Green Card Lottery Registration Delayed Due to New Fee Implementation
The U.S. State Department has delayed the DV-2027 Diversity Visa Lottery registration past its typical early October opening date. The delay coincides with the implementation of a historic $1 electronic registration fee that took effect on October 16, 2025. This marks the first time in the program's history that applicants must pay to enter the annual Green Card lottery.
As of late October 2025, the State Department has not announced official registration dates, stating only that dates "will be widely publicized in the coming months." Immigration experts believe the delay is directly related to technical upgrades needed to process the new payment system for approximately 25 million annual applicants.
Key Changes to the Diversity Visa Lottery Program
The DV-2027 cycle introduces several significant changes that all prospective applicants need to understand:
- $1 Registration Fee: Every entrant must pay $1 USD at the time of online submission through the official government portal (effective October 16, 2025)
- Non-Refundable Payment: The fee cannot be refunded even if applicants are not selected or decide not to pursue their visa application
- Registration Delay: DV-2027 registration postponed from its usual early October opening with no confirmed dates announced yet
- Revenue Generation: The new fee structure will generate approximately $25 million annually to cover operational costs, system upgrades, and enhanced security reviews
- Fraud Reduction: Fee designed to discourage third-party scammers from submitting multiple fraudulent entries without applicants' knowledge
The final rule establishing the $1 fee was published in the Federal Register on September 16, 2025. Previously, the Diversity Visa Lottery was completely free to enter, making this a watershed moment in the program's administration.
Who Is Affected by These Green Card Lottery Changes
The new fee and delayed registration impact millions of hopeful immigrants worldwide who rely on the Diversity Visa program for U.S. permanent residency opportunities.
For First-Time Applicants
If you're applying to the Green Card lottery for the first time, you'll need a valid payment method to complete your DV-2027 entry. The fee must be paid electronically at the time of submission, so prepare a credit card, debit card, or other accepted payment method before registration opens.
For Previous DV Lottery Participants
If you've entered the Diversity Visa Lottery in past years, the application process remains largely the same except for the new payment requirement. You'll still need a qualifying passport photo that meets strict U.S. visa photo requirements, but now you'll also need to pay $1 per entry regardless of selection outcome.
For Countries with High Entry Volumes
Countries that typically submit millions of entries annually—such as Kenya, Nigeria, Ghana, Ethiopia, and Ukraine—will be significantly affected by the cumulative impact of the new fee. However, the $1 cost remains minimal compared to the potential benefit of winning one of 55,000 available diversity visas.
How to Prepare for DV-2027 Registration - Step by Step
Follow these essential steps to ensure you're ready when registration officially opens:
- Monitor Official Sources: Check travel.state.gov and dvprogram.state.gov regularly for the official announcement of registration dates
- Prepare Your Passport Photo: Obtain a compliant diversity visa photo that meets all technical specifications (recent photo taken within 6 months, white background, specific dimensions)
- Gather Required Documents: Collect passport information, birth certificates, and education/work experience documentation for you and all family members
- Set Up Payment Method: Ensure you have a valid credit or debit card ready to pay the $1 registration fee during submission
- Verify Eligibility: Confirm your country of birth is eligible (countries that sent more than 50,000 immigrants to the U.S. in the past five years are typically excluded)
- Use Only Official Websites: Never pay fees to third-party services—the only official site is dvprogram.state.gov
Important Dates and Timeline for DV-2027
While registration dates remain unannounced, here are the key milestones to watch:
- September 16, 2025: Final rule published in Federal Register establishing the $1 registration fee
- October 16, 2025: New $1 electronic registration fee officially takes effect
- Late October 2025: State Department confirms DV-2027 registration dates "will be widely publicized in the coming months"
- Registration Period (TBA): Typically runs for 30-60 days once announced (historically early October through early November)
- Results Announcement (Expected May 2027): Winners typically notified in May of the following year
- Fiscal Year 2027: Selected applicants must complete their visa applications and enter the U.S. before September 30, 2027
Frequently Asked Questions About the Green Card Lottery
Why Was the DV-2027 Registration Delayed?
The U.S. State Department delayed the DV-2027 registration to implement the new $1 electronic fee payment system. Technical infrastructure upgrades are required to process payments from an estimated 25 million applicants worldwide. The Department has not provided a specific reopening date but promises to "widely publicize" registration dates when they're confirmed.
Is the $1 Registration Fee Refundable?
No, the $1 registration fee is completely non-refundable. You will not receive your money back even if you're not selected in the lottery, if you decide not to proceed with your application, or if your entry is disqualified for any reason. This policy is designed to cover administrative costs and reduce fraudulent entries.
How Many Green Cards Are Available Through the Diversity Visa Lottery?
The U.S. government makes 55,000 immigrant visas available each year through the Diversity Visa Program. These visas are distributed among six geographic regions, with no single country receiving more than 7% of the total available diversity visas in any given year. Countries that sent more than 50,000 immigrants to the United States in the previous five years are ineligible.
Can I Still Enter for Free Anywhere?
No, there is no free entry option for the DV-2027 lottery. The $1 fee applies to every single entrant who submits through the official government portal at dvprogram.state.gov. Beware of third-party services claiming to offer free entries—these are scams that may charge hidden fees or submit fraudulent applications on your behalf.
What You Need to Know Before Applying
The introduction of the $1 registration fee represents a fundamental shift in how the U.S. administers the Diversity Visa Lottery program. While the fee is minimal, it signals increased investment in fraud prevention and system modernization. The delayed registration timeline means applicants should remain vigilant and check official sources daily for updates.
Before registration opens, ensure your passport photo meets all diversity visa requirements to avoid disqualification. VisaPics specializes in creating compliant visa and passport photos for all U.S. immigration applications, including the strict photo specifications required for the Green Card lottery. Don't let an incorrect photo cost you the opportunity of a lifetime—prepare now and be ready to submit immediately when DV-2027 registration officially opens.