Breaking Changes to Green Card Lottery Registration for 2027
The U.S. Department of State announced on September 16, 2025, that the Diversity Visa (DV) Lottery will now require a $1 electronic registration fee starting with the DV-2027 cycle. This marks the first time in the program's history that applicants must pay simply to enter the annual green card lottery, affecting millions of hopeful immigrants worldwide.
Additionally, the State Department confirmed on November 5, 2025, that the DV-2027 registration period remains delayed beyond its typical early October opening. The Department issued a public alert warning applicants about fraudulent websites falsely claiming that registration is currently open.
Key Changes to Diversity Visa Lottery Program in 2025
The State Department has implemented several significant modifications to the green card lottery process. Here's what every prospective applicant needs to know:
- New $1 Registration Fee: Effective immediately, all DV-2027 applicants must pay a non-refundable $1 electronic fee at the time of entry submission
- Registration Delay: The typical early October opening has been postponed, with the State Department stating dates will be announced "as soon as practicable"
- Enhanced Passport Requirements: New vetting rules require valid, unexpired passport information and biographic page scans for all applicants (unless specifically exempt)
- DV-2026 Results Released: On May 3, 2025, the State Department announced results for 129,516 selected applicants from over 20.8 million qualified entries
- Reduced Visa Allocation: The number of available diversity visas decreased to approximately 51,600 for 2025 and 2026, down from 54,800 in previous years
- Non-Refundable Fees: Registration fees cannot be refunded regardless of selection results or transferred between lottery years
These changes represent the most significant overhaul to the Diversity Visa program in recent years. The State Department emphasizes that all modifications aim to enhance security, combat fraud, and streamline the application process for the 55,000 immigrant visas distributed annually through the lottery system.
Who Is Affected by the Green Card Lottery Changes
These updates impact various groups of applicants differently. Understanding how these changes affect your specific situation is crucial for successful application.
For First-Time DV Lottery Applicants
If you're applying for the first time to the DV-2027 lottery, prepare to pay the new $1 registration fee through the official government payment portal. You'll also need a valid, unexpired passport and high-quality scans of your passport's biographic page. Ensure your passport photo meets strict government requirements to avoid disqualification.
For Previous Lottery Participants
Veterans of the DV lottery process will notice the new payment requirement and enhanced documentation standards. Even if you've applied multiple times before, you cannot transfer fees between years, meaning you must pay $1 for each new lottery cycle. Additionally, previous passport documentation may not meet the new scanning requirements.
For DV-2026 Selectees
If you were selected in the May 3, 2025 results announcement, you have until September 30, 2026 to complete your visa processing. The November 2025 Visa Bulletin confirms that approximately 129,516 selectees and their families are currently registered and progressing through various stages of the immigration process.
How to Prepare for DV-2027 Registration - Step by Step
Follow these essential steps to ensure you're ready when registration opens:
- Monitor Official Websites: Check travel.state.gov and dvprogram.state.gov regularly for the official registration opening announcement (expected late 2025)
- Prepare Payment Method: Set up a valid payment method capable of processing the $1 electronic registration fee online
- Obtain Valid Passport: Ensure you have an unexpired passport and create high-quality digital scans of the biographic information page
- Verify Photo Requirements: Take compliant passport-style photos meeting all U.S. diversity visa photo specifications for dimensions, background, and quality
- Gather Family Information: Collect complete biographical data for your spouse and all children under 21, including their passport information and photos
- Avoid Scam Websites: Only use the official dvprogram.state.gov website - never pay "services" claiming they can increase your selection chances
- Save Confirmation Number: After submission, immediately save your confirmation number as it's the only way to check your selection status later
Important Dates and Timeline for Green Card Lottery
Here are the critical dates and deadlines you need to mark on your calendar:
- September 16, 2025: State Department published final rule establishing $1 registration fee in Federal Register
- October 16, 2025: New $1 electronic registration fee requirement officially took effect
- November 5, 2025: State Department issued public alert confirming DV-2027 registration not yet open and warning of scams
- Late 2025 (Expected): DV-2027 registration period anticipated to open (specific date to be announced)
- 60-Day Window: Once opened, registration typically remains available for approximately 60 days
- May 2026 (Expected): DV-2027 selection results typically announced approximately 6-7 months after registration closes
- September 30, 2027: Final deadline for all DV-2027 selectees to complete visa processing and enter the United States
Frequently Asked Questions About Green Card Lottery Updates
Why Is There Now a $1 Fee for the Diversity Visa Lottery?
The U.S. State Department implemented the $1 registration fee to help offset administrative costs and reduce fraudulent entries. This fee is non-refundable and must be paid electronically when you submit your DV-2027 entry. The fee does not increase your chances of selection and cannot be transferred if you're not selected.
When Will DV-2027 Registration Actually Open?
As of November 2025, the State Department has not announced specific dates but confirmed registration will open "as soon as practicable." Historically, the lottery opens in early October, but DV-2027 faces delays due to new system implementations. Check travel.state.gov weekly for official announcements, and beware of scam sites claiming registration is already open.
How Many People Win the Green Card Lottery Each Year?
The DV program makes approximately 55,000 immigrant visas available annually, but the State Department selects significantly more people (typically 125,000-130,000) to account for applicants who don't complete the process. For DV-2026, over 20.8 million people applied for just 55,000 visas, making the selection rate approximately 0.27%.
Do I Need a Passport to Register for the Green Card Lottery?
Yes, starting with DV-2027, you must provide valid, unexpired passport information and submit scans of your passport's biographic page unless you qualify for specific exemptions. This represents a significant change from previous years when passport information was optional during the registration phase.
Can I Check My DV-2026 Results Now?
Yes, if you registered for DV-2026 between October 2 and November 7, 2024, you can check your status at dvprogram.state.gov using your confirmation number. Results released on May 3, 2025, remain available until at least September 30, 2026. The State Department only notifies winners through this official portal - never via email or phone.
What You Need to Know About the Green Card Lottery
The Diversity Visa Lottery continues to offer one of the few pathways to U.S. permanent residency without requiring family sponsorship or employment offers. However, the new $1 registration fee and enhanced passport requirements represent a shift toward stricter application standards and improved fraud prevention.
If you're planning to apply for DV-2027, start preparing now by ensuring your passport meets all requirements and your documentation is in order. When registration opens, make sure your application photos comply with all U.S. passport photo specifications to avoid disqualification. Visit the official government website regularly for updates, and never trust third-party services claiming they can improve your selection odds.