Green Card Lottery 2027 Registration Delayed with Historic $1 Fee
The green card lottery program faces significant changes as the U.S. State Department confirms the DV-2027 registration delay until late December 2025 or January 2026. For the first time in the program's 30+ year history, applicants will pay a $1 non-refundable entry fee when submitting their diversity visa applications.
This delay affects millions of hopeful immigrants worldwide who typically register during October each year. Meanwhile, DV-2026 selectees can now check the December 2025 cutoff numbers to determine when they can schedule their visa interviews.
Key Changes to the Green Card Lottery Program
The State Department announced these updates on November 5, 2025, citing the need to implement important system changes.
- $1 Entry Fee: First-ever registration fee in the program's history, expected to generate $25 million annually
- Delayed Registration: DV-2027 opening pushed from early October to late December 2025 or January 2026
- Shorter Window: Registration period expected to be 2-3 weeks instead of the traditional 30+ days
- Anti-Fraud Measures: Fee aims to reduce speculative and fraudulent registrations that have plagued the system
- Cost Allocation: Fee helps fairly distribute lottery administration costs among all applicants
The State Department previously bundled lottery operation costs into the $330 visa application fee paid only by selectees. However, with an estimated 25 million annual registrants, the new fee distributes these costs more equitably while deterring duplicate entries.
Who Is Affected by These Green Card Lottery Updates
These changes impact different groups in distinct ways, from current selectees to future applicants.
For DV-2026 Selectees
If you were selected in the DV-2026 lottery, your application period runs from October 1, 2025 through September 30, 2026. Check the December cutoff numbers below to see if your case number is current. Ensure your passport photo meets official requirements before your interview.
For DV-2027 Applicants
Registration has not yet opened—ignore any emails or websites claiming otherwise. Prepare your documents and visa photo now so you're ready when the shortened registration window opens.
For Nepal and Egypt Selectees
Both countries face stricter limitations due to high application volumes. Nepal's cutoff remains at 6,000, while Egypt's stays at 16,000—significantly lower than general regional limits.
December 2025 DV-2026 Cutoff Numbers by Region
These numbers determine which selectees can currently proceed with visa applications.
- Africa: 17,500 (Algeria: 17,250; Egypt: 16,000)
- Asia: 10,000 (Nepal: 6,000)
- Europe: 7,750
- North America (Bahamas): 20
- Oceania: 1,100
- South America & Caribbean: 1,850
If your case number is below your region's cutoff, you can schedule your visa interview now. January 2026 cutoffs show significant increases—Africa jumps from 17,500 to 35,000, and Asia moves from 10,000 to 15,000.
How to Apply for the DV-2027 Green Card Lottery
Follow these steps when registration opens to maximize your chances of a successful submission.
- Visit the Official Website: Only use dvprogram.state.gov—never third-party sites
- Prepare Your Photo: Take a recent photo (within 6 months) meeting U.S. visa specifications: 600x600 pixels, white background, neutral expression
- Gather Documents: Have your passport, education records, and work history ready
- Pay the $1 Fee: Have a valid payment method ready for the new entry fee
- Submit During Window: Complete your entry within the shortened 2-3 week registration period
- Save Confirmation Number: This is the ONLY way to check your selection status—never lose it
Important Dates and Timeline for Green Card Lottery
Mark these critical deadlines on your calendar.
- December 2025 - January 2026: DV-2027 registration expected to open
- Registration Window: Only 2-3 weeks (reduced from 30+ days)
- DV-2026 Deadline: September 30, 2026—all visas must be issued by this date
- DV-2027 Results: Expected May 2026 at dvprogram.state.gov
- DV-2027 Visa Period: October 1, 2026 through September 30, 2027
Frequently Asked Questions
Is DV-2027 Green Card Lottery Registration Open Now?
No. As of December 2025, DV-2027 registration has not opened. The State Department warns that scammers are sending fake registration links. Only trust announcements from the official travel.state.gov website.
Why Is There a New $1 Fee for the Green Card Lottery?
The State Department implemented the fee to more fairly allocate program costs and reduce fraudulent registrations. Previously, only selectees paid the $330 visa fee, but this new $1 entry fee distributes administrative costs among all 25 million annual applicants.
What Countries Are Excluded from the Diversity Visa Lottery?
Countries with high immigration to the U.S. are ineligible, including: Bangladesh, Brazil, Canada, China, Colombia, Dominican Republic, El Salvador, Haiti, Honduras, India, Jamaica, Mexico, Nigeria, Pakistan, Philippines, South Korea, Venezuela, and Vietnam.
How Do I Check My DV-2026 Selection Status?
Visit the Entrant Status Check using your confirmation number. The State Department never emails, calls, or mails results. You must check the website yourself using the number saved from your original entry.
What You Need to Know About the Green Card Lottery
The DV-2027 green card lottery represents the biggest program change in over three decades. With the new $1 fee, shortened registration window, and delayed opening, applicants must prepare now and act quickly when registration opens.
For DV-2026 selectees, time is running out—all visas must be issued before September 30, 2026. Ensure your photo meets official U.S. visa requirements and monitor monthly cutoff numbers at VisaPics for updates on when your case becomes current.