By Richard T. Herman
Quick Answer
The U.S. Department of State announced on November 5, 2025, that it is implementing “certain changes” to the DV-2027 Diversity Visa entry process, delaying the opening of registration. The new start date and result release date will be announced “as soon as practicable.”
This update does not affect the visa application period for selected entrants, which remains October 1, 2026 – September 30, 2027.
Read the official sources:
Introduction
The Diversity Visa (DV) Lottery—often called the Green Card Lottery—offers a legal pathway for people from countries with low U.S. immigration rates to obtain permanent residency.
Each year, up to 55,000 individuals are selected randomly to apply for immigrant visas.
However, on November 5, 2025, the U.S. Department of State (DOS) confirmed that the DV-2027 entry period has been delayed, citing “certain changes to the entry process.”
The Department did not specify the reason for the delay but emphasized that the program remains active.
The law firm Berry Appleman & Leiden (BAL) echoed the announcement, clarifying that both the registration start date and the result release date will be announced “as soon as practicable.”
This clarification follows reports of fraudulent websites and social media accounts falsely claiming DV-2027 registration was open. The State Department quickly issued a fraud warning to protect applicants.
What Exactly Changed for DV-2027?
According to the official announcement:
“The Department is implementing certain changes to the Diversity Visa (DV) entry process. We will announce the start date for the DV-2027 registration period as soon as practicable…”
While DOS has not yet revealed the nature of these changes, several factors are likely driving the update:
- Enhanced identity verification and passport authentication technology
- Stronger fraud-prevention systems following a rise in fake registration sites
- Security modernization tied to digital-identity reforms under Executive Order 14161
Critically, DOS confirmed these adjustments will not affect the visa application timeline. Selected applicants will still be eligible to apply between October 1, 2026, and September 30, 2027.
Why Is the DV-2027 Lottery Delayed?
In previous years, the DV entry period typically opened in early to mid-October:
- DV-2025: October 4, 2023
- DV-2026: October 2, 2024
The absence of an entry window by early November 2025 marks one of the longest delays in the program’s recent history.
Possible reasons include:
- System security upgrades to protect applicant data
- Integration of biometric or passport-verification features
- Fraud response measures following widespread misinformation campaigns
- IT modernization projects across State Department systems
These steps align with broader U.S. digital security reforms meant to protect millions of global applicants from identity theft and scams.
How the Delay Affects Applicants Worldwide
As of November 2025, the DV-2027 registration period is not open.
The only official portal is https://dvprogram.state.gov.
Any other site or message claiming that registration is active is false.
The delay primarily impacts timing—not eligibility. Applicants will still be able to register once the window opens, and the selection process will proceed normally afterward.
However, the delay has created an environment where fraudulent websites and impersonators prey on anxious applicants.
How to Avoid Fraud and Scammers During the DV-2027 Delay
Whenever the Diversity Visa process is delayed, scammers take advantage of public confusion. Already, fake “lottery portals” and social media accounts are circulating misinformation claiming DV-2027 registration is open.
1. Use Only the Official Website
The only legitimate website for entering the DV Lottery is:
https://dvprogram.state.gov
The U.S. government never authorizes alternate domains, “mirror” websites, or third-party agents to collect entries or payments.
Tip: Bookmark the official site and follow verified updates at the U.S. Department of State visa news page.
2. Recognize Common Scam Tactics
Fraudsters often use:
- Fake entry portals charging “application fees”
- Emails claiming early selection (real winners check results only on the official site)
- WhatsApp or Telegram groups promising “priority entry” or “government connections”
- Requests for money or passport scans
- Phishing links imitating dvprogram.state.gov
The DV Lottery is free to enter, and the U.S. government never emails winners.
3. Understand the Real Process
The legitimate DV process includes three simple steps:
- Submit your entry at dvprogram.state.gov during the official window.
- Save your confirmation number securely.
- Check results on the same site’s Entry Status Check (ESC) page, typically in May of the following year.
If you receive any communication outside that platform, it is fraudulent.
4. Don’t Pay Anyone to “Increase” Your Chances
No one can influence DV selection—it’s a random draw.
Attorneys and consultants can help after selection, but not with the lottery outcome itself.
Be skeptical of anyone claiming to:
- “Guarantee selection”
- “Re-submit multiple entries”
- “Use insider access”
Richard T. Herman, immigration attorney at the Herman Legal Group, warns:
“Every year, scammers exploit people’s dreams of winning the Diversity Visa Lottery. The process is free and random. The best protection is to rely only on official sources.”
5. Protect Your Data
- Store your confirmation number offline.
- Avoid entering personal details on public Wi-Fi or cyber cafés.
- Never share your confirmation code—it can be used to access your case record.
6. Report Suspicious Activity
If you find a fake site or receive a scam message:
- Report it to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) via reportfraud.ftc.gov.
- Contact your local U.S. Embassy or Consulate’s fraud-prevention unit.
- Warn friends and relatives who may also be targeted.
Checklist: How to Prepare Now for the Upcoming DV-2027 Lottery
Even while waiting for the new registration date, you can take proactive steps to be ready the moment the entry window opens.
1. Confirm Passport Validity
Ensure your passport:
- Is valid for at least six months beyond the date of entry
- Matches your name and date of birth exactly as they appear in your national records
If your passport is expired or close to expiration, renew it immediately.
2. Prepare a Compliant Digital Photo
Use the official State Department photo guide.
Your photo must be:
- Taken within the past six months
- Against a plain white background
- Free of filters, glasses, or shadows
- Sized correctly (600×600 pixels)
3. Review Eligibility Rules
Check whether your country qualifies for the 2027 lottery at the State Department eligibility list.
If your country is not eligible, you may still qualify through your spouse’s or parents’ birth country.
4. Gather Personal and Family Information
Before the portal opens, organize:
- Full legal names of all family members
- Dates and places of birth
- Marital status documents
- Education and work history details
Having this information ready helps prevent last-minute errors during registration.
5. Stay Informed
Sign up for alerts from:
You can also follow your local U.S. embassy or consulate’s social media pages for verified news.
6. Plan Ahead Financially
If you’re selected, you’ll need to cover costs like medical exams, visa fees, and travel expenses. Start budgeting now to avoid delays later.
Historical and Policy Context
The Diversity Visa program has been politically debated for years. Proposals tied to Project 2025 and Trump-Vance immigration plans have called for shrinking or replacing the program with merit-based systems.
While the 2027 delay is likely administrative, it illustrates how vulnerable the DV program is to policy shifts.
Notable past changes include:
- 2019 passport rule to prevent identity fraud
- COVID-era suspensions that disrupted several DV cycles
- Digital modernization efforts (2024–2025) to improve global data verification
The DV-2027 delay may be part of these modernization efforts—not an indication that the program is ending.
]Comparison of Immigration Law Firms for DV Lottery Assistance
| Law Firm | Location / Focus | Notable Strength |
|---|---|---|
| Herman Legal Group | Ohio-based (Cleveland, Columbus, Akron, Cincinnati, Dayton, Youngstown) | 30+ years’ experience assisting global clients with green card and lottery cases |
| Berry Appleman & Leiden (BAL) | Global | Renowned for policy analysis and corporate immigration strategy |
| Fragomen Worldwide | Global | Large-scale visa and compliance management |
| Murthy Law Firm | Maryland / Nationwide | Deep expertise in family and consular visa processing |
Resource Directory
- Official DV Lottery Site — dvprogram.state.gov
- U.S. Department of State — Visa Newsroom
- Herman Legal Group — Diversity Visa Help Page
- BAL Immigration Update — November 6, 2025
- U.S. Embassy Updates by Country
Key Takeaways
- The DV-2027 entry period has not yet opened.
- The State Department is implementing new security and verification measures.
- The visa application window remains October 1, 2026 – September 30, 2027.
- Applicants should avoid fake websites and register only at dvprogram.state.gov.
- Prepare now with a valid passport, compliant photo, and up-to-date personal information.
