Green Card Lottery 2027 Introduces Historic $1 Registration Fee
The U.S. Department of State has announced significant changes to the Diversity Visa (DV) Lottery program for 2027, marking the first time applicants will pay a registration fee. On September 16, 2025, the State Department published a final rule establishing a mandatory $1 electronic registration fee for all DV-2027 entries, fundamentally changing the program's 30-year tradition of free entry.
Additionally, the DV-2027 registration period has been delayed beyond its typical early October opening, with the State Department confirming it will announce the official start date "as soon as practicable." As of November 2025, no specific registration dates have been released, leaving millions of potential applicants worldwide waiting for the announcement.
Key Changes to the DV-2027 Green Card Lottery Program
The State Department has confirmed several major updates that will affect how applicants enter the 2027 Diversity Visa Lottery:
- New $1 Registration Fee: All DV-2027 entries require a $1 non-refundable electronic payment at submission, effective September 16, 2025
- Delayed Registration Period: The typical October opening has been postponed, with dates to be announced in the coming months
- Enhanced Entry Process: The State Department is implementing unspecified modifications to improve program administration
- Reduced Visa Allocation: Only 51,600 diversity visas available in 2025-2026, down from the standard 55,000
- Fraud Prevention Measures: November 5, 2025 alert warning applicants about fake DV-2027 registration websites
- Same Application Window: Selected DV-2027 winners will apply between October 1, 2026, and September 30, 2027
The $1 fee represents the State Department's effort to distribute program administration costs more broadly across applicants rather than relying solely on selected winners' visa processing fees. This change affects an estimated 10-15 million annual entries worldwide.
Who Is Affected by These Green Card Lottery Changes
These updates impact millions of prospective immigrants worldwide who seek permanent residency in the United States through the Diversity Visa program. Understanding how these changes affect your specific situation is crucial for successful application.
For First-Time DV Lottery Applicants
If you're applying to the Green Card Lottery for the first time, you'll need to prepare for the $1 registration fee and monitor the State Department's official website closely for registration dates. The new fee is non-refundable, so ensure you meet all eligibility requirements before submitting your entry.
For DV-2026 Winners Already Selected
Approximately 129,516 DV-2026 selectees were announced on May 3, 2025, and can begin their visa applications starting October 1, 2025. These winners are unaffected by the DV-2027 changes and should focus on preparing their required documentation, including properly formatted passport photos that meet strict U.S. visa photo requirements.
For Countries with High Application Rates
Applicants from countries historically ineligible due to high immigration rates (such as China, India, Mexico, Philippines, and certain other nations) remain excluded from the DV program. Additionally, the reduced visa allocation to 51,600 increases competition for applicants from eligible countries.
How to Prepare for DV-2027 Registration - Step by Step
Follow these essential steps to ensure you're ready when the DV-2027 registration period officially opens:
- Monitor Official Sources: Bookmark dvprogram.state.gov and check weekly for registration date announcements (never trust unofficial websites or agents claiming early access)
- Verify Eligibility Requirements: Confirm your country qualifies and you meet education/work experience requirements (high school diploma or two years of work experience in qualifying occupation)
- Prepare Digital Photos: Obtain compliant passport-style photos meeting exact U.S. specifications (2x2 inches, white background, taken within 6 months)
- Organize Required Information: Gather passport details, birth certificates, marriage certificates, and information for all family members you'll include
- Set Up Payment Method: Ensure you have a valid credit/debit card or payment method accepted for the $1 registration fee
- Save Confirmation Number: After submission, immediately save your confirmation number – this is the ONLY way to check your lottery results
- Beware of Scams: Never pay anyone claiming to increase your chances or provide early registration access – the official process costs only $1
Important Dates and Timeline for Green Card Lottery Programs
Understanding the timeline for both current and upcoming Diversity Visa programs helps you plan your immigration journey effectively:
- September 16, 2025: State Department publishes final rule establishing $1 DV-2027 registration fee
- October 1, 2025: DV-2026 winners begin visa application period (continues through September 30, 2026)
- November 5, 2025: State Department issues fraud alert warning about fake DV-2027 registration sites
- Late 2025 (Date TBD): DV-2027 registration period opens (expected October-November timeframe)
- May 2026 (Estimated): DV-2027 lottery results announced via Entry Status Check
- October 1, 2026: Selected DV-2027 winners can begin visa applications (deadline September 30, 2027)
Frequently Asked Questions About the Green Card Lottery
Why Is There Now a $1 Fee for the DV Lottery Registration?
The State Department implemented the $1 registration fee to distribute program administration costs more broadly across all applicants rather than funding the entire program through visa processing fees paid only by selected winners. This fee became effective September 16, 2025, for the DV-2027 program and applies to all entries worldwide. The fee is non-refundable regardless of whether you're selected in the lottery.
When Will DV-2027 Registration Actually Open?
As of November 2025, the State Department has not announced specific registration dates but confirmed they will "widely publicize" the dates in the coming months. Historically, registration opens in early October, but the DV-2027 period has been delayed due to program modifications. Monitor travel.state.gov and dvprogram.state.gov for official announcements – never trust websites claiming early access or special registration periods.
How Do I Know If I'm Really Selected in the Green Card Lottery?
The ONLY legitimate way to check your lottery status is through the official Entry Status Check at dvprogram.state.gov using your confirmation number. The State Department never notifies winners by mail, email, phone, or text message. Be extremely cautious of scams claiming you've won and requesting money – legitimate lottery selection is free to check, and only the subsequent visa processing requires fees.
What Happens If I'm Selected as a DV Lottery Winner?
If selected, you receive further instructions through the Entry Status Check system about scheduling your visa interview at a U.S. embassy or consulate. You'll need to submit required documentation including passport photos meeting specific requirements, pay visa processing fees (currently $330), undergo medical examinations, and attend an in-person interview. Selection doesn't guarantee a visa – you must meet all immigration requirements and visa numbers are limited.
What You Need to Know About Green Card Lottery Changes
The DV-2027 program represents a significant evolution in how the United States administers its Diversity Visa Lottery, with the new $1 registration fee marking the first time applicants pay to enter. While the delayed registration period creates uncertainty, the State Department has committed to announcing dates soon, and the fundamental program structure remains intact with approximately 51,600 visas available annually.
Prospective applicants should prepare now by verifying eligibility, gathering required documents, and ensuring their passport photos meet exact U.S. specifications to avoid disqualification. When registration opens, apply only through the official government website at dvprogram.state.gov, and remember that professional passport photo services like VisaPics can help ensure your photos meet all technical requirements, giving your application the best chance of success in this highly competitive program.