Green Card Lottery 2027 Registration Delayed with New $1 Fee
The Green Card Lottery 2027 (DV-2027) registration has been officially delayed by the U.S. Department of State, marking a significant departure from the program's traditional October opening. On November 5, 2025, the State Department announced it is implementing changes to the Diversity Visa entry process, leaving thousands of international applicants awaiting confirmation of the new registration dates.
This delay comes alongside the introduction of a historic $1 registration fee—the first time in the program's 30+ year history that applicants will need to pay to enter the lottery. The changes reflect enhanced anti-fraud measures and system upgrades designed to improve the integrity of the DV lottery program.
Key DV-2027 Green Card Lottery Changes
The State Department has announced several significant updates that will affect all DV-2027 applicants:
- $1 Registration Fee: A non-refundable entry fee is now required for all lottery entries, payable by credit or debit card
- Registration Delay: The traditional October start date has been postponed while the portal is upgraded
- Shorter Entry Window: Immigration experts anticipate a 2-3 week registration period versus the typical 30 days
- Enhanced Verification: New systems will detect duplicate entries and prevent fraud more effectively
- Proposed Passport Requirement: A pending rule may require applicants to upload valid passport scans at registration
The $1 fee, published in the Federal Register on September 16, 2025, took effect immediately. However, the State Department expects this modest fee may slightly reduce overall participation, potentially improving odds for those who do apply.
Who Is Affected by the DV-2027 Delay
The registration delay impacts anyone planning to apply for the DV-2027 lottery, particularly applicants from eligible countries who must now wait for the new registration window.
For First-Time Applicants
If you've never entered the Green Card Lottery before, use this extra time to prepare your documents. Ensure you have a compliant passport photo that meets strict State Department specifications, as incorrect photos are the leading cause of application disqualification.
For Previous DV Lottery Entrants
Past participation does not affect your eligibility for DV-2027. However, you must submit a completely new application—previous entries do not carry over. Be prepared to pay the new $1 fee when registration opens.
For DV-2026 Selectees
If you were selected in the DV-2026 lottery, the delay does not affect your visa application process. You have until September 30, 2026 to complete your immigrant visa interview and receive your diversity visa.
How to Apply for the Green Card Lottery 2027
When registration opens, follow these steps to submit your DV-2027 application correctly:
- Check Eligibility: Confirm your birth country qualifies for the DV lottery (countries with high U.S. immigration are excluded)
- Prepare Your Photo: Get a digital passport photo meeting U.S. visa photo requirements—600x600 pixels, white background, recent within 6 months
- Visit the Official Portal: Go to dvprogram.state.gov when registration opens (this is the ONLY legitimate website)
- Complete the Form: Enter your personal information, education, and work history accurately
- Pay the $1 Fee: Have a credit or debit card ready to complete the payment
- Save Your Confirmation Number: This is critical—you cannot check results without it, and the State Department cannot recover lost numbers
Important DV-2027 Dates and Timeline
While the exact registration dates remain unannounced, here is the expected timeline based on State Department guidance:
- December 2025 - January 2026: Expected DV-2027 registration window opening
- 2-3 Weeks After Opening: Anticipated registration deadline (shorter than usual)
- May 2026 (estimated): DV-2027 selection results available at dvprogram.state.gov
- October 1, 2026: Visa application period begins for DV-2027 selectees
- September 30, 2027: Deadline for all DV-2027 visas to be issued
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Green Card Lottery 2027 Cancelled?
No, the DV-2027 lottery is not cancelled—only delayed. The State Department has confirmed the program will continue with a new registration period to be announced. The delay allows for system upgrades and implementation of the new $1 fee.
Why Is There Now a $1 Fee for the DV Lottery?
The $1 registration fee helps offset administrative costs and serves as an anti-fraud measure. By requiring payment, the State Department aims to reduce duplicate entries and fraudulent submissions that burden the system. This is the first fee in the program's 30+ year history.
What Photo Requirements Must I Meet?
Your DV lottery photo must be a recent digital image (within 6 months), exactly 600x600 pixels, with a plain white background. Your face must be clearly visible, taking up 50-69% of the frame. Using a professional passport photo service like VisaPics ensures your photo meets all State Department specifications.
Can I Apply Multiple Times to Improve My Chances?
No—submitting more than one entry will disqualify you from the lottery entirely. The new verification systems are specifically designed to detect duplicate entries. However, spouses can each submit separate entries for their family.
How Will I Know If I Win the Green Card Lottery?
The State Department does NOT send emails, letters, or phone calls to winners. You must check your status at dvprogram.state.gov using your confirmation number. Any communication claiming you've won is likely a scam.
What You Need to Know About DV-2027
The Green Card Lottery remains one of the most accessible pathways to U.S. permanent residency, with approximately 55,000 diversity visas available annually. Despite the registration delay and new $1 fee, the fundamental opportunity remains unchanged for eligible applicants from qualifying countries.
To maximize your chances of success, prepare your application materials now—especially your passport photo, which must meet exact specifications. VisaPics helps applicants create compliant visa photos that meet U.S. State Department requirements, reducing the risk of disqualification. Monitor dvprogram.state.gov daily for the official registration announcement, and be ready to act quickly once the window opens.