The DV Lottery 2027 (DV-2027) program follows a strict timeline that applicants must understand to successfully participate. Missing any critical deadline can result in losing your chance for permanent residence in the United States. This comprehensive guide provides all important dates and deadlines for the DV-2027 program.
Critical DV-2027 Timeline Overview
Registration Phase (Fall 2025)
Registration Opens: October 2, 2025 (Estimated)
- Applications become available on dvprogram.state.gov
- System opens at 12:00 PM (noon) Eastern Time
- All eligible countries can begin submitting entries
Registration Closes: November 5, 2025 (Estimated)
- Final deadline: 12:00 PM (noon) Eastern Time
- No entries accepted after this time
- System automatically closes - no exceptions
Duration: Approximately 34 days for complete application submission
Results and Selection Phase (2026)
Results Announcement: May 15, 2026 (Estimated)
- Selected applicants can check status online
- Available through Entrant Status Check
- Confirmation numbers required for status check
Notification Period: May 15, 2026 - September 30, 2027
- Winners have until visa processing ends to complete their application
- No additional notifications sent by mail or email
Visa Processing Phase (2027-2028)
Visa Processing Begins: October 1, 2027
- Selected applicants can schedule interviews
- Visa numbers become available
- Processing at U.S. embassies and consulates worldwide
Visa Processing Ends: September 30, 2028
- Hard deadline - no extensions granted
- All visa processing must be completed by this date
- Unused visa numbers expire and cannot be carried over
Detailed Monthly Timeline
October 2025: Registration Launch
- Week 1: Registration opens, expect heavy website traffic
- Week 2-3: Optimal submission period with stable website performance
- Week 4: Final preparation for those planning last-minute submissions
November 2025: Registration Deadline
- First 4 days: Final opportunity to submit entries
- November 5: Hard deadline at noon Eastern Time
- Post-deadline: Entry period officially closed, no late submissions accepted
December 2025 - April 2026: Processing Period
- Applications reviewed by U.S. State Department
- Random selection process conducted
- Database preparation for results announcement
May 2026: Results Available
- May 15: Results become available online
- Remainder of May: Winners begin initial planning and documentation gathering
June 2026 - September 2027: Preparation Period
- Winners gather required documentation
- Complete Form DS-260 online
- Schedule medical examinations
- Prepare for visa interviews
October 2027 - September 2028: Visa Processing
- October 2027: First interviews scheduled
- Throughout 2028: Ongoing visa processing and interviews
- September 30, 2028: Final deadline for all processing
Time-Sensitive Action Items
Before Registration Opens (September 2025)
- Verify country eligibility
- Prepare compliant photos using our photo validation tool
- Gather personal information for family members
- Review education/work experience requirements
During Registration Period (October-November 2025)
- Submit entry early to avoid last-minute technical issues
- Complete all required fields accurately
- Upload photos meeting exact specifications
- Save confirmation number and receipt
- Submit only ONE entry per person
After Submitting Entry (November 2025 - May 2026)
- Keep confirmation number secure
- Avoid DV Lottery scams and fraudulent services
- Begin gathering supporting documentation
- Stay updated on program announcements
If Selected (May 2026 onwards)
- Complete DS-260 form immediately
- Schedule required medical examinations
- Gather civil documents and translations
- Prepare for visa interview
- Pay required government fees
Regional Considerations
Time Zone Awareness
All deadlines follow Eastern Time (ET):
- Registration opens: October 2, 2025, 12:00 PM ET
- Registration closes: November 5, 2025, 12:00 PM ET
Peak Application Periods
Expect heavy website traffic during:
- First day: October 2, 2025
- Final week: November 1-5, 2025
- Results day: May 15, 2026
Critical Warnings and Reminders
Registration Deadlines
⚠️ No extensions granted - The November 5 deadline is absolute ⚠️ Server maintenance - Website may be unavailable for brief periods ⚠️ One entry only - Multiple entries result in automatic disqualification
Photo Requirements Timeline
- Photos must be taken within 6 months of application submission
- Use current photos - outdated images cause disqualification
- Verify compliance with our photo requirements guide
Visa Processing Deadlines
⚠️ September 30, 2028 - Absolute final deadline ⚠️ Early interview scheduling recommended for winners ⚠️ No visa number rollovers - unused numbers expire
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I submit my entry on the deadline day?
A: While possible, it’s risky due to potential technical issues and heavy traffic. Submit at least 1-2 weeks before the deadline.
Q: What time zone are the deadlines in?
A: All deadlines are in Eastern Time (ET). Convert to your local time zone accordingly.
Q: How long does the application take to complete?
A: Most applicants complete their entry in 15-30 minutes, but allow extra time for photo preparation and verification.
Q: When should I check for results?
A: Results typically become available on May 15, 2026. Check periodically through September 2027.
Q: What happens if I miss the visa processing deadline?
A: If you don’t complete processing by September 30, 2028, your selection expires with no extensions or alternatives.
Planning Your Application Strategy
Optimal Submission Timeline
- 2 weeks before opening: Complete photo preparation
- Week 1-2 of registration: Submit entry during off-peak hours
- Immediately after submission: Save confirmation details securely
- Monthly: Check for program updates and announcements
Documentation Preparation (For Potential Winners)
Start gathering these documents early:
- Birth certificates with certified translations
- Education certificates and transcripts
- Police clearance certificates
- Marriage certificates (if applicable)
- Military records (if applicable)
Stay Updated
The U.S. State Department announces official dates approximately 6-8 weeks before registration opens. Monitor these official sources:
- Official DV Program Website: dvprogram.state.gov
- State Department Travel Website: travel.state.gov
- U.S. Embassy/Consulate websites in your country
Bookmark Our Resources
Conclusion
Success in the DV Lottery 2027 program requires careful attention to dates and deadlines. The registration window is brief, the selection process is competitive, and visa processing has absolute deadlines.
Key takeaways:
- Register early during the October-November 2025 window
- Keep your confirmation number secure
- If selected, act immediately on all requirements
- Complete visa processing well before the September 2028 deadline
The DV-2027 program represents a unique opportunity for eligible individuals worldwide. Proper timeline management significantly increases your chances of successfully navigating from application to permanent residence.
Disclaimer: Dates are estimates based on historical patterns. Always refer to official U.S. State Department announcements for confirmed dates and requirements.