DV-2027 Green Card Lottery Faces Unprecedented Delay and New Fee
The U.S. Department of State has confirmed a delay in the opening of the Diversity Visa (DV) 2027 Green Card Lottery, which typically launches in the first week of October each year. As of October 11, 2025, no official registration start date has been announced, marking an unusual departure from the program's traditional timeline. The delay comes alongside the introduction of the first-ever registration fee for the 55,000 available diversity visas.
The State Department indicated that an announcement regarding DV-2027 registration is forthcoming and will be published on travel.state.gov and in the Federal Register. Meanwhile, applicants are preparing for significant changes to the entry process, including the new $1 electronic registration fee that takes effect on October 16, 2025.
Major Changes to the Green Card Lottery Program
The DV-2027 program introduces several groundbreaking changes that all prospective applicants need to understand before registration opens.
- First-Ever Registration Fee: A $1 electronic registration fee is now mandatory for all DV Lottery entries, effective October 16, 2025, published in the Federal Register on September 16, 2025.
- Non-Refundable Payment: The $1 fee is non-refundable regardless of whether you are selected or choose not to proceed with your visa application.
- Delayed Registration Period: The typical early October registration start has been postponed indefinitely, with the State Department citing upcoming entry process changes.
- No Passport Requirement for DV-2027: Despite a proposed rule published August 5, 2025, the passport requirement will not be implemented this year due to insufficient time for finalization.
- Unchanged Visa Application Fee: The existing $330 visa application fee for selected winners remains the same and is still only paid by those chosen in the lottery.
- 55,000 Visas Available: The DV-2027 program will award the standard allocation of 55,000 diversity immigrant visas to qualified applicants from eligible countries.
The new $1 registration fee represents a significant policy shift, as the Diversity Visa Lottery has been completely free to enter since its inception in 1990. The State Department stated the change distributes program management costs more evenly across all registrants, rather than burdening only the small percentage of selected winners with the full $330 visa application fee.
Who Is Affected by These Green Card Lottery Changes
The DV-2027 changes impact millions of potential applicants worldwide seeking permanent residence in the United States. Understanding how these updates affect different groups is essential for proper planning.
For First-Time Green Card Lottery Applicants
New applicants must now budget for the $1 registration fee and ensure their passport photo meets requirements, even though passport scans are not required for DV-2027. The delayed registration period means monitoring travel.state.gov daily for the official announcement. Additionally, first-time applicants should familiarize themselves with the electronic registration process on dvprogram.state.gov before the application period opens.
For Previous Diversity Visa Lottery Participants
If you've entered in previous years, you must submit a new entry for DV-2027 and pay the $1 fee—previous entries do not carry over. Unlike past years when registration was free, you'll need a valid payment method for the October 2025 registration period. The registration process remains similar, but be prepared for additional entry process changes the State Department has indicated are coming.
For Immigration Consultants and Legal Representatives
Legal professionals assisting clients must update their fee structures to account for the new $1 per-entry charge and inform clients about the registration delay. With the comment period for the passport requirement rule having closed on September 19, 2025, consultants should monitor for potential implementation in future lottery cycles. Ensure all client passport photos comply with strict diversity visa photo specifications to avoid application rejections.
How to Apply for the DV-2027 Green Card Lottery - Step by Step
Follow these steps to successfully register for the Diversity Visa Lottery once the registration period opens in late October or November 2025.
- Monitor the Official Website: Check dvprogram.state.gov daily for the official registration start date announcement, as the State Department has not yet confirmed when DV-2027 registration will open.
- Prepare Required Documents: Gather a recent passport-style photo that meets strict diversity visa photo requirements (2x2 inches, white background, taken within 6 months) and have your birth certificate and education documents ready for reference.
- Create Your Entry Profile: Complete the Electronic Diversity Visa Entry Form (E-DV) on the official dvprogram.state.gov website with accurate personal information, including your full name, date of birth, country of birth, and education level.
- Pay the $1 Registration Fee: Submit payment electronically through the official government website using a valid credit or debit card—remember this fee is non-refundable regardless of selection outcome.
- Save Your Confirmation Number: Immediately save and print your unique confirmation number, as this is the only way to check your lottery results in May 2026—the State Department will never contact you directly.
