DV-2027 Green Card Lottery Has Opened — Is It Worth Applying in 2026?

On March 11, 2026, the U.S. Department of State quietly opened registration for the DV-2027 Green Card Lottery — without major announcements or press releases. For millions of people who had been waiting since fall 2025, this is good news.
But there is important context — and without it, building plans around this program can be risky.
At the same time as DV-2027 opened, the DV-2026 program remains frozen. In December 2025, the Trump administration suspended visa issuance for winners of the previous lottery and launched a large-scale security review. Thousands of winners are currently unable to obtain their visas.

Let’s break down what has changed in DV-2027, what risks the lottery carries today, and what to do if you want a more reliable path to a green card.

Registration for the Diversity Visa 2027 lottery officially started on March 11, 2026 — about five months later than usual (normally October–November).

The delay was caused by procedural changes. For the first time in over 30 years, two new requirements are being introduced, fully effective from April 10, 2026.

New DV-2027 Rules

• Mandatory passport scan

Applicants must upload a scan of the biographical page of a valid passport. Without it, the application will not be accepted.

• $1 registration fee

For the first time in the program’s history, a fee is required to submit an application. It is non-refundable and paid online.

• “Sex” replaces “gender” in the form

A technical update aligned with a presidential executive order.

Important: These changes apply only to DV-2027 registration. The visa issuance window for winners remains October 2026 – September 2027.

Limited exceptions apply for applicants who cannot obtain passports (e.g., stateless individuals).

Timeline of Key DV Program Events (2025–2026)

• DV-2026 registration: October–November 2024
• DV-2026 results: From May 3, 2025
• DV-2026 visa freeze: December 18, 2025
• Reason: DHS security review
• DV-2027 registration opened: March 11, 2026
• Registration closes: Expected April 2026
• Passport requirement starts: April 10, 2026
• Registration fee: $1
• DV-2027 visa window: October 2026 – September 2027

While the new cycle has opened, the fate of DV-2026 winners remains uncertain.
On December 18, 2025, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) paused the Diversity Visa program following a security incident. Authorities initiated enhanced screening procedures.

Practical consequences:

• USCIS suspended adjustment-of-status processing for DV-2026 winners
• Visa issuance abroad has been halted
• Some winners may be required to attend additional interviews
• No official timeline for resumption (as of March 2026)

Important: The DV program is established by law and cannot be canceled without Congress. However, it can be restricted or delayed administratively — which is what we are seeing now.

If you are a DV-2026 winner: keep documents valid and monitor official updates closely. Legal consultation is strongly recommended.

The DV lottery has been predictable for decades — but 2025–2026 has changed that perception.

Pros

• The program still exists in U.S. law
• Many countries (including CIS and Europe) remain eligible
• Very low entry cost ($1)
• If successful → direct path to a green card without job offer or investment

Cons

• Program instability under current administration
• Extremely low odds (a few percent at best)
• Winning ≠ guaranteed green card
• Time risk: delays could prevent visa issuance before deadline
• Increase in fraud and fake websites

Official application site: dvprogram.state.gov only

If your goal is a predictable move to the U.S., the lottery should not be your main strategy.

Employment-Based Green Cards (EB Categories)

• EB-1A — extraordinary ability (no sponsor required)
• EB-1B — outstanding professors/researchers
• EB-2 NIW — national interest waiver (no sponsor required)
• EB-3 — skilled workers with job offer

EB-5 Investor Visa

• Minimum investment: $800,000
• Must create at least 10 jobs
• Slower but predictable pathway

Family-Based Immigration

• Through U.S. citizen or permanent resident relatives
• Processing times vary from months to years

Expert Insight
The lottery and structured immigration routes are not mutually exclusive.
You can apply for DV-2027 (it takes ~20 minutes) while simultaneously building a structured immigration strategy.
The key is not to rely solely on chance.

1. Prepare a valid passport
2. Take a compliant photo (white background, no glasses)
3. Apply only at: dvprogram.state.gov
4. Fill out the form (education or work experience required)
5. Upload passport scan
6. Pay $1 fee
7. Save confirmation number
8. Check results from May 2026 online

No emails are sent — only manual status check.

The DV-2027 lottery is open — and applying makes sense as a low-cost opportunity.
But relying on it as your main immigration plan is risky. The DV-2026 freeze, political uncertainty, and low statistical odds make it just one tool — not a strategy.
If moving to the U.S. is a serious goal, consider employment-based visas, EB-5, or family immigration in parallel.
Visa Dan specialists can assess your case and help build a structured, reliable pathway to a U.S. green card.

Visa Dan is an international company with a strong legal team and experience in assisting more than 1,000 clients. We offer:

• Individual selection of solutions and strategies for obtaining a residence permit.
• Complete transparency and support at every stage.
• A strong team in Europe: lawyers, translators, operators, notaries.
• Support until you receive your ID card, as well as assistance with renewal and integration in the country.

The Visa Dan team will help you navigate this journey from start to finish. Get personalized advice and start your new life in 2025!