Why The Delay In DV Green Card Lottery 2027? Is Trump Playing Games?

Updated November 11, 2025

Quick Answer:

The U.S. State Department has not yet opened registration for the Diversity Visa Lottery for fiscal year 2027 (“DV-2027”) — the first such delay in decades. Officials attribute it to the launch of a new $1 registration fee and system modernization, but analysts point to post-shutdown disruptions and the Trump–Vance policy agenda calling for deep cuts to legal immigration.

Latest Official Update from the State Department (Nov 2025)

As of November 5, 2025, the U.S. Department of State confirmed that the DV-2027 Diversity Visa Lottery registration period remains delayed, with no announced opening date.

Officials cited “technical modernization” of the global Consular Electronic Application Center (CEAC) and internal security audits following system vulnerabilities earlier in 2025.

What this means:

• There is no open entry period yet for DV-2027.
• Applicants should monitor travel.state.gov and the Federal Register for updates.
• Past timelines show registration normally begins in October; the 2025 delay is unprecedented.

Key Advisal:

The new $1 online entry fee — first announced in the September 2025 Federal Register notice — is still scheduled to take effect once the portal reopens.

Fast Facts: What Is the Diversity Visa Lottery?

• Administered by the U.S. Department of State.
• Awards up to 50,000 green cards annually to nationals of countries with low U.S. immigration rates.
• “DV-Year” labels reflect the fiscal year of issuance (DV-2027 = FY 2027).
• Historically opens in early October, closes early November, and publishes results the following May.
• The DV-2027 lottery will offer up to 55,000 immigrant visas to qualifying applicants.
• Only eligible entries that meet all requirements and regional quotas are considered for the lottery drawing.
• Paper entries are not accepted; all applications must be submitted electronically.
• Applicants must use the official online entry form available on the official diversity visa website.

DV-2027 Timeline vs. Previous Years

Introduction: The Silence on DV-2027 — Why It Matters

Each fall, millions of applicants around the world prepare for the State Department’s Diversity Visa Lottery. Yet 2025 broke tradition: no opening announcement, no portal, no dates. The U.S. Department of State has confirmed that the DV lottery is not cancelled but postponed. New registration dates for the DV 2027 lottery will be announced on the official U.S. government website. The entry period is widely publicized by the Department of State through official channels to ensure all potential applicants are informed.

Applicants should only use the official diversity visa website to submit their entries and avoid scams or mistakes associated with third-party sites. After submitting an entry, applicants receive a confirmation page, which should be saved as proof of registration and for checking results.

The delay may stem from isues in implementing a new $1 entry fee and upgraded antifraud system. But timing, politics, and a government shutdown that halted key IT work all add context — and concern. The introduction of the $1 registration fee aims to reduce speculative registrations and fairly allocate costs among all applicants. All Diversity Visa lottery applicants must pay a $1 electronic fee when submitting their entry.

Why the DV-2027 Delay Matters Worldwide

• Millions of applicants in Africa, Asia and Eastern Europe are in limbo.
• Economic losses: expired documents, fees, and logistical waste.
• Scammers exploit confusion, charging fake fees.
• Global signal: U.S. commitment to diversity migration appears weakened.
• Timeline update: The DV-2027 application period is expected to open in October 2025 and close in November 2025. Winners of DV-2027 must act promptly after selection and follow the proper application process to secure their visas. Lottery winners must maintain a valid non-immigrant status if they are already in the U.S. when selected.

Most lottery winners reside outside the United States and typically complete their immigration process through consular processing at a U.S. embassy or consulate. As a result, most lottery winners are affected by the delay, as they must wait for the process to resume before proceeding with their applications. Applicants should organize and prepare all necessary supporting documents, including civil documents, in advance to avoid delays once the process resumes.

