation history does not affect your chances in future lotteries.
What Photo Requirements Must I Meet for the Green Card Lottery?
Your digital photo must meet strict US diversity visa specifications: 2x2 inches (600x600 pixels minimum), taken within the last 6 months, white or off-white background, full face view directly facing camera, neutral expression, and specific head height requirements (50-69% of total image height). Non-compliant photos result in automatic disqualification, so many applicants use professional visa photo services to ensure compliance.
What You Need to Know About the 2027 Diversity Visa Lottery
The DV-2027 green card lottery represents a significant transition period with the introduction of the $1 registration fee and enhanced fraud prevention measures. Despite the unprecedented delay, the program continues to offer 55,000 immigrant visas annually to qualified applicants from eligible countries. The State Department promises to widely publicize registration dates through official channels before the application window opens.
Prospective applicants should use this extra time to ensure their passport photos meet all US diversity visa requirements and gather required documentation for accurate entry submission. Consider using professional services like VisaPics to create compliant visa photos that meet strict government specifications and avoid disqualification. When registration opens, act quickly—millions of applicants compete for the limited number of available diversity visas each year, making preparation and prompt submission essential for your best chance at selection.