Each year thousands of hopeful immigrants around the world look to the Diversity Immigrant Visa Program (commonly called the “Green Card Lottery”) as a chance to build a new life in the United States. Administered by the U.S. Department of State (DOS), the program opens once a year for submissions, followed by a random drawing of entries and visa allocations.
As we move through 2025, however, significant changes and uncertainties have emerged — changes that applicants need to understand clearly.
What the Diversity Visa Program is
The DV Program allows up to 50,000 visas each fiscal year to individuals from countries with historically low rates of immigration to the U.S. (USCIS) Unlike most other immigration pathways, the DV lottery is entirely random for eligible entrants — once the entry period closes, winners are selected without regard to who entered when (as long as within the period). The application process has typically been free to enter.
What is new in 2025
The most notable change this year is the introduction of a $1 electronic registration fee for entrants to the DV lottery. On September 16, 2025, the Department of State published a final rule in the Federal Register mandating this fee for the upcoming cycle (DV‑2027). (GovInfo) According to legal commentary, this new fee will apply at the moment of online submission of the entry form.
The rule states that this fee is intended to spread the cost of administering the program more broadly — instead of only those who are selected paying through visa fees, all entrants will contribute. (Public Inspection Federal Register)
Why the fee now?
From a conservative viewpoint, the introduction of a fee is a sensible step toward good governance and fiscal responsibility:
- It ensures that users of a government service are contributing to its costs, rather than the burden falling on taxpayers alone.
- It helps deter frivolous entries or large‑scale automated bulk filings that may clog the system.
- It aligns with the principle that immigration systems should be efficient, secure, and bear their own cost structure, rather than continually expanding without accountability.
What remains uncertain
While we know the fee and other regulatory proposals have been published, what is not yet established are the precise dates for the DV‑2027 entry window. Multiple sources confirm this. (NEPYORK) According to the DOS, “Dates for the DV‑2027 program registration period will be widely publicized in the coming months.”
Historically, the entry window has opened in early October and closed in early November. For example, for DV‑2026 the registration period ran from October 2 to November 7, 2024. (Diversity Visa Program)
For 2025, while most analysts expect something similar — early October to early November — no official start or end date has yet been published. That leaves applicants in limbo: ready to apply, but unsure exactly when.
What applicants should do
Given the current situation, prospective entrants should prepare thoroughly and act with caution:
- Monitor the official DOS site — The only legitimate portal for entries is the official site (typically at dvprogram.state.gov). When the registration opens, that will be the location.
- Budget for the $1 fee — While nominal, that is the new requirement for DV‑2027 registration. Make sure your payment method works internationally and you trust the website domain.
- Avoid third‑party intermediaries — Since a fee is now required, fake websites may try to exploit entrants. The official site is the only one you should use.
- Check eligibility — Being eligible by country of birth and education/work experience still matters. The rules for that have not changed.
- Be ready early — Even if dates are announced at short notice, having your information ready (photo, personal data, etc) will avoid last‑minute mistakes.
Conservative viewpoint and broader context
From a conservative standpoint, the DV program remains a valuable public‑policy tool: it offers diversity in immigration flows, helps American businesses access global talent, and supports global stability by offering lawful pathways to permanent residence. But with popularity comes responsibility — and the $1 fee introduces an appropriate cost‑sharing mechanism while maintaining access.
Critics on the left may argue fees create barriers, but from a Republican‑conservative lens, a small fee is a sensible measure to ensure program sustainability, reduce abuse, and preserve integrity. Program access remains broad; this fee is symbolic rather than prohibitive.
Final takeaway
For the 2025 cycle (DV‑2027) the major headline is straightforward: Yes, there will be a registration period; yes, a new $1 fee applies; but no, the exact opening and closing dates have not been officially published yet. Prospective entrants should stay alert, prepare their materials, and watch the official channels for the announcement.
In short, the Green Card lottery is not “cancelled” or fundamentally dismantled — it is simply entering a new phase with updated rules that prioritize efficiency, fairness, and responsible governance.
Featured image credit: DepositPhotos.com
