DV-2027 Green Card Lottery — Start-Date LIVE Tracker: $1 Fee, New Entry Rules, and What To Do Now

Quick Answer

The U.S. Department of State (DOS) has delayed the launch of the DV-2027 Diversity Visa Lottery while upgrading its registration and fraud-detection systems.  The application window for selectees to apply for adjustment of status or consular processing and become a U.S. permanent resident remains October 1, 2026 – September 30, 2027.

Follow this LIVE Tracker for verified updates on the start date, new $1 entry fee, and official notices from travel.state.gov.. Be cautious of fraudulent websites claiming to offer DV Lottery results or a “live tracker.” Always rely on official sources for accurate information.

To stay informed, subscribe to Herman Legal Group updates for real-time DV-2027 alerts, expert commentary, and free readiness resources.

Fast Facts

• Start date: TBA by DOS — bookmark this page for daily updates.
• Result date (Entrant Status Check): TBA.
• Visa application window for winners: October 1, 2026 – September 30, 2027.
• New $1 electronic entry fee begins with DV-2027.
• One entry per person only — advanced technology will flag duplicates.
• The U.S. Department of State will announce the start date for DV Lottery 2027 registration and when the Entry Status Check (ESC) results will be available on its official website. The entry period for the DV-2027 lottery is expected to open in early October 2025 and remain open until early November 2025.

Source: U.S. Department of State

What’s Officially Changed — and What Hasn’t

What’s changed:

• DOS has not yet opened registration for DV-2027; the start date will be announced after system upgrades.
• A $1 electronic entry fee will now apply, funding anti-fraud improvements.
• Enhanced screening will detect duplicate and fraudulent entries.
• The introduction of a $1 fee is expected to generate approximately $25 million annually for the DV program. The $1 fee is intended to offset administrative costs and deter fraud in the DV lottery.

What hasn’t changed:

• The visa application window (Oct 1 2026 – Sep 30 2027) remains the same (for adjustment of status or immigrant visa, AFTER winnning the lottery).
• Eligibility rules (education, work, country of chargeability) mirror DV-2026.
• The Diversity Visa Program remains fully active.

What this means for you: Even without a start date, begin preparing now. A single typo, wrong photo, or duplicate submission can erase your chance before selection even begins.

Read the full instructions at travel.state.gov.

Why the Delay? Facts vs. Rumors

Facts

According to the official DOS statement, the delay stems from modernization of the registration portal and verification systems.
AILA confirms that the updates involve identity verification, passport validation, and stronger fraud prevention. There is no live tracker for the DV Lottery 2027 results; applicants can check their status only through the official Entrant Status Check tool on the Department of State’s website. The U.S. Department of State will not send notification letters or emails to inform applicants that they have been selected for the DV Lottery.

Rumors vs. Reality

• Rumor: The DV program is ending.
  Reality: False — only the entry period is postponed.
• Rumor: Paying an agent gives better odds.
  Reality: False — entries are random; only the applicant can submit.
• Rumor: Fewer visas will be issued.
  Reality: False — the 55,000-visa limit remains unchanged. The Diversity Visa Lottery randomly selects up to 55,000 people for U.S. permanent residency each year. The DV program aims to provide opportunities to individuals from countries with low immigration rates to the U.S.

Media Watch: Newsweek and Reuters confirm the delay is administrative, not political.

DV-2027 LIVE TRACKER — Latest Updates & Next Checkpoints

Last Updated: November 11, 2025
Bookmark this page or subscribe for free updates to receive new alerts instantly.

Exactly What to Do Now (Before the Portal Opens)

1. Check your passport. Must be valid for the entire entry period.
2. Prepare your digital photo per DOS photo specifications.
3. Verify education/work eligibility. At least a high-school diploma or two years qualifying experience.
4. Avoid duplicate entries. Only one per person.
5. Gather documentation (birth, marriage, education).
6. Use the official DOS site only. Never trust unverified “lottery” sites.
7. Subscribe for updates through the Herman Legal Group Newsletterto get immediate alerts when the portal opens.
8. A unique confirmation number is issued upon submission of the DV-2027 entry, which is essential for checking application status.

Richard T. Herman: “The DV program rewards accuracy over speed. A single duplicate or wrong photo can erase your dream before it starts.”

Common Myths & Mistakes That Kill Entries

• Submitting multiple entries for the same person.
• Incorrect photo size or background.
• Misspelled name or passport inconsistency.
• Using unauthorized “agents.”
• Relying on fake websites claiming early registration.

Always double-check the official instructions at travel.state.gov.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

When will DV-2027 open?
DOS has not announced the start date yet. Monitor the official DV news page.

Will the $1 fee change my odds?
No — it doesn’t affect selection, but payment errors can invalidate your entry. Even with the $1 fee, applicants will still need to pay the usual $330 visa application fee later if selected. The $1 fee is non-refundable and is paid once per entry.

Can I use the DV-2026 instruction guide?
Yes, for basic prep, but always review the updated DV-2027 rules once posted at travel.state.gov.

What if my country becomes ineligible?
Eligibility may change annually. Check the DV-2027 instructions for updates.

Can I apply while living in the U.S.?
Yes — you may apply regardless of status, but selection alone doesn’t guarantee adjustment approval.

Resources

• U.S. Department of State — DV-2027 Official Notice
• travel.state.gov
• AILA Note on DV-2027 Changes
• Herman Legal Group — DV 2027 Delay Explainer

Herman Legal Group Resource Directory: DV-2027

Call to Action

Ready to apply for DV-2027?

Start your preparation now to avoid mistakes that lead to disqualification.

Schedule a DV-Readiness Consultation with our immigration team today at Herman Legal Group.

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