Historic Changes Coming to Green Card Lottery Program
The U.S. Department of State announced major updates to the Diversity Visa Lottery program on October 16, 2025, introducing the first-ever registration fee and delaying the DV-2027 application period. For the first time in the program's history, all applicants must pay a $1 electronic registration fee when submitting their green card lottery entry. The changes affect millions of hopeful immigrants worldwide who apply annually for the chance to obtain permanent U.S. residency.
The DV-2027 registration period, which typically opens on October 1st each year, has been postponed indefinitely. The State Department has not yet released official start and end dates, stating only that "registration dates will be widely publicized in the coming months." This delay coincides with the implementation of new fee requirements and potential system upgrades.
Key Changes to Diversity Visa Lottery Program
The State Department's new regulations bring several significant modifications to the green card lottery application process:
- New $1 Registration Fee: Effective October 16, 2025, all DV lottery entrants must pay $1 at the time of registration through the official government portal
- Non-Refundable Payment: Registration fees will not be refunded regardless of lottery results, withdrawal, or non-selection
- Delayed DV-2027 Opening: No official registration dates announced as of mid-October 2025, breaking from traditional early October start
- Revenue Generation: The State Department estimates the new fee will generate approximately $25 million annually
- Existing Application Fee Unchanged: The $330 diversity visa application fee for selected winners remains the same
- Anti-Fraud Measure: Fee aims to reduce duplicate and speculative registrations that burden the system
The final rule establishing the registration fee was published in the Federal Register on September 16, 2025, and took effect immediately. Immigration attorneys suggest the registration delay may be linked to technical updates needed to implement the new payment system and prevent fraudulent entries.
Who Is Affected by These Green Card Lottery Changes
These diversity visa program updates impact multiple groups of applicants worldwide. Understanding how the changes affect your specific situation is crucial for proper preparation.
For DV-2027 Prospective Applicants
If you plan to register for the DV-2027 lottery, you must prepare to pay the $1 fee when registration opens. Monitor the official State Department website at travel.state.gov for announcement of registration dates. Ensure you have a valid payment method ready, as the fee must be paid electronically at the time of entry submission.
For DV-2026 Selected Winners
If you were selected in the DV-2026 lottery (results released May 3, 2025), these new fees do not affect your case. You still pay only the standard $330 application fee. However, be aware that the State Department issued corrected results in early October 2025 for entrants from Cuba and the United Kingdom, so verify your selection status if you're from these countries.
For Previous Year Non-Selectees
The new $1 registration fee cannot be transferred between lottery years. If you were not selected for DV-2026, you must pay the new fee when applying for DV-2027. Your previous registration does not carry forward or exempt you from the new payment requirement.
How to Prepare for DV-2027 Registration - Step by Step
Follow these essential steps to ensure your diversity visa lottery application is ready when registration opens:
- Monitor Official Announcements: Check dvprogram.state.gov regularly for the official DV-2027 registration opening date and detailed instructions
- Prepare Payment Method: Ensure you have a valid credit/debit card or electronic payment method that works on U.S. government websites
- Gather Required Documents: Collect recent passport photos that meet strict U.S. visa photo requirements, educational certificates, and passport information for yourself and dependents
- Verify Passport Photo Compliance: Ensure your passport photo meets all technical specifications including size, background color, and facial positioning requirements to avoid disqualification
- Review Eligibility Requirements: Confirm you're from an eligible country and meet education or work experience requirements (high school diploma or 2 years of qualifying work experience)
- Prepare Accurate Information: Have complete and accurate personal information ready, including full legal names, birth dates, and addresses for all family members
- Submit Early During Registration Window: Once registration opens, submit promptly as the system can experience high traffic, but avoid rushing and making errors
Important Dates and Timeline for Green Card Lottery
Understanding key dates helps you plan your diversity visa lottery application strategy effectively:
- September 16, 2025: Final rule for $1 registration fee published in Federal Register and took effect
- October 16, 2025: New $1 electronic registration fee requirement officially begins
- October 2025 (Expected): DV-2027 registration window delayed indefinitely beyond traditional October 1 start date
- Mid-October 2025: State Department confirms delay, promises to announce dates "in the coming months"
- May 2026 (Expected): DV-2027 lottery results typically released in early May for verification through Entrant Status Check
- October 2026 - September 2027: Fiscal Year 2027 visa interview scheduling and issuance period for DV-2027 selectees
Frequently Asked Questions About Green Card Lottery Updates
Why Is There a New $1 Fee for the Diversity Visa Lottery?
The State Department introduced the fee to distribute operational costs more fairly across all registrants rather than placing the burden solely on selected applicants. The fee also aims to reduce fraudulent, duplicate, and speculative entries that waste government resources. Previously, the $330 application fee paid by winners covered administrative costs for the entire program, but now registration costs are spread among all participants.
When Will DV-2027 Registration Open?
As of mid-October 2025, the State Department has not announced official registration dates for DV-2027. The department stated that "dates will be widely publicized in the coming months." Immigration experts speculate the delay relates to implementing the new $1 payment system and potential technical upgrades. Historically, registration runs for approximately one month starting in early October, but DV-2027 will likely open later than usual.
Can I Get a Refund If I'm Not Selected in the Lottery?
No, the $1 registration fee is non-refundable under all circumstances. Whether you are selected or not selected, withdraw your entry, or decide not to proceed with a visa application, the fee will not be returned. Additionally, fees cannot be transferred between different lottery years, so you must pay $1 for each year you apply.
Do I Need a Valid Passport to Enter the Lottery?
Currently, a valid passport is not required at the time of DV lottery registration, though you must provide passport information. However, the State Department has proposed a future rule requiring applicants to upload a scan of their valid, unexpired passport during registration. This passport requirement is not yet implemented for DV-2027 but may be introduced in future lottery cycles.
How Many People Win the Green Card Lottery Each Year?
The State Department selects approximately 100,000-130,000 applicants annually to account for those who don't pursue their applications. For DV-2026, approximately 129,516 prospective applicants (including selectees, spouses, and children) were chosen from over 20.8 million qualified entries submitted during the 37-day registration period. The program ultimately issues up to 55,000 diversity visas per fiscal year.
What You Need to Know About the Green Card Lottery Moving Forward
The diversity visa lottery program is undergoing its most significant changes in years with the introduction of registration fees and delayed timelines. Prospective applicants should prepare now by gathering required documentation, ensuring passport photos meet strict compliance standards, and monitoring official government announcements closely. The $1 fee, while modest, represents a fundamental shift in how the program is funded and may help reduce fraudulent applications.
If you're planning to apply for DV-2027, ensure your passport photo meets all technical requirements before registration opens to avoid disqualification. VisaPics specializes in creating compliant visa and passport photos for over 172 countries and 952 document types, ensuring your application meets exact government specifications. With registration dates still unannounced, now is the ideal time to prepare all required materials and stay informed through official State Department channels.