Green Card lottery 2027: US announces changes in entry process, start date to be announced

The US State Department announced that they are implementing certain changes to the Green Card lottery, also known as the Diversity Visa entry process. "We will announce the start date for the DV-2027 registration period as soon as practicable, as well as the date that DV-2027 selection results may become available through the Entry Status Check (ESC). These changes will not affect the visa application period for individuals selected for DV-2027, which will remain October 1, 2026, to September 30, 2027," the department said.

Owing to these changes, the lottery has been delayed. The department said that they are aware that there are some fraudulent claims that DV-2027 is open.




"The Diversity Visa (DV) 2027 entry registration period is not open at this time. We are aware of reports of fraudulent claims that DV-2027 entry is open and of individuals and services falsely claiming they can increase your chances of selection. This is not true. DV-2027 registration dates and details about changes to this year's process will be announced by the Department of State when available," the department said.

What is the Green Card lottery?

This program offers thousands of individuals from countries with historically low US immigration rates a chance to obtain permanent residency. The Diversity Immigrant Visa Program was established by Congress in 1990 and signed into law by former President George H.W. Bush. It is limited to 55,000 visas annually. Applicants must meet statutory eligibility requirements, including a high school education or two years of qualifying work experience, among other criteria.

The DV Program’s 2026 cycle excluded applicants from the following countries: Bangladesh, Brazil, Canada, China (mainland and Hong Kong), Colombia, Cuba, the Dominican Republic, El Salvador, Haiti, Honduras, India, Jamaica, Mexico, Nigeria, Pakistan, the Philippines, South Korea, Venezuela and Vietnam.