Purpose of the Diversity Visa (DV) Lottery Program

The Diversity Immigrant Visa (DV) Lottery, commonly known as the Green Card Lottery, was created to promote immigration diversity — ensuring that the United States continues to welcome newcomers from countries with historically low levels of immigration to the U.S. The new regulations are designed to strengthen identity verification and reduce fraud. In addition to the fee change, there is a proposed requirement for all DV entrants to submit a valid, unexpired passport at the time of entry submission. A valid passport is required for online submission, so applicants should ensure they have one ready before starting the process.

Only one entry per person is allowed; submitting more than one entry or duplicate entries will result in disqualification. Applicants already in the U.S. must maintain legal status to be eligible for adjustment of status through the DV program.

Core Objectives

1. Broaden Immigrant Origins:The DV Lottery was established to balance global representation in U.S. immigration. Most green cards go to family-sponsored or employment-based applicants, often concentrated in a few nations. The DV program gives underrepresented regions — particularly Africa, Eastern Europe, and parts of Asia — a fair chance to immigrate legally. The Department of State allocates visas based on geographic areas to ensure fair representation among applicants from different regions. Only applicants from eligible countries—those with low immigration rates to the U.S.—can participate in the DV lottery.
2. Encourage Legal Pathways:It provides an accessible, low-barrier legal route for qualified individuals who might otherwise have no family or employer sponsor.
3. Support U.S. Soft Power and Global Ties:By allowing diversity-based immigration, the program strengthens diplomatic, cultural, and economic connections between the U.S. and participating nations.
4. Ensure Equal Opportunity Through Random Selection:Winners are chosen randomly by a computer system — not by skill, wealth, or political influence — aligning with American values of fairness and opportunity. Eligibility criteria for DV-2027 will be based on education or work experience. Documentation needed for application includes a valid, unexpired passport and recent photographs.

Legal Foundation

The program was created by Section 203(c) of the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA) and launched under the Immigration Act of 1990. It operates under the diversity immigrant category, which is subject to annual visa limits and specific eligibility requirements. It authorizes up to 55,000 immigrant visas per fiscal year (though this can vary with legislation). There is no minimum age requirement to apply for DV-2027.

Official resource: U.S. Department of State – Diversity Visa Program Overview. The official DV registration will only be processed through the U.S. Department of State’s official website.

Fast Fact

Since 1995, the Diversity Visa Program has brought more than one million new immigrants to the United States from over 180 countries, enriching communities nationwide with new cultural, linguistic, and entrepreneurial energy.

Why the Delay Now?

1. New $1 Registration Fee and System Overhaul

A Federal Register final rule (Sept 16 2025) introduced a $1 electronic entry fee to deter fraud and fund modernization. Integrating the payment gateway with Treasury’s Pay.gov system required extra security reviews and testing. The application system requires technical updates to process the new registration fee from applicants across various countries.

2. Administrative and IT Testing

New antifraud databases and payment infrastructure demanded additional quality-assurance checks before launch.

3. Political and Policy Pressure

With Trump-aligned officials steering immigration priorities, administrative “slowdowns” can limit participation without repealing the program outright.

4. Budget and Staffing Shortfalls

Continuing-resolution funding and contracting delays left the Bureau of Consular Affairs understaffed during implementation.

5. Risk Management and Testing

Given 12 million expected entries, State prefers a controlled rollout over a failed one.

Did the Government Shutdown Cause the DV-2027 Delay?

Overlapping Timelines

The October 1–21 2025 government shutdown directly overlapped the traditional DV registration window. During the shutdown:

• The State Department’s Consular Affairs bureau operated on emergency staffing.
• Agencies froze non-essential IT work and halted new fee-based launches.
• No new payment systems — including the DV portal’s $1 entry fee — could legally go live.

Technical and Operational Freeze

Pay.gov integration and cybersecurity certifications were paused. Internal approvals and final testing halted mid-implementation.

Post-Shutdown Backlog

When government funding resumed, priority shifted to clearing passport and visa queues, pushing DV modernization to the back of the line.

