Major Green Card Lottery Changes Announced October 2025
The U.S. Department of State announced significant changes to the Diversity Visa Lottery program in October 2025, introducing the first-ever registration fee and delaying the DV-2027 lottery opening. Starting October 16, 2025, all green card lottery applicants must pay a $1 electronic registration fee, marking the end of the completely free entry system. Additionally, the State Department confirmed an unexpected delay in DV-2027 registration without providing reasons for the postponement.
These changes affect millions of prospective immigrants worldwide who rely on the Diversity Visa program, which makes 55,000 green cards available annually to applicants from countries with historically low immigration rates to the United States. The new fee structure and registration delays represent the most significant modifications to the program in recent years.
Key Changes to Green Card Lottery Program
The U.S. State Department has implemented several critical updates that will impact future applicants:
- New $1 Registration Fee: Effective October 16, 2025, all DV lottery entries require a mandatory $1 electronic payment at the time of online registration, published in the Federal Register on September 16, 2025
- DV-2027 Registration Delay: The typical early October opening for DV-2027 has been postponed indefinitely, with the State Department stating registration dates will be "widely publicized in the coming months"
- Non-Refundable Fee Policy: The $1 registration fee is non-refundable regardless of lottery results or whether selected applicants proceed with visa applications
- Revenue Generation: With an estimated 25 million entries annually, the new fee could generate approximately $25 million per year for the U.S. government
- DV Application Fee Unchanged: The existing $330 diversity visa application fee for selected winners remains the same and is separate from the registration fee
- Fraud Reduction Goal: The fee aims to discourage scammers from submitting fake or duplicate entries by adding a financial barrier
The State Department emphasized that payment must be made through the official government website using authorized payment portals. This marks a fundamental shift in how the diversity visa lottery operates, transitioning from a completely free system to one requiring upfront payment from all participants.
Who Is Affected by These Green Card Lottery Updates
The new fee structure and registration delays impact various groups of prospective immigrants differently. Understanding these changes is crucial for proper planning and preparation.
For First-Time DV Lottery Applicants
New applicants planning to enter the diversity visa lottery must budget for the $1 registration fee in addition to passport photo costs and potential documentation expenses. While the fee is minimal, it represents a new barrier to entry that didn't exist in previous years. Applicants should ensure they have valid payment methods accepted by the U.S. government portal before the registration period opens.
For Previous DV Lottery Participants
Those who entered previous lottery years without fees now face the new $1 charge for DV-2027 and future registrations. The registration delay means applicants cannot proceed with their annual entries until the State Department announces official dates. Previous confirmation numbers and registrations do not carry over between lottery years, requiring fresh applications each time.
For DV-2026 Winners and Pending Cases
Current DV-2026 lottery winners have until September 30, 2026, to complete their visa processing or adjust their immigration status. Results for DV-2026 are available through May 3, 2025, via the online Entrant Status Check at dvprogram.state.gov. These applicants are not affected by the new registration fee but must ensure their passport photos meet current requirements before visa interviews.
How to Register for the Green Card Lottery - Step by Step
When DV-2027 registration opens, follow these essential steps to submit your application correctly:
- Wait for Official Announcement: Monitor dvprogram.state.gov for the official registration period dates, which the State Department will widely publicize before opening
- Prepare Required Documents: Gather digital passport-style photos for yourself and all family members, ensuring they meet strict U.S. visa photo specifications including size, background, and quality requirements
- Complete Online Entry Form: Access the official Electronic Diversity Visa Entry Form (E-DV) at dvprogram.state.gov and fill out all required fields accurately with your biographical information
- Pay the $1 Registration Fee: Submit payment through the authorized government payment portal using an accepted electronic payment method at the time of application submission
- Save Confirmation Number: Print and securely store your unique confirmation number, which is the only way to check your lottery results - no email or postal notifications are sent
- Check Results in May: Return to dvprogram.state.gov in early May of the following year to check if your entry was selected using your confirmation number
Important Dates and Timeline for Green Card Lottery
Mark these critical dates on your calendar to avoid missing important deadlines:
- September 16, 2025: New $1 registration fee published in Federal Register and became effective immediately for future lottery registrations
- October 16, 2025: Official implementation date for the mandatory $1 electronic registration fee for all diversity visa lottery entries
- DV-2027 Registration Period: Dates to be announced - typically runs for 30-37 days in October-November timeframe but currently delayed pending State Department announcement
- May 2026 (Expected): DV-2027 lottery results become available for selected entrants to check online using confirmation numbers
- September 30, 2026: Final deadline for all DV-2026 winners to complete visa processing or status adjustment before fiscal year ends
Frequently Asked Questions About Green Card Lottery Changes
Why Did the State Department Add a Fee to the Green Card Lottery?
The U.S. Department of State implemented the $1 registration fee to spread program costs more evenly across all participants instead of relying solely on fees from lottery winners. The fee also aims to reduce fraudulent and duplicate entries by adding a financial barrier to scammers who previously submitted thousands of fake applications at no cost. Additionally, with approximately 25 million entries annually, the fee generates around $25 million in revenue to support program administration.
What Happens to My $1 Fee If I Don't Win the Lottery?
The $1 registration fee is completely non-refundable regardless of lottery results. Whether you are selected or not selected, the fee will not be returned. This payment covers the administrative costs of processing your entry and is separate from the $330 diversity visa application fee that selected winners must pay during the visa interview process.
Why Was DV-2027 Registration Delayed and When Will It Open?
The U.S. State Department confirmed the DV-2027 delay in October 2025 but declined to provide specific reasons for the postponement. Officials stated that registration dates will be "widely publicized in the coming months" through official government channels. Applicants should regularly check dvprogram.state.gov for announcements and avoid fraudulent websites claiming to have insider information about opening dates.
What You Need to Know About Green Card Lottery Updates
The introduction of the $1 registration fee marks a historic change to the Diversity Visa Lottery program, ending decades of completely free entry. While the fee is minimal, it represents the State Department's effort to reduce fraud and generate revenue for program administration. The DV-2027 delay adds uncertainty for millions of prospective applicants worldwide who plan their immigration timeline around the annual October registration period.
If you're planning to enter the green card lottery, start preparing now by ensuring your passport photo meets all official requirements to avoid delays during the registration rush. Visit VisaPics to create compliant visa photos for your diversity visa application, and regularly monitor the official dvprogram.state.gov website for DV-2027 registration announcements. Remember that only the official U.S. government website is authorized for lottery entries - fraudulent third-party sites cannot improve your chances and often charge excessive fees for services you can complete yourself for just $1.