By Richard T. Herman, Immigration Attorney
Quick Answer
This week’s biggest online immigration questions reflect confusion over the delayed Diversity Visa (DV-2027) Lottery, fee changes at USCIS, and a Chicago federal court order limiting ICE use of force. Below is a summary of the top trending questions and answers searched worldwide between November 4–8, 2025.
1. Is the DV-2027 Green Card Lottery open yet?
Short answer:
Not yet.
The U.S. Department of State announced that registration for the Diversity Visa Lottery (DV-2027) has not opened and that the start date will be announced “as soon as practicable.”
👉 Read the update on Times of India.
A new $1 registration fee has been introduced — confirmed in the Federal Register and by the State Department. See coverage from Mshale News.
Expert Tip:
Beware of scams. The official registration site will be hosted at travel.state.gov — nowhere else.
2. What exactly changed in the DV-2027 entry process?
Fast Fact:
The changes do not affect the visa issuance period for selected entrants (Oct 1 2026 – Sept 30 2027), but they do affect how you enter.
Key updates:
- $1 registration fee (to deter spam/fraud entries).
- New State Department verification steps for passport scans.
- Confirmation that the 2027 lottery start date is still TBA.
See details via NEPYork News and Sedki Law Group.
Checklist to prepare:
✅ Valid passport
✅ Digital photo meeting official specs
✅ Review eligibility requirements
✅ Monitor State Department announcements
Did a judge really curb ICE and Border Patrol use of force in Chicago?
Yes. On Nov 6, 2025, U.S. District Judge Sara Ellis issued a preliminary injunction restricting ICE and Border Patrol agents from using tear gas, pepper balls, and other “riot control” tactics during operations in Chicago.
🔗 Read the federal order summary on Reuters and coverage on WBEZ Chicago.
Key Insight:
The court found “a pattern of excessive force” during “Operation Midway Blitz,” saying the agents’ actions “shocked the conscience.” This may influence how other courts evaluate ICE conduct in major cities nationwide.
4. Are visa interview waivers (drop-box, children, elderly) still available after Oct 1 updates?
Mostly no.
The State Department narrowed interview waiver eligibility effective Oct 1, 2025. Many applicants — even frequent travelers — must now appear in person.
📄 Review the updated guidance on travel.state.gov.
Expert Tip:
Apply early. Consulates report renewed backlogs.
5. Has the Department of Labor restored H-1B LCA and PERM filings?
Yes.
After the FLAG system outage in October 2025, the DOL’s Office of Foreign Labor Certification (OFLC) fully restored FLAG.gov access for employers.
Employers are now asking:
- Can we rely on an extended PERM filing window?
- Will DOL honor recruitment timelines disrupted by the outage?
Read guidance on flag.dol.gov.
Key Insight:
DOL is expected to grant short grace periods for filings that expired during the outage. Track official FAQs for confirmation.
6. Do I have to pay USCIS fees electronically now? Are paper checks still accepted?
Fees must be paid electronically (not by check).
Effective October 28, 2025, USCIS transitioned many fee payments to electronic submission through the MyUSCIS portal.
📘 See the official update: USCIS Filing Fees and Payment Methods.
7. Annual Asylum Fee (AAF): Do I owe it now — and what if I never got a notice?
If your Form I-589 (asylum application) has been pending 365 days or more, you must pay the $100 annual asylum fee through your USCIS MyAccount once you receive an official notice.
🧾 Official policy: USCIS – I-589 Asylum Information.
Key Tips:
- The clock starts on your filing date (not interview date).
- Late payment can trigger case closure or referral to EOIR.
- Always verify your MyAccount email settings to receive notices promptly.
8. Why is the DV lottery delayed this year — and how can I prepare now?
Because the State Department is retooling the entry platform and payment gateway for the new $1 fee, registration was pushed back.
Preparation Checklist:
- Collect passport data and digital photo that meets specs.
- Review educational or work eligibility.
- Avoid third-party “lottery entry” websites.
- Bookmark the official entry page at travel.state.gov.
Quick FAQ (Summarized)
| Question | Short Answer |
|---|---|
| When does DV-2027 open? | Not yet announced; watch the official State Dept page. |
| Is there a registration fee for DV? | Yes — $1 mandatory per entry. |
| Are visa interview waivers still available? | Only for limited categories. |
| Did a Chicago court restrict ICE force? | Yes — injunction issued Nov 6 2025. |
| Do I have to pay USCIS fees online now? | Yes |
| Is the annual asylum fee in effect? | Yes — $100 per year after 365 days pending. |
Resources
- Diversity Visa Program – travel.state.gov
- USCIS Filing Fees and Payment Methods
- Reuters – Chicago Use-of-Force Injunction
- WBEZ Chicago – Judge Sara Ellis Order
- FLAG.gov – OFLC System Status
- Sedki Law – DV Lottery $1 Fee Analysis
Schedule a Consultation
Have questions about the DV Lottery, USCIS fees, asylum cases, or ICE enforcement risk?
📅 Schedule a private consultation with Richard T. Herman and the Herman Legal Group — Book Now.
Key Takeaways
- DV-2027 delayed, $1 fee now mandatory.
- Chicago court curbs ICE force, signaling national ripples.
- Interview waivers narrowed — plan for in-person appointments.
- DOL systems restored — file LCAs and PERMs promptly.
- USCIS shift to e-payments and annual asylum fee active.
Author
Richard T. Herman, Esq. is an immigration attorney with over 30 years of experience, founder of the Cleveland-based Herman Legal Group, and co-author of Immigrant, Inc.. He appears regularly in national media discussing immigration law and policy.