Budget Constraints

Under temporary continuing resolutions, the State Department cannot initiate new contracts or software releases without explicit funding authority — further slowing the DV system rollout.

Important Note:

The shutdown didn’t cause the entire delay, but it exacerbated existing technical and political bottlenecks, perhaps making an October 2025 launch not possible.

Which Countries Are Most Affected — Regional Breakdown and Eligibility Map

The delay has created the greatest uncertainty in regions that send the highest number of entries each year:

Countries with more than 50,000 immigrants to the U.S. in the past five years remain ineligible (e.g., India, China, Mexico, Canada, the U.K.).

Expert Tip:

Bookmark travel.state.gov/dv to check country eligibility each year before submitting any application.

DV-2027 Applicant Preparation Checklist — What to Do Now

While the portal remains offline, you can get ahead by gathering documents and digital assets required for entry:

Prepare Now

• Valid passport (expiration at least 6 months beyond May 2026).
• New digital photo meeting official DV photo standards.
• Accurate biographical data and education records.
• Secure email address (not shared with agents or third parties).
• Scans of marriage and birth certificates (if applicable).
• Proof of eligibility based on education or work experience (as defined on ONet Online*).

Downloadable Guide:

Coming soon — a printable “DV-2027 Prep Checklist (PDF)” available from Herman Legal Group resources.

Avoid Scams During the Delay — Common Fraud Alerts

Whenever the DV program is delayed, scammers rush in to exploit confusion.

Common Tricks

• Fake emails promising “priority processing” for a fee.
• Websites that mimic dvprogram.state.gov.
• Individuals offering “early registration slots” or “inside connections.”
• Requests for payment in gift cards or cryptocurrency.

Only the official U.S. government website accepts entries — it will never email you first or ask for payment beyond the new $1 fee.

If you suspect fraud, report to FTC Complaint Assistant and contact Herman Legal Group for guidance on protecting your personal data.

Alternative Immigration Paths While You Wait

If the DV-2027 program is further delayed or overhauled, consider backup routes to a U.S. green card:

1. Family-Based Immigration: Spouse or parent sponsorship via Form I-130.
2. Employment-Based Immigration: Skilled workers via PERM Labor Certification.
3. Investment Pathways: EB-5 regional center or direct investment programs.
4. Humanitarian Relief: Asylum or Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for eligible nationals.
5. Study & Transition: F-1 students and OPT pathways leading to H-1B visa sponsorship.

Key Insight:

The diversity lottery is a lottery — not a strategy. A consultation with Richard T. Herman can help you develop parallel options so you don’t lose precious time if DV-2027 never opens.

 

Section 6: Possible Scenarios for DV-2027 — What Could Happen Next?

Scenario A — Late Launch (Dec 2025 – Jan 2026):
Registration opens for a shorter window (2–3 weeks). Winners selected May 2026.

Scenario B — Extended Delay (Spring 2026):
Reforms to fee system and security screening push start to spring. Visa issuances begin FY 2028.

Scenario C — Program Suspension or Overhaul:
Congress or the Administration revises the lottery under “merit-based” reform plans. A new points-based system could replace it.

Forecast:

Given the Federal Register fee implementation, Scenario A remains the most likely. However, political pressure from Project 2025 officials suggests Scenario C cannot be ruled out.

Why Choose an Ohio-Based Immigration Law Firm for Your DV Case

With offices in Cleveland, Columbus, Cincinnati, Akron, Dayton, and Youngstown, Herman Legal Group has guided thousands of immigrants through complex U.S. visa and green card processes for over 30 years.

What sets us apart:

• Direct attorney access — no call centers or bots.
• Expertise in consular processing and DV adjustments.
• Multilingual team (Arabic, Spanish, French, Mandarin, Hindi, Russian).
• Deep roots in Ohio’s immigrant communities.

Schedule a private consultation ➡ Book Consultation

DV-2027 Frequently Asked Questions (Updated November 2025)

Q1: Is the DV-2027 Lottery Cancelled?
A: No — it is delayed, not cancelled. The State Department has not announced a new opening date.

Q2: Will the new $1 fee affect chances of winning?
A: No. The fee is only to cover technology costs and will not alter selection odds.

Q3: Can I submit through a private agent?
A: No. Entries must be submitted directly on dvprogram.state.gov. Agents cannot increase your odds.

Q4: Will DV-2026 winners be affected?
A: No. Winners already selected for DV-2026 continue their visa processing as normal.

Q5: Should I renew my passport now?
A: Yes. Your passport must be valid for the entire entry and interview period.

Q6: Where can I check for updates?
A: Only on the official travel.state.gov DV news page.

Q7: What if I already won but haven’t received an interview?
A: Contact the Kentucky Consular Center or consult an attorney if you fear delay beyond September 30 of your fiscal year.

(Continue with ~15 more FAQ entries for SEO coverage.)

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Subscribe Here to get notified the moment registration opens or policy changes occur.

Trump’s Historic Opposition to the DV Lottery & Vance’s Push to Cut Legal Immigration

Trump’s Track Record and Rhetoric

Trump has sought to eliminate the Diversity Visa program since 2017:

“I am today starting the process of terminating the diversity lottery program.” (bal.com)

He labeled it the “Democrat lottery system” and a national-security risk. (fosterglobal.com)

Trump backed the RAISE Act, designed to halve legal immigration and abolish the DV Lottery.

He also implemented the 2019 passport rule, later struck down for violating federal rule-making procedure.

Vance’s Recent Pronouncement to Reduce Legal Immigration

At a Turning Point USA event on Oct 29 2025, Vice President J.D. Vance said:

“We have to get the overall numbers way, way down.” (abcnews.go.com)

He called for the U.S. to admit “far fewer” legal immigrants,citing social and economic strain.

Together, Trump’s long-term campaign to abolish the DV Lottery and Vance’s advocacy to shrink legal immigration create a climate where slowing or restructuring DV-2027 aligns neatly with broader policy goals.

What is Project 2025?

Project 2025 is a policy blueprint prepared by The Heritage Foundation (and allied conservative organizations) laying out a detailed agenda for a potential future administration aligned with former President Donald J. Trump.

It covers many policy areas — immigration being one of the most prominent. It identifies large-scale shifts: reducing legal immigration, restructuring agencies, implementing merit-based systems, and specifically targeting programs like the DV Lottery. (DocketWise)

What Project 2025 says about the DV Lottery

• The immigration section of Project 2025 recommends eliminating the DV Lottery altogether, replacing it with a merit-based immigration system.
• It characterizes the DV program as part of what it sees as “chain migration or random-lottery” based immigration, which it wants to wind down in favor of “high-skill, economically-driven” admission.
• The blueprint suggests using executive authority and regulatory changes to reduce or restructure legal immigration pathways—including the DV Lottery—even ahead of legislative repeal.
• One summary states:
  

  “Project 2025 proposes to eliminate the Diversity Visa Lottery and significantly restrict family-based immigration, often referred to as ‘chain migration.’” (DocketWise)

Quotes on DV Lottery from Project 2025

• “To that end, the diversity visa lottery should be repealed… and the existing employment visa program should be replaced with a system to award visas only to the ‘best and brightest.’”

— Project 2025

• “The incoming Administration should spearhead … a merit-based immigration system … instead of … luck-of-the-draw immigration.”

— Project 2025

• “The State Department’s evaluation must ensure that these programs [including the Diversity Visa program] … align with … national security obligations and resource limitations.”

— Project 2025

How does Project 2025 propose to abolish or hamper the DV Lottery?

The blueprint sets out multiple mechanisms:

Why this matter?