- Submit Only One Entry: Submit exactly one entry per person during the registration period (expected October-November 2025)—multiple entries will result in disqualification from the DV-2027 program.
- Check Results in May 2026: Return to dvprogram.state.gov in May 2026 to check if you were selected using your confirmation number, last name, and birth year.
Important Dates and Timeline for DV-2027
Mark these critical dates in your calendar to ensure you don't miss any deadlines for the Green Card Lottery DV-2027 program.
- September 16, 2025: Final rule establishing $1 registration fee published in Federal Register and became effective immediately.
- September 19, 2025: Public comment period closed for the proposed passport requirement rule (not applicable to DV-2027).
- October 16, 2025: New $1 electronic registration fee officially takes effect for all Diversity Visa Lottery entries.
- Late October/Early November 2025 (TBD): Expected registration period opening—typically 30 days for submissions, but official dates not yet announced by State Department.
- May 2026: DV-2027 lottery results will be available online at dvprogram.state.gov using your confirmation number and personal details.
- October 2026 - September 2027: Interview and visa processing period for selected DV-2027 winners at U.S. embassies and consulates worldwide.
- September 30, 2027: Absolute deadline for all DV-2027 selectees to receive their diversity visa or adjust their immigration status in the United States.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Green Card Lottery
Why Is the DV-2027 Green Card Lottery Registration Delayed?
The U.S. Department of State has not provided a specific reason for the delay beyond indicating that "upcoming entry process changes" are being finalized. The registration typically opens in the first week of October, but as of October 11, 2025, no start date has been announced. The State Department confirmed that an official announcement will be published soon on travel.state.gov and in the Federal Register.
Is the $1 Registration Fee Refundable If I'm Not Selected?
No, the $1 electronic registration fee is completely non-refundable under all circumstances. Whether you are selected or not selected in the lottery, or even if you decide not to proceed with your application after registration, the $1 fee will not be returned. This fee is separate from the $330 visa application fee that only selected winners must pay if they choose to pursue their diversity visa.
Do I Need a Passport to Apply for the DV-2027 Lottery?
No, you do not need a passport to register for DV-2027. While the Trump administration proposed a passport requirement rule in August 2025, it will not be finalized in time for this year's lottery cycle. However, you will still need a compliant passport photo that meets strict diversity visa photo specifications (2x2 inches, recent photo taken within 6 months, white or off-white background, neutral expression).
Can I Submit Multiple Entries to Increase My Chances?
Absolutely not—submitting multiple entries will result in automatic disqualification from the DV-2027 program. The State Department's system detects duplicate entries, and you are only allowed one entry per person per year. However, if you are married, both you and your spouse can each submit separate entries, potentially doubling your household's chances of selection.
When Will DV-2027 Results Be Announced?
DV-2027 lottery results will be available in May 2026 through the Entrant Status Check on dvprogram.state.gov. You will need your confirmation number, last name, and birth year to check your status. The State Department will never contact you by email, phone, or mail to notify you of selection—you must check results yourself online.
What Happens If I'm Selected in the Green Card Lottery?
If selected, you will be notified through the Entrant Status Check in May 2026 and provided with instructions for the next steps. You must then submit a visa application (Form DS-260), pay the $330 visa application fee, attend an interview at a U.S. embassy or consulate, and complete medical examinations and background checks. Selection does not guarantee a visa—you must meet all eligibility requirements and complete processing before September 30, 2027.
What You Need to Know About DV-2027 Registration
The DV-2027 Diversity Visa Lottery represents a turning point in U.S. immigration policy with the introduction of the first-ever $1 registration fee and an unprecedented delay in the application period opening. While the fee is nominal, it signals a shift toward cost-sharing across all participants rather than concentrating expenses on selected winners. Prospective applicants should monitor dvprogram.state.gov daily for the official registration announcement expected later in October 2025.
Before you apply, ensure your passport photo meets all requirements for visa applications and consider using professional services like VisaPics to guarantee compliance with strict U.S. State Department photo specifications. Remember that the registration period typically lasts only 30 days, so having your documents and compliant photos ready now will help you submit quickly once registration opens. With 55,000 diversity visas available and millions of global applicants expected, preparation and accuracy are essential for success in the DV-2027 Green Card Lottery.