Green Card Lottery DV-2027 Registration Delayed
The U.S. State Department has postponed the DV-2027 Diversity Visa Lottery registration beyond its anticipated early October 2025 opening date. As of late October 2025, the department has not announced official registration dates, stating that "dates for the DV-2027 program registration period will be widely publicized in the coming months" on the official website travel.state.gov and in the Federal Register.
Immigration experts attribute the delay largely to implementation of a mandatory $1 electronic registration fee for all lottery entrants. This marks the first time in the program's history that applicants will pay a fee to enter the diversity visa lottery, representing a significant policy shift from the previously free entry process.
Key Changes Coming to the Green Card Lottery Program
The DV-2027 program introduces several important changes that prospective applicants need to understand before registration opens:
- New $1 Entry Fee: A final rule published in the Federal Register on September 16, 2025, established a mandatory $1 registration fee that must be paid electronically at the time of application submission
- Delayed Registration Window: Unlike previous years when registration typically opened in early October, the DV-2027 window is delayed with dates to be announced soon
- Electronic Payment Requirement: The registration fee must be paid electronically through the official government system - no other payment methods will be accepted
- Corrected DV-2026 Results: The State Department issued corrected results in early October 2025, particularly affecting entrants from Cuba and Great Britain (United Kingdom) and its dependent territories
- Cuban Eligibility Clarification: Cuban natives are now confirmed as ineligible to participate in the DV-2026 program, reversing initial "selected" status for a small number of Cuban entrants
The State Department emphasizes that applicants should only use the official website at dvprogram.state.gov for registration and never pay fees to third-party websites claiming to improve chances of selection.
Who Is Affected by These Green Card Lottery Updates
The delayed registration and new fee structure impact millions of potential applicants worldwide. Understanding how these changes affect different groups is essential for successful participation.
For DV-2027 Prospective Applicants
Anyone planning to enter the DV-2027 lottery must prepare to pay the $1 electronic fee when registration opens. Budget for this cost and ensure you have a valid electronic payment method ready. Monitor the official State Department website weekly for registration date announcements, as the window may open with limited advance notice.
For DV-2026 Selectees
Approximately 129,516 selectees, spouses, and children were chosen for DV-2026 and can check results through September 30, 2026. Winners must apply for immigrant visas between October 1, 2025, and September 30, 2026, and complete all requirements before the deadline. Cuban nationals initially selected should verify their corrected status, as eligibility was reversed in October 2025.
For Previous Lottery Participants
If you participated in earlier diversity visa lotteries, you must submit a new entry for DV-2027 when registration opens. Previous entries do not carry over, and you cannot check old confirmation numbers for new lottery results.
How to Prepare for DV-2027 Registration - Step by Step
Follow these essential steps to ensure you're ready when the registration window opens:
- Gather Required Documents: Obtain a recent digital passport photo that meets U.S. visa photo requirements - proper photo specifications are critical as incorrect photos lead to disqualification
- Prepare Personal Information: Collect passport details, birth certificates, and educational documents for yourself and all family members to be included in the application
- Set Up Electronic Payment: Ensure you have a valid credit card, debit card, or electronic payment method ready to pay the $1 registration fee when the window opens
- Bookmark the Official Website: Save dvprogram.state.gov in your browser and ignore any third-party websites offering "assistance" or "guaranteed selection" - these are scams
- Monitor for Announcements: Check travel.state.gov and the Federal Register regularly starting in late October 2025 for the official registration date announcement
- Submit Early: When registration opens, submit your application as soon as possible to avoid last-minute technical issues or deadline rushes
- Save Your Confirmation Number: After submitting, print and save your confirmation number in multiple secure locations - this is the only way to check your results
Important Dates and Timeline for Green Card Lottery
Mark these critical dates on your calendar to stay on track with the diversity visa lottery program:
- September 16, 2025: Final rule establishing $1 registration fee published in Federal Register, effective immediately
- Late October 2025 (Ongoing): State Department to announce DV-2027 registration dates "in the coming months" on official website
- Expected Late 2025: DV-2027 registration window anticipated to open (delayed from early October), likely running for 30-60 days
- May 2026 (Projected): DV-2027 results typically released in May following the registration period, based on historical patterns
- Through September 30, 2026: DV-2026 selectees must complete immigrant visa applications and interviews before this final deadline
- October 1, 2026 - September 30, 2027: Expected visa processing period for DV-2027 winners (if selected in May 2026)
Frequently Asked Questions About the Green Card Lottery
Why Is the DV-2027 Registration Delayed?
The delay is primarily due to implementation of the new $1 electronic registration fee system. The State Department needed additional time to set up secure payment processing infrastructure and ensure the system can handle millions of applicants paying the fee electronically. This represents the first time in program history that applicants must pay to enter, requiring significant technical updates.
How Do I Avoid Green Card Lottery Scams?
Only use the official government website at dvprogram.state.gov for entry and dvlottery.state.gov to check results. The U.S. government will never email, text, call, WhatsApp, or message you about winning. Never pay anyone claiming to improve your chances or offering "guaranteed selection" - the lottery is completely random. Report suspected fraud to the Federal Trade Commission immediately.
Can I Still Enter If I Entered Previous Lotteries?
Yes, you must submit a completely new entry for DV-2027 when registration opens. Previous entries from DV-2026 or earlier years do not carry over and are not valid for new lottery years. Each diversity visa lottery is a separate program with fresh entries required annually.
What Photo Requirements Apply to DV-2027 Entries?
Your digital passport photo must meet strict U.S. visa photo specifications: recent photo taken within six months, white or off-white background, full face visible, neutral expression, and specific dimension requirements. Photos that don't meet specifications result in automatic disqualification, so ensure your passport photo meets all official requirements before submitting your entry.
Do Photo Credits or Previous Payments Apply to the New $1 Fee?
No, the $1 diversity visa lottery registration fee is separate from any visa application fees or document preparation costs. This fee must be paid electronically at the time of DV-2027 entry submission and is non-refundable regardless of selection outcome.
What You Need to Know About DV-2027
The diversity visa lottery program is entering a new era with the introduction of the $1 registration fee and delayed DV-2027 opening. Prospective applicants should remain patient and monitor official State Department channels exclusively for registration date announcements. Avoid third-party websites and only trust information from travel.state.gov and dvprogram.state.gov.
Prepare your application materials now, including proper passport photos that meet all U.S. visa photo requirements, to ensure you're ready when the registration window opens. Check our complete visa photo specifications guide to understand exact requirements and avoid disqualification. The diversity visa lottery remains one of the most accessible paths to U.S. permanent residence, making proper preparation essential for maximizing your chances.
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