DV-2027 Lottery: Navigating the New $1 Entry Fee and Registration Updates

The Diversity Visa (DV) Lottery, also known as the Green Card Lottery, offers a path to permanent residency in the United States for individuals from countries with historically low rates of immigration to the U.S. Each year, approximately 55,000 immigrant visas are made available. If you’re planning to apply for the DV-2027 lottery, it’s crucial to understand the recent changes, including the new $1 entry fee and updates to the registration process. Please note that the DV-2027 registration period is delayed. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know to prepare for your application.

What is the New $1 Entry Fee?

For the DV-2027 lottery, the U.S. Department of State has introduced a new $1 electronic registration fee for all entrants. This fee is required at the time of online registration on the official U.S. government website. This is a change from previous years where entry into the lottery was free. The new rule was finalized on September 16, 2025, and took effect in mid-October 2025. For a detailed explanation of the new fee, watch this video: Green Card Lottery 2027: New $1 Fee Explained

• Every entrant must pay $1 USD at the time of online registration through the official U.S. government DV entry portal.
• The fee is non-refundable, even if you are not selected or decide not to apply for a visa later.
• The existing $330 DV application fee remains the same. This fee is only paid by applicants who are selected and proceed to the visa application stage.

Why Was the Fee Introduced?

The introduction of the $1 entry fee serves several purposes:

• Covering Operational Costs: The fee helps to offset the operational costs associated with running the DV Lottery each year. These costs include system maintenance, data storage, automated winner selection, and security measures.
• Fairer Distribution of Costs: Previously, the costs of the lottery were primarily borne by the small percentage of applicants who were selected and paid the visa application fee. The new fee distributes the cost more evenly among all participants.
• Reduce Fraud: Even a small fee can deter scammers and third-party agents from submitting fake or duplicate entries, helping to maintain the integrity of the lottery process. This video further explains how the fee helps combat fraud: DV Lottery Visa Agent Scams Are Everywhere – Protect Yourself

How to Pay the Fee

The $1 registration fee must be paid electronically at the time of registration through the official U.S. government’s DV entry portal. Here’s what you need to know:

• Official Website: Make sure you are using the official U.S. government DV entry portal. The official website is dvprogram.state.gov.
• Electronic Payment: The fee must be paid electronically. You can typically use major credit or debit cards, or other electronic payment methods accepted by the State Department.
• Timing: The fee must be paid at the time of registration. You will not be able to submit your entry without paying the fee.
• Non-Refundable: Remember that the fee is non-refundable, even if you are not selected or decide not to apply for a visa.

Registration Timeline (Potential) and Delay

Please note: The registration timeline for DV-2027 has been delayed and has not yet been officially announced. The information below is based on historical data and is subject to change once the official dates are released. Monitor the official website (dvprogram.state.gov) for updates. For more on the registration delay, check out: Why the 2027 DV Lottery Registration Is Delayed | Full Explanation

Based on previous years, a potential timeline could have looked like this:

• Registration Period: Early October to early November 2025 [Delayed]
• Results Announced: May 2026
• Visa Application Period: October 1, 2026, to September 30, 2027

Key Dates to Monitor:

• September/October 2025: Watch for the official announcement of the DV-2027 registration period. Note that the registration is delayed.
• May 2026: Expect to be able to check the official website for the results of the lottery.

Beware of Scams

Unfortunately, the DV Lottery is often targeted by scammers. Here’s how to protect yourself:

• Official Website: The only official website to apply for the DV Lottery is dvprogram.state.gov. This is the only legitimate place to submit your application.
• No Fees to Enter (Except the $1 Fee): The DV Lottery is free to enter, except for the new $1 registration fee. You should never pay money to enter beyond this fee. No one can increase your chances of winning by paying a fee.
• No Email Notifications: The U.S. government does not notify winners by email. You must check your status yourself on the official website using your confirmation number.
• Beware of Look-Alike Websites: Be cautious of websites that mimic the official government site but have a different domain name.
• Never Send Money: The U.S. government will never ask you to send payments in advance by check, money order, or wire transfer.
• Poor Grammar: Watch out for websites or emails with poor grammar and spelling errors.

If you encounter a suspicious website or email, do not provide any personal information and report it to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) in the U.S. Watch this video to further understand how to avoid DV Lottery scams: DV-LOTTERY Scams and Tricks to AVOID (DV-2027 for year 2025)

How to Prepare

To prepare for the DV-2027 registration, you can:

• Gather Necessary Documents: Make sure you have a valid passport (if required - check the requirements for your country), and know the educational and employment history for you and your family.
• Understand the Requirements: Review the eligibility requirements for the DV Lottery on the official Department of State website.
• Prepare a Photo: Have a digital photo taken that meets the U.S. Department of State’s strict requirements. Use our free photo validation tool to ensure your photo meets the standards.
• Stay Informed: Monitor the official U.S. Department of State website for updates and announcements.

Official Resources

• U.S. Department of State - Diversity Visa Program: U.S. Department of State - Diversity Visa Program
• DV Lottery Official Website: DV Lottery Official Website

By understanding the new $1 entry fee, being aware of the registration delay, staying informed about the registration timeline once announced, and being aware of potential scams, you can increase your chances of successfully applying for the DV-2027 lottery.

Use our free photo validation tool to ensure your photo meets the requirements!