State Department Announces Historic Green Card Lottery Changes for 2027
The U.S. Department of State officially announced on November 5, 2025, that the Green Card Lottery DV-2027 registration period has been delayed while implementing "certain changes to the DV entry process." For the first time in the Diversity Visa program's history, applicants must pay a $1 electronic registration fee to enter the lottery. The State Department confirmed it will announce the start date "as soon as practicable" after completing portal modernization and enhanced fraud detection systems.
This marks the most significant green card lottery updates in over three decades, affecting an estimated 25 million global applicants who typically participate each year. The traditional October registration window has been postponed, with immigration experts predicting a December 2025 or January 2026 opening date.
Key Changes to the DV-2027 Green Card Lottery Program
The State Department has implemented several major updates to strengthen program integrity and modernize the application process:
- $1 Registration Fee: First-ever non-refundable electronic payment required per entry, established via Federal Register on September 16, 2025
- Delayed Entry Period: Registration postponed from traditional October 2025 start date to late 2025 or early 2026
- Enhanced Fraud Detection: New identity verification and passport validation systems to prevent duplicate and fraudulent entries
- Modernized Portal: Complete overhaul of the electronic registration system at dvprogram.state.gov
- Shorter Entry Window: Expected 2-3 week registration period (reduced from previous 30+ days)
- Visa Window Unchanged: Selected applicants still have October 1, 2026 to September 30, 2027 to complete immigration
The $1 fee represents a fundamental shift in program accessibility, though officials emphasize it remains significantly more affordable than other immigration pathways. The fee must be paid electronically at the time of submission and is completely non-refundable regardless of selection outcome.
Who Is Affected By These Green Card Lottery Updates
The DV-2027 changes impact millions of prospective immigrants worldwide, with different considerations for various applicant groups:
For First-Time Applicants
If you're applying for the first time, you must prepare a valid payment method for the $1 electronic fee and ensure your passport photo meets all official requirements before registration opens. The State Department emphasizes that only entries submitted during the official registration window will be accepted—there is no early application process.
For Previous DV Lottery Participants
Past participation does not guarantee future eligibility, and you must submit a completely new entry for DV-2027 with the required payment. Previous entries do not carry over, and the new fraud detection systems will flag duplicate submissions within the same registration period.
For DV-2026 Winners Currently Processing
If you were selected in the DV-2026 lottery (results released May 3, 2025), you have until September 30, 2026 to complete your immigrant visa application or adjustment of status. The DV-2027 changes do not affect your current case processing timeline.
How to Prepare for DV-2027 Registration - Step by Step
Follow these essential preparation steps to ensure a successful application when registration opens:
- Monitor Official Channels: Bookmark travel.state.gov and check weekly for the official registration start date announcement (expected December 2025-January 2026)
- Prepare Payment Method: Ensure you have a valid credit/debit card or electronic payment method accepted for the $1 non-refundable fee
- Get Compliant Photos: Obtain recent passport-style photos meeting strict U.S. visa photo specifications—photos must be taken within 6 months of submission
- Gather Required Documents: Collect passport information, birth certificates, and education/work experience documentation for verification
- Verify Eligibility: Confirm your country of birth is eligible (citizens of high-immigration countries like India, China, Mexico, Philippines are typically excluded)
- Beware of Scams: Only use the official dvprogram.state.gov website—the State Department issued fraud warnings about fake "early registration" websites
Important Dates and Timeline for Green Card Lottery
Mark these critical dates in your calendar to stay on track with the DV lottery process:
- September 16, 2025: $1 registration fee rule published in Federal Register and took immediate effect
- November 5, 2025: State Department officially announced DV-2027 registration delay and upcoming changes
- December 2025 - January 2026 (Expected): DV-2027 registration period opens for 2-3 week window
- May 2026 (Estimated): DV-2027 lottery results announced via Entry Status Check at dvprogram.state.gov
- October 1, 2026 - September 30, 2027: Visa application and interview period for DV-2027 selectees
Frequently Asked Questions About Green Card Lottery Updates
Why Is There a $1 Fee for the Green Card Lottery Now?
The U.S. State Department introduced the $1 electronic registration fee to fund enhanced fraud detection systems and portal modernization. The fee helps offset costs of identity verification, passport validation, and duplicate entry prevention technology. While the lottery is no longer free, the $1 cost remains significantly lower than other U.S. immigration application fees, which typically range from hundreds to thousands of dollars.
When Will DV-2027 Green Card Lottery Registration Actually Open?
The State Department has not announced an exact date, stating only that registration will open "as soon as practicable" after completing system changes. Immigration experts predict a December 2025 to January 2026 opening based on the modernization timeline. The official announcement will be published at travel.state.gov and widely distributed through U.S. embassies and consulates worldwide.
Can I Still Apply for Free or Get a Fee Waiver?
No, the $1 registration fee is mandatory for all DV-2027 applicants with no exceptions or waivers available. The fee is non-refundable regardless of whether you are selected in the lottery. Payment must be made electronically at the time of entry submission through the official government portal.
What You Need to Know Before Applying
The green card lottery updates for DV-2027 represent the most substantial changes to the Diversity Visa program in its 30+ year history. With the new $1 fee, enhanced security measures, and delayed registration timeline, applicants must stay vigilant and prepare thoroughly. The State Department's fraud warnings highlight the importance of using only official channels—never pay third-party websites claiming to offer "guaranteed" entries or early registration.
As registration approaches, ensure your passport photo meets all official specifications to avoid disqualification. Many applicants use professional services like VisaPics to guarantee compliant photos that meet strict U.S. visa photo requirements. Monitor the official State Department website weekly, prepare your payment method now, and be ready to submit your entry within the shortened 2-3 week registration window when it opens.
--- **Sources:** - [U.S. Department of State - Changes to Entry Period for 2027 Diversity Visa](https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/News/visas-news/changes-to-2027-dv-program-entry-period.html) - [State Department Announces Start Date for DV-2027 Registration Period](https://nepyork.com/2025/11/06/we-will-announce-the-start-date-for-the-dv-2027-registration-period-as-soon-as-practicable-announces-u-s-department-of-state/) - [U.S. Introduces $1 Fee for Diversity Visa Lottery Registration](https://www.boundless.com/blog/us-state-department-introduces-1-dollar-fee-for-dv-lottery-registration) - [Newsweek - Green Card Update: Changes to Visa Lottery Announced](https://www.newsweek.com/green-card-update-changes-visa-lottery-11012654) - [VisaVerge - DV-2027 Green Card Lottery: New $1 Fee](https://www.visaverge.com/news/dv-2027-green-card-lottery-new-1-fee-passport-checks-and-more/)