The Diversity Visa (DV) program, often called the green card lottery, is a way for individuals from countries with low rates of immigration to the United States to obtain a visa. Each year, up to 55,000 immigrant visas are made available. However, the process for DV-2027 and DV-2028 has been unusual, with registration for DV-2027 never opening and dates for DV-2028 remaining unannounced as of September 26, 2026. This situation has created uncertainty for many aspiring immigrants.
DV-2027: A Lottery That Never Was
The visa year for DV-2027 was set to begin on October 1, 2026. Typically, registration for this lottery would have occurred in October and November of 2025, with results announced in May 2026. However, this cycle has been different. The State Department announced on November 5, 2025, that it was making “certain changes” to the entry process and would announce the DV-2027 registration period and results dates “as soon as practicable.” This announcement came before a broader pause on the diversity visa program in December 2025, following a shooting incident linked to a diversity visa recipient.
As of September 26, 2026, no new dates have been provided, and registration for DV-2027 never opened. This means that the visa year starting October 1, 2026, will begin with no winners selected. The State Department has stated that the DV-2027 visa application period is still scheduled to run from October 1, 2026, to September 30, 2027, but without any entrants, this period will be empty.
DV-2028: Dates Remain a Mystery
Following the pattern of uncertainty, the registration dates for the DV-2028 lottery have also not been announced. In a normal year, registration for the DV-2028 program would be opening around October 2026. However, given the delays and changes affecting the DV-2027 cycle, it is unclear if DV-2028 will follow the traditional schedule. The State Department has not provided any information regarding when DV-2028 registration might open.
Legal Challenges and Program Pauses
The unusual circumstances surrounding the DV-2027 lottery have led to legal action. Red Eagle Law L.C. filed a lawsuit in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of California on August 19, 2026, arguing that federal law requires the Secretary of State to designate a registration period of at least 30 days each fiscal year. A judge denied an emergency order to open registration on September 3, 2026, but an expedited hearing for a preliminary injunction was scheduled for September 24, 2026. As of September 26, no ruling from this hearing had been reported.
The diversity visa program itself experienced a pause from December 23, 2025, to August 28, 2026. This pause was initiated following a shooting incident where the suspect had entered the U.S. through the diversity visa program. While a court order in Medani v. Trump lifted this pause for DV-2026 selectees, it did not directly address the opening of registration for future lottery years.
What a Normal Lottery Year Looks Like
Historically, the Diversity Visa Lottery has followed a predictable calendar. Registration typically opens in early October and remains open for about five weeks. Winners are usually announced in early May, and their visa year begins the following October 1. This timeline allows approximately 24 months for the entire process, from entry to visa issuance.
For example, the DV-2026 lottery registration ran from October 2 to November 5, 2024, with results posted on May 3, 2025. The visa year for DV-2026 is from October 1, 2025, to September 30, 2026. The current situation with DV-2027 and DV-2028 deviates significantly from this established pattern.
Changes to the Entry Process
When registration for future DV lotteries does open, the entry process will include new requirements. A final rule effective April 10, 2026, mandates that each entrant must provide valid, unexpired passport information and upload a scan of their passport’s biographic and signature page. Additionally, a non-refundable $1 electronic registration fee was introduced, payable at the time of entry. This is separate from the $330 diversity visa application fee that selected individuals pay later.
How to Avoid DV Lottery Scams
The current lack of official dates for DV-2027 and DV-2028 creates an environment where scams can thrive. It is important for individuals to be aware of fraudulent websites and offers. Official registration can only occur on the State Department’s website, dvprogram.state.gov. Any website not ending in “.gov” is not official. The State Department does not contact winners via email, text, or phone; results are only available through the Entrant Status Check on the official website. Furthermore, no one can improve an individual’s odds of selection, as the process is random.
Preparing for Future Registration
While waiting for official announcements, prospective applicants can take steps to be ready. This includes ensuring they have a valid, unexpired passport and a compliant photo that meets the program’s requirements. It is also crucial to correctly list all eligible family members on the entry, as omissions can lead to disqualification. Applicants should also ensure they have a payment method that can handle international online charges for the new registration fee. Staying informed by monitoring only official State Department websites, travel.state.gov and dvprogram.state.gov, is essential.
DV-2026 Selectees Face a September 30 Deadline
For those selected in the DV-2026 lottery, a strict deadline of September 30, 2026, is in effect. This is the final date by which they must receive an immigrant visa or complete their adjustment of status in the United States. Any unused visa numbers from the DV-2026 allocation will be lost after this date, as they do not carry over. The total number of DV-2026 visas available is capped at 52,101 after certain deductions.
What Happens Next
The future of the Diversity Visa program, particularly for DV-2027 and DV-2028, hinges on several key developments. The ruling from the preliminary injunction hearing in the Red Eagle Law L.C. v. Rubio case is a significant factor. Additionally, the release of the October 2026 Visa Bulletin, which typically includes the first diversity visa cutoff numbers for the new fiscal year, is also important. Any official notice from the State Department regarding DV-2027 or DV-2028 dates will provide much-needed clarity for aspiring immigrants.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Diversity Visa (DV) program?
The DV program, or green card lottery, offers visas to people from countries with low immigration rates to the U.S., with up to 55,000 visas available annually.
Why didn’t the DV-2027 lottery registration open?
The State Department announced changes to the entry process and a pause on the program, which led to registration never opening for DV-2027.
When will DV-2028 registration open?
As of September 26, 2026, the State Department has not announced the registration dates for the DV-2028 lottery.
How can I avoid DV lottery scams?
Only use the official State Department website (dvprogram.