Green Card Lottery 2027: Major Program Changes Announced
The Green Card Lottery program faces significant changes as the U.S. State Department delays DV-2027 registration while implementing a historic $1 entry fee for the first time in the program's 30+ year history. The delay affects millions of hopeful applicants worldwide who typically register in October each year.
Additionally, the State Department has released December 2025 visa bulletin cutoff numbers for DV-2026 winners, signaling that processing continues for the current lottery cycle. Approximately 129,516 selectees remain eligible to complete their applications before the September 30, 2026 deadline.
Key DV-2027 Green Card Lottery Changes
The State Department has confirmed several important modifications to the Diversity Visa program for 2027:
- New $1 Registration Fee: A mandatory, non-refundable fee published in the Federal Register on September 16, 2025, expected to generate approximately $25 million annually
- Registration Delay: The typical October start date has been pushed to late December 2025 or January 2026
- Shorter Registration Window: Expected to be 2-3 weeks instead of the traditional 30+ days
- Proposed Passport Requirement: The Trump administration is working to mandate passport uploads, though this won't apply to DV-2027
- Enhanced Fraud Prevention: New measures to combat identity fraud and duplicate entries
The State Department stated they will announce the DV-2027 registration start date "as soon as practicable." However, the visa application period for selected applicants remains unchanged: October 1, 2026, through September 30, 2027.
Who Is Affected by These Changes
These Green Card Lottery updates impact various groups of immigration hopefuls differently. Understanding your situation helps you prepare accordingly.
For DV-2027 Applicants
If you're planning to enter the DV-2027 lottery, prepare your $1 payment method and ensure your passport photo meets strict requirements. The shorter registration window means you'll need to act quickly once registration opens.
For DV-2026 Winners
Current lottery winners must monitor monthly visa bulletin cutoff numbers and complete all requirements before September 30, 2026. With approximately 52,000 visas available (reduced from 55,000), delays could cost you your opportunity.
For Applicants from High-Volume Countries
Selectees from Nepal and Egypt face stricter limitations due to high application volumes. No single country can receive more than 7% of available diversity visas in any year.
How to Prepare for DV-2027 Registration - Step by Step
Follow these steps to ensure you're ready when the Green Card Lottery registration opens:
- Verify Your Eligibility: Confirm your country of birth is on the eligible countries list and you meet education or work experience requirements
- Prepare Your Photo: Take a compliant passport-style photo meeting State Department specifications (600x600 pixels, white background, recent within 6 months)
- Gather Required Information: Collect passport details, educational credentials, and employment history for all family members
- Set Up Payment Method: Prepare to pay the new $1 registration fee electronically at time of submission
- Monitor Official Sources: Watch only dvprogram.state.gov for registration announcements—ignore third-party claims
Important Dates and Timeline
Mark these critical dates for the Green Card Lottery program:
- DV-2027 Registration: Expected late December 2025 or January 2026 (official date pending)
- DV-2027 Registration Window: 2-3 weeks (reduced from 30+ days)
- DV-2026 Application Deadline: September 30, 2026
- DV-2027 Visa Period: October 1, 2026 - September 30, 2027
- DV-2027 Results Check: Typically May of the following year via Entrant Status Check
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the DV-2027 Green Card Lottery registration open now?
No. As of December 2025, DV-2027 registration has not opened. The State Department issued warnings about scammers claiming registration is available. Only trust announcements from the official travel.state.gov website.
Why is there a $1 fee for the Green Card Lottery?
The State Department implemented the $1 fee to "more fairly allocate the costs of managing the random selection process." Previously, lottery operation costs were bundled into the $330 visa application fee paid only by selectees. The fee also helps reduce speculative and fraudulent registrations.
Which countries cannot participate in the DV Lottery?
Countries with high U.S. immigration rates are excluded, including: Bangladesh, Brazil, Canada, China, Colombia, Dominican Republic, El Salvador, Haiti, Honduras, India, Jamaica, Mexico, Nigeria, Pakistan, Philippines, South Korea, United Kingdom, Venezuela, and Vietnam. However, alternative qualification through spouse's birthplace may apply.
How many green cards are available through the lottery?
Approximately 52,000 diversity visas are available for fiscal year 2026, reduced from the statutory 55,000 due to NACARA and NDAA allocations. This makes completing your application promptly even more critical if selected.
What You Need to Know
The Green Card Lottery remains one of the most accessible paths to U.S. permanent residency for citizens of eligible countries. Despite the delays and new $1 fee, the program continues under the current administration. With over 20 million entries annually competing for approximately 52,000 visas, preparation is essential.
Whether you're a DV-2026 winner finalizing your application or preparing for DV-2027 registration, ensuring your passport photo meets official requirements is crucial. VisaPics helps applicants create compliant photos that meet exact State Department specifications. Stay informed through official channels, beware of scams, and have all documentation ready when your opportunity arrives.
Sources: - [U.S. Department of State - DV-2027 Program Changes](https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/News/visas-news/changes-to-2027-dv-program-entry-period.html) - [Official DV Lottery Portal](https://dvprogram.state.gov/) - [USAGov - DV Lottery Eligibility](https://www.usa.gov/dv-lottery-eligibility) - [USAGov - DV Lottery Results](https://www.usa.gov/dv-lottery-results) - [State Department - Update on DV Program 2025](https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/News/visas-news/update-on-dv-program-2025.html)