Every year, millions of people around the world enter the Diversity Visa (DV) program, often called the green card lottery. It is run by the U.S. Department of State and offers up to 55,000 immigrant visas annually to people from countries with low rates of immigration to the United States. Here is what you should know before the next registration opens.
Has DV-2027 registration started?
As of October 23, 2026, the Department of State has not announced the dates for DV-2027. According to law firm reports, a federal court in California ordered on October 14 that registration open by November 1, but the government has appealed and asked for a stay, so nothing is certain yet. Do not trust any post that gives an exact date before the official site does. The only reliable source is dvprogram.state.gov.
The $1 registration fee
For DV-2027, the State Department charges a $1 electronic registration fee per entry, paid only on the official website when you submit. The visa application fee, about $330, is paid later and only by people who are selected. No company can raise your chances of being selected. Some businesses charge extra to help with the form. That is legal, but you are paying for their time, not for a better outcome, so ask exactly what the fee covers. Never pay a government fee through a link sent by email or message.
Who can enter?
- You must have been born in an eligible country. Iran has been on the list in recent years, but always confirm in the official instructions for the current year.
- You need at least a high school education, or two years of work experience in a qualifying job within the last five years.
- Some people can claim eligibility through a spouse’s birth country.
What you need for the form
- A valid passport (number, issue date, and expiry date)
- A recent digital photo of you
- Your date and place of birth, and your current mailing address
- An email address you can access
- Your education level and marital status
- Details and photos of your spouse and of every unmarried child under 21
Be careful with family members. You must list your spouse and all eligible children, even if they will not travel with you. Leaving someone out can disqualify the entry.
Photo rules
Photos are a common reason for rejection. For the online entry, the State Department asks for a JPEG file of exactly 600 x 600 pixels, no larger than 240 KB. Take the photo in color within the last six months, against a plain white or off-white background. Face the camera directly, keep your eyes open, and remove glasses. Filters and editing are not allowed, and you should not reuse last year’s picture. Check the official instructions each year, since details can change.
After you submit
You will get a confirmation number. Save it somewhere safe, because it is the only way to check your result later on the official Entrant Status Check page. Results are not sent by email. Beware of messages claiming you won; they are almost always scams.
Being selected is not the end
Selection only gives you the chance to apply. You still need to pass an interview, medical exam, and background checks, and visas are limited, so not every selected person receives one.
A quick safety checklist
- Use only the official government website to submit.
- Never pay anyone who promises a win.
- Keep your own confirmation number and your login details.
- Check that the name and birth date match your passport.
This article is general information only. It is not legal advice, and Mitra Global LLC is not affiliated with the U.S. government. Rules can change, so always confirm details on the official site. If you need advice about your own case, speak with a licensed immigration attorney.
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