DV-2027 Green Card Lottery Registration Unexpectedly Delayed
The U.S. State Department announced in November 2025 that the DV-2027 Diversity Visa Lottery registration has been delayed past its traditional early October opening date. The department stated that registration dates "will be widely publicized in the coming months" and will be announced "as soon as practicable" on the official website.
This marks a significant departure from the typical annual schedule, which usually sees registration open in early October. Immigration attorneys and prospective applicants worldwide are closely monitoring the situation as up to 55,000 immigrant visas hang in the balance.
Major Changes Coming to the Green Card Lottery Program
The State Department is implementing several significant changes to the Diversity Visa program for the DV-2027 cycle. These updates aim to modernize the system and reduce fraud.
- New $1 Registration Fee: A final rule published in the Federal Register on September 16, 2025, established a mandatory $1 electronic registration fee for all DV lottery entries
- System Modernization: The delay stems from upgrades to the registration portal, including enhanced identity verification and passport validation systems
- Stronger Fraud Prevention: New verification measures will help combat fraudulent applications and protect legitimate applicants
- Annual Revenue Generation: The $1 fee is expected to generate approximately $25 million annually to support program operations
- No Passport Mandate Yet: A proposed rule requiring all applicants to have passports will not be implemented for DV-2027 due to timeline constraints
The $1 registration fee represents the first time the U.S. government has charged for Diversity Visa lottery entry. However, this modest fee remains significantly lower than fees charged by fraudulent third-party services.
Who Is Affected by the DV-2027 Lottery Delay
The registration delay impacts millions of prospective immigrants worldwide who were expecting to apply in October 2025. Understanding your eligibility is crucial before registration opens.
For First-Time Green Card Lottery Applicants
If you're planning to enter the green card lottery for the first time, you'll need to prepare all required documents in advance. This includes a recent passport photo that meets strict U.S. visa photo requirements, educational certificates, and valid identification. The new $1 fee means you'll also need a valid payment method for online registration.
For Previous DV Lottery Participants
If you've entered the lottery in previous years but weren't selected, you must submit a new entry for DV-2027 when registration opens. Previous entries do not carry over, and each lottery cycle requires a fresh application with updated photos and information.
For Citizens of Ineligible Countries
Nationals from countries that sent more than 50,000 immigrants to the U.S. in the past five years are typically ineligible. This commonly includes countries like Bangladesh, Brazil, Canada, China, India, Mexico, Nigeria, Pakistan, Philippines, South Korea, and the United Kingdom.
How to Register for the DV-2027 Green Card Lottery - Step by Step
When registration opens, follow these steps to submit a complete and valid application:
- Visit the Official Website: Only use dvprogram.state.gov for registration - all other sites are unofficial or fraudulent
- Prepare Required Photos: Obtain recent digital photos for yourself and all family members that meet State Department specifications (2x2 inches, white background, specific head positioning)
- Gather Personal Documents: Collect passport information, birth certificates, marriage certificates (if applicable), and educational credentials proving high school completion or equivalent work experience
- Complete the Online Form: Fill out the Electronic Diversity Visa Entry Form (E-DV) with accurate information - errors can disqualify your entry
- Pay the $1 Registration Fee: Submit payment using an accepted electronic payment method through the official portal
- Save Your Confirmation Number: Print or screenshot your confirmation number immediately - this is the only way to check your results later
- Submit Only Once: Multiple entries will disqualify you from the entire lottery cycle
Important Dates and Timeline for DV-2027
While registration dates remain unannounced, here's the expected timeline based on State Department guidance:
- Registration Period: Expected October-November 2025 (exact dates to be announced "in the coming months")
- Results Announcement: May 2026 - winners can check their status at dvprogram.state.gov using their confirmation number
- Visa Application Window: October 1, 2026, through September 30, 2027 - selected applicants must complete their immigrant visa process within this timeframe
- Current Status: As of November 2025, registration is NOT yet open despite typical October opening dates
State Department Issues Fraud Warning to Applicants
The State Department emphasized that the DV-2027 entry registration period is not currently open and warned against fraudulent services. Scammers are falsely claiming that registration is open or that they can increase selection chances.
The department reiterated that no person or service can improve your odds of winning the lottery. Selection is entirely random through a computer-generated drawing. Additionally, ensure your passport photo meets all official requirements, as photo-related issues are among the top reasons for disqualification.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Green Card Lottery
Why Was the DV-2027 Lottery Registration Delayed?
The State Department cited system modernization as the primary reason for the delay. The registration portal is being upgraded with new identity verification, passport validation, and fraud prevention measures. Additionally, implementing the new $1 electronic registration fee requires technical infrastructure updates.
Can I Still Enter the Green Card Lottery for Free?
No, starting with the DV-2027 cycle, all applicants must pay a mandatory $1 electronic registration fee. This represents the first time the U.S. government has charged for lottery entry. However, this official fee is minimal compared to what fraudulent services charge, and it helps fund program operations and fraud prevention.
How Will I Know If I'm Selected in the DV-2027 Lottery?
The State Department will not contact you directly. You must check your status yourself in May 2026 by visiting dvprogram.state.gov and entering your confirmation number. Be cautious of emails or calls claiming you've won - these are almost always scams designed to steal personal information or money.
What Happens If I'm Selected in the Lottery?
If selected, you'll receive instructions through the official website on how to proceed with your immigrant visa application. You'll need to submit additional documentation, undergo medical examinations, attend a visa interview at a U.S. embassy or consulate, and pay visa processing fees (separate from the registration fee). Being selected does not guarantee a green card - you must complete all requirements before the September 30, 2027 deadline.
What You Need to Know About DV-2027
The DV-2027 Green Card Lottery represents a transitional year with significant program changes, including the new $1 registration fee and modernized verification systems. While the delayed registration timeline creates uncertainty, these improvements aim to make the process more secure and efficient for legitimate applicants.
To maximize your chances of success when registration opens, prepare all required documents now, including compliant passport photos that meet U.S. visa specifications. Monitor the official State Department website at dvprogram.state.gov for registration announcements, and remember that with 55,000 visas available annually, proper preparation and accurate documentation are essential for applicants who are selected.