Green Card Lottery 2025 Delayed: What’s Happening and What Applicants Should Expect

The annual Green Card Lottery (Diversity Visa Lottery) is one of the most anticipated events for those dreaming of living in the United States. Normally, the application period opens in early October, but in 2025, things have gone differently — by the end of October, the official website dvprogram.state.gov remains unavailable.

Many applicants are asking: What’s going on? Has the U.S. canceled the lottery? What should those who have prepared their documents do now? Let’s break down the facts.

According to sources connected to the U.S. Department of State, the delay is not due to program cancellation, but rather to an update of the application infrastructure.
In 2024, the system experienced several technical issues and attempted cyberattacks. Therefore, U.S. authorities decided to fully modernize the platform to ensure:

• stronger data protection for applicants,
• prevention of phishing websites and fake application forms,
• automatic validation of personal data and photos during submission.

In short, this is a technical pause, not the end of the program. The DV-2027 lottery will take place, just a bit later than usual.

For the first time in the program’s history, participants will need to pay a small registration fee.
The U.S. Department of State explains this as necessary to cover the costs of modernization and data security.

Preliminary information suggests the fee will be around $20 USD per application, paid securely on the official DV website. This change also aims to reduce fake or mass-submitted entries.

The Department of State has not yet announced an exact opening date for DV-2027.
However, applications are expected to open within the next few weeks, with the registration window potentially shortened from 30 days to about three weeks. That means now is the perfect time to prepare your materials.

If you planned to participate — don’t worry. The program is still happening, and you’ll have your chance to apply.
Here’s how to prepare in advance:

• Check your passport’s expiration date (it must be valid for at least one more year).
• Prepare a photo that meets the requirements (600×600 pixels, plain background, no filters or shadows).
• Make sure your names and birth dates are correctly transliterated.
• Review the new DV-2027 rules to avoid mistakes.

Incorrect information or non-compliant photos are the most common reasons for disqualification — so use this time wisely.

The Green Card Lottery is not the only way to immigrate to the U.S. There are several legal immigration programs available:

• H-1B and L-1 work visas — for specialists, managers, and employees of international companies;
• EB-5 Investor Visa — permanent residency through investment starting at $800,000;
• O-1 Visa — for individuals with extraordinary abilities in science, business, arts, or sports;
• F and M Student Visas, as well as entrepreneur and startup programs.

The Visa Dan team can help you choose the optimal immigration route, prepare documents, and guide you through the process — from consultation to a visa in your passport.

The most important thing is not to panic and follow official updates. The DV-2027 Lottery has not been canceled — it’s simply paused for improvements.
The introduction of a registration fee and a modernized system is a positive step toward a more transparent and secure process, ensuring that real applicants — not scammers — benefit from the program.

The Green Card Lottery 2025 (DV-2027) is delayed due to technical modernization, but the program remains active. For the first time, a registration fee will apply, and the application window will open slightly later than usual.
While the system is being prepared, applicants should use the time to get their documents ready and explore alternative U.S. immigration options.

Visa Dan can help you choose the best strategy for relocating to the U.S. — whether through the lottery, a work or investor visa, or another immigration route.
We support our clients at every step — from the first consultation to obtaining legal status.

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!