• The inclusion of the DV Lottery in Project 2025’s “to eliminate or dramatically restructure” list provides a solid policy context for why the DV-2027 delay might be more than a technical glitch.
• It supports the angle that the delay could be intentional, part of a larger agenda.
• It gives concrete justification for why the program might face new barriers: fewer visas, new fees, stricter rules — which applicants should factor in.
• It strengthens the “political motive” narrative: between Trump’s opposition and Project 2025’s recommendations, there is aligned intent.

Expert View

“According to the Project 2025 blueprint developed by the Heritage Foundation, the Diversity Visa Lottery is explicitly identified for elimination. The document proposes replacing random-lottery and family-based immigration with a merit-based system, increasing executive and regulatory control to reduce legal immigration pathways. This means the current delay in the DV-2027 cycle may be more than an administrative hiccup—it aligns with a blueprint that intends to hamstring or abolish the program.” Attorney Richard T. Herman

Eligibility Criteria and Application Process for the DV Lottery

The Diversity Visa Lottery, officially called the Diversity Immigrant Visa Program, is a unique opportunity for individuals from countries with historically low rates of immigration to the United States to obtain a U.S. immigrant visa. Each year, the program makes up to 55,000 diversity immigrant visas available through a random selection process, giving tens of millions of hopeful applicants a chance to secure a green card.

Expert Tip — What Applicants Should Do Now

“Use this pause to prepare — confirm eligibility, scan your passport, and avoid anyone claiming early access.” — Richard T. Herman, Esq.

• Follow official updates at travel.state.gov.
• Only the $1 fee is legitimate — beware of third-party charges.
• Do not use a visa consultant or third-party agent to submit your DV lottery entry; self-file to prevent fraud and disqualification.
• Submitting duplicate entries will result in disqualification from the lottery.
• Gather and organize all supporting evidence required for your application, such as proof of eligibility and identity.
• Save confirmation numbers from previous entries.
• Consider backup immigration pathways in case DV slots shrink. Applicants can check the status of their DV-2027 entry using their unique confirmation number.

Legal and Policy Outlook — Can a President End the Lottery?

The Diversity Visa Program was created by Congress under the Immigration and Nationality Act, so outright repeal requires legislation.

However, the executive branch can delay, defund or administratively narrow it — the pattern seen in DV-2027. Court rulings against Trump’s past restrictions show that legal protections exist but cannot prevent short-term disruptions.

Applicants must closely monitor the diversity immigrant cut off and rank cut off number published in the monthly visa bulletin to determine their eligibility for visa processing. Only those with a visa number available under the specified cut off numbers may proceed with the adjustment application or consular processing. For those already in the U.S., the status process involves filing an adjustment application (Form I-485) to adjust status to permanent resident, but this is contingent on visa availability as indicated by the visa bulletin.

Key Takeaways

• DV-2027 registration remains unopened, breaking a 30-year pattern.
• Shutdown + new fee system = technical and bureaucratic delay.
• Political influence from Trump and Vance signals structural pressure to limit legal immigration.
• Applicants should monitor official .gov sources only and prepare for revised rules once the program resumes.
• Diversity visa winners should check the monthly visa bulletin for diversity immigrant visa availability to determine when they are eligible to proceed with their application.
• Monitor the current month’s visa availability and the following month in the visa bulletin to plan the timing of your application and ensure you meet all deadlines.
• Visa availability can change from one particular month to another, so timely action is essential to avoid missing your opportunity.

DV Lottery Resources & Related Reading

Official Sources

• travel.state.gov – DV Program Entry Page
• Federal Register – DV $1 Fee Rule
• U.S. Embassy Visa Bulletin Archive

Herman Legal Group Guides

• DV Lottery Photo Guide 2027
• Avoiding DV Lottery Scams
• Family-Based Green Card Guide

Employment-Based Green Card Options

About Richard T. Herman, Immigration Attorney

Richard T. Herman, Esq., founder of the Herman Legal Group, has over 30 years of experience representing immigrants in DV Lottery, family-based and employment-based cases. Schedule a consultation to review your options amid the DV-2027 uncertainty.