DV-2027 Green Card Lottery Registration Unexpectedly Delayed
The U.S. Department of State has delayed the opening of the Diversity Visa (DV) Lottery registration for DV-2027, breaking from the traditional early October timeline. As of October 13, 2025, no official registration dates have been announced, leaving millions of potential applicants worldwide in uncertainty. This delay coincides with the implementation of a historic $1 registration fee—the first time the Green Card lottery has charged applicants at the entry stage.
The State Department has declined to provide specific reasons for the delay, citing only that "registration dates and other details will be announced when available." Immigration experts speculate that technical challenges related to implementing the new global payment processing system may be responsible for the postponement.
Major Changes to the Green Card Lottery Program
The DV-2027 lottery cycle introduces several significant changes that all applicants must understand:
- $1 Registration Fee: All applicants must pay a non-refundable $1 electronic fee when submitting entries, effective October 16, 2025
- Payment Processing System: New global payment gateway being implemented to handle approximately 25 million annual registrations
- No Refunds: The $1 fee is non-refundable regardless of lottery results or whether applicants proceed with visa applications
- Fraud Prevention: The fee aims to discourage third-party scammers from submitting multiple fake entries on behalf of applicants
- Revenue Generation: Expected to generate $25 million annually to cover operational costs, system upgrades, and enhanced security reviews
- Official Website Only: Payments must be made through the official government portal at dvprogram.state.gov
The final rule establishing this fee was published in the Federal Register on September 16, 2025, and took effect 30 days later. The $330 DV application fee for selected lottery winners remains unchanged.
Who Is Affected by These Changes
These updates impact different groups of potential Green Card lottery applicants in various ways:
For First-Time Applicants
If you're applying for the first time, you'll need to prepare payment information before starting your application. The $1 fee must be paid at submission, so have a valid credit card, debit card, or electronic payment method ready. Ensure you only use the official government website to avoid scams charging higher fees.
For Repeat Applicants
Veterans of previous lottery cycles will notice the new payment requirement immediately. Unlike previous years when entry was completely free, you must now budget for the $1 fee per person. Remember that each family member requires a separate $1 fee if entering independently, though spouses and children under 21 can be included on a primary applicant's entry at no additional cost.
For Applicants from Ineligible Countries
Citizens of 19 countries remain ineligible for DV-2027, including Bangladesh, Brazil, Canada, China (mainland and Hong Kong), Colombia, Cuba, Dominican Republic, El Salvador, Haiti, Honduras, India, Jamaica, Mexico, Nigeria, Pakistan, Philippines, South Korea, Venezuela, and Vietnam. Check eligibility before paying the non-refundable fee to avoid wasting money.
How to Apply for the DV-2027 Green Card Lottery
Follow these steps when registration opens (expected mid-to-late October 2025):
- Visit the Official Website: Go to dvprogram.state.gov—this is the only legitimate registration portal
- Prepare Required Documents: Have a recent digital passport photo meeting strict U.S. visa photo requirements, passport information, and educational/work experience documentation ready
- Complete the Electronic Form: Fill out the DS-5501 entry form with accurate personal information, including full name, birth date, country of birth, and contact details
- Pay the $1 Registration Fee: Submit payment using a valid credit card, debit card, or approved electronic payment method at the time of entry
- Submit and Save Confirmation: After payment, submit your entry and save the confirmation number—this is the only way to check results later
- Avoid Duplicate Entries: Submit only one entry per person per year, as multiple entries will result in disqualification
Important Dates and Timeline
Mark these critical dates on your calendar for the DV-2027 lottery cycle:
- September 16, 2025: Final rule for $1 registration fee published in Federal Register
- October 16, 2025: New $1 fee requirement takes effect (30 days after rule publication)
- Mid-to-Late October 2025: Expected registration period opening (official dates pending State Department announcement)
- Registration Window: Typically runs for 30-35 days (approximately one month from opening date)
- May 2026: Results announcement expected (based on historical patterns from DV-2026 results released May 3, 2025)
- October 1, 2026 - September 30, 2027: Visa application period for selected winners (FY 2027)
Frequently Asked Questions
Why Was the DV-2027 Registration Delayed?
The U.S. State Department has not officially confirmed the specific reason for the delay. However, immigration attorneys believe the delay is linked to implementing the new $1 electronic payment processing system across the globe, which requires significant technical infrastructure. Some experts also cite potential impacts from government budget negotiations in the United States.
Is the $1 Registration Fee Refundable?
No, the $1 registration fee is completely non-refundable. You will not receive a refund whether you win the lottery or not, or whether you decide to proceed with a visa application. This fee is separate from the $330 DV application fee that lottery winners pay when applying for their immigrant visa.
Can I Still Enter for Free?
No, the new regulation makes the $1 fee mandatory for all DV-2027 applicants starting October 16, 2025. There are no exemptions, waivers, or free entry options. This marks the first time in the program's history that a fee is required simply to enter the lottery.
How Do I Know If My Country Is Eligible?
Check the official State Department list of eligible countries at dvprogram.state.gov. Currently, citizens from 19 countries are ineligible, primarily those that sent more than 50,000 immigrants to the U.S. in the past five years. Eligibility is based on your country of birth, not citizenship, though there are exceptions if your spouse was born in an eligible country.
What Photo Requirements Must I Meet?
Your digital photo must meet strict U.S. Department of State specifications: taken within the last 6 months, 2x2 inches (51x51mm), white or off-white background, full face view with neutral expression, no glasses, and proper head positioning. Photos that don't meet these exact requirements will result in automatic disqualification. Services like VisaPics can ensure your passport photo meets all official specifications before submission.
What You Need to Know Moving Forward
The DV-2027 Green Card lottery represents a significant shift in the Diversity Visa program with the introduction of the $1 registration fee and delayed opening. With 55,000 immigrant visas available annually and millions of applicants competing, preparation is essential. Monitor the official dvprogram.state.gov website daily for registration opening announcements.
When registration opens, act quickly but carefully—ensure your passport photo meets requirements, gather all necessary documentation, and submit only one entry per person to avoid disqualification. If you need help preparing compliant visa photos for your application, VisaPics offers specialized services for U.S. Diversity Visa photo specifications with guaranteed acceptance. Don't let an incorrect photo cost you your chance at winning one of the 55,000 available green cards.