Green Card Lottery 2027 Registration Faces Unexpected Delay
The U.S. Department of State has confirmed that the DV-2027 diversity visa lottery registration has been delayed past its traditional early-October opening date in 2025. According to the November Visa Bulletin, registration dates "will be widely publicized in the coming months," but no specific timeline has been provided. This marks the first time in recent history that the green card lottery has missed its annual October launch window.
The State Department has declined to provide specific reasons for the delay, though immigration attorneys speculate it relates to implementing the new $1 registration fee system. The department continues to make 55,000 immigrant visas available annually through the diversity visa program, with first visas expected to become available to selected winners in October 2026.
Major Changes Coming to Green Card Lottery Registration
The DV-2027 cycle introduces several historic changes that will affect all applicants worldwide. Here's what you need to know:
- New $1 Registration Fee: Published in the Federal Register on September 16, 2025, this is the first-ever fee to enter the lottery, taking effect immediately for DV-2027
- Electronic Payment Required: The $1 fee must be paid electronically at the time of application submission through the official dvprogram.state.gov website only
- Non-Refundable Fee: The registration fee will not be refunded regardless of lottery outcome or selection status
- Potential Passport Requirement: A proposed rule requiring valid passports for all applicants was published August 5, 2025, with public comment period ending September 19, 2025
- $25 Million Revenue Generation: The State Department estimates the new fee will generate approximately $25 million annually to cover operational costs, system upgrades, and security reviews
- Existing $330 Fee Remains: Winners selected through the lottery still must pay the standard $330 DV application fee when applying for their visa
Immigration experts emphasize that applicants should only use the official State Department website to avoid scams. Fraudulent websites often charge excessive fees ranging from $50 to $500 for services that should only cost $1.
Who Is Affected by the Green Card Lottery Changes
These updates impact millions of potential applicants worldwide who dream of U.S. permanent residency. Here's how different groups will be affected:
For First-Time DV Lottery Applicants
If you've never applied before, you must prepare for the $1 registration fee and potentially need a valid passport if the proposed rule takes effect. Ensure you have an electronic payment method ready and monitor travel.state.gov for the official registration announcement. Budget for both the $1 entry fee and the $330 visa application fee if selected.
For Previous DV Lottery Participants
Even if you've applied in past years for free, the DV-2027 cycle requires the new $1 payment. Your previous application data will not carry over, and you must submit a completely new entry. Keep your confirmation number from previous applications separate to avoid confusion.
For Applicants From Countries Without Easy Passport Access
If the passport requirement becomes final, citizens of countries with limited passport services may face additional challenges and delays. Start your passport application process now if you don't have one, as processing times can range from weeks to months depending on your country. The current proposal does not exempt any countries from this requirement.
How to Prepare for DV-2027 Green Card Lottery Registration
Follow these steps to ensure you're ready when registration opens:
- Monitor Official Channels: Check travel.state.gov weekly for the official registration date announcement, and bookmark the Federal Register for official rule publications
- Prepare Payment Method: Set up an electronic payment method that works internationally, such as a credit card, debit card, or PayPal account accepted by U.S. government systems
- Gather Required Documents: Collect your passport (if the rule takes effect), birth certificate, and recent digital photos meeting U.S. visa photo specifications
- Review Photo Requirements: Ensure your passport photo meets all technical requirements including white background, specific dimensions (2x2 inches or 51x51mm), and proper head positioning with eyes at 50-70% of photo height
- Prepare Spouse and Children Information: Compile full names, birth dates, and birthplaces for your spouse and all unmarried children under 21, even if they won't immigrate with you
- Create a Checklist: List all required information including education credentials (high school diploma or equivalent) or work experience (two years within past five years in occupation requiring at least two years training)
- Bookmark Official Website: Save dvprogram.state.gov to avoid fraudulent third-party sites that charge excessive fees or steal personal information
Important Dates and Timeline for DV-2027
Mark these critical dates on your calendar to stay ahead of deadlines:
- September 16, 2025: U.S. State Department published final rule establishing $1 registration fee in Federal Register
- October 2025 (Expected): Traditional registration period opening month, though actual dates remain unannounced as of October 21, 2025
- Coming Months: State Department will "widely publicize" registration dates through official channels including travel.state.gov and Federal Register
- Registration Window: Typically runs for approximately 30-60 days once opened, with no extensions granted regardless of circumstances
- May 2026 (Estimated): Lottery results typically announced approximately seven months after registration closes
- October 2026: First diversity visas become available to selected DV-2027 lottery winners for immigrant visa processing
- September 30, 2027: All DV-2027 visas must be issued by this date as the fiscal year ends
Frequently Asked Questions
Why Was the DV-2027 Green Card Lottery Delayed?
The U.S. State Department has not officially disclosed the specific reason for the registration delay. Immigration attorneys speculate the delay relates to implementing the new $1 electronic payment system and potential technical upgrades required to process millions of fee transactions. The department stated that registration dates will be announced "in the coming months" through official channels.
Will I Need a Passport to Enter the DV-2027 Lottery?
Currently, a passport is not yet required for DV-2027 registration. The State Department published a proposed rule on August 5, 2025, that would require all applicants to have valid passports, but the public comment period only ended September 19, 2025. Due to the required review timeline, this rule will not take effect for the DV-2027 cycle, but may apply to future lottery years.
Can I Get a Refund If I'm Not Selected in the Lottery?
No, the $1 registration fee is completely non-refundable regardless of lottery outcome. Whether you're selected, not selected, or disqualified for any reason, you will not receive a refund. This fee covers the administrative costs of processing your entry and is separate from the $330 visa application fee that only selected winners must pay.
How Do I Know If a DV Lottery Website Is Official?
The only official website for green card lottery registration is dvprogram.state.gov, operated by the U.S. Department of State. Beware of fraudulent sites charging $50-$500 for "assistance" or "guaranteed entry." The government will never contact lottery winners by email or phone, only through the official Entrant Status Check on the website.
What You Need to Know About Green Card Lottery 2027
The DV-2027 green card lottery represents a significant shift in U.S. immigration policy with the introduction of the first-ever registration fee and potential passport requirements. While the registration delay creates uncertainty, the program continues to offer 55,000 diversity visas annually to qualified applicants from eligible countries. Successful applicants gain permanent residency, work authorization, and a path to U.S. citizenship.
Stay vigilant by monitoring travel.state.gov for official announcements and ensure your passport photo meets all requirements before registration opens. If you're selected, you'll need professional documentation including compliant visa photos that meet strict U.S. government specifications. Prepare your documents now, budget for the $1 entry fee plus the $330 application fee if selected, and avoid fraudulent third-party websites promising guaranteed selection or expedited processing.