Green Card Lottery applications open in the US: All you need to know

The United States will start accepting applications for the Diversity Visa (DV) Lottery 2027, also known as the Green Card Lottery, in early October 2025. The program gives up to 55,000 immigrant visas each year to people from countries with low immigration rates to the US.

For the first time, applicants will need to pay a $1 electronic registration fee when submitting their entry. This new rule will begin on October 16, 2025, and is meant to cover program costs and reduce fake or duplicate applications. The fee is non-refundable and must be paid online. The main visa application fee of $330 for selected candidates remains the same.

The application period will open in October and close in early November 2025. Exact dates will be announced by the US Department of State. Entries must be submitted online through the official DV Lottery website, as paper applications are not accepted.

To qualify, applicants must be from eligible countries and either have at least a high school education or two years of recent work experience in a job that requires training. Applicants also need to provide correct personal details, passport information, and a recent digital photo that meets US visa rules.

Once the form is completed and the $1 fee is paid, applicants will receive a confirmation number. This number is important for checking results in May 2026, as the US government does not notify winners by email, phone, or mail.

The US government has warned applicants to only use the official website and avoid scams or third-party agents claiming to improve selection chances.

Despite the new $1 fee, the DV Lottery remains one of the simplest and most affordable ways for people worldwide to seek US permanent residency.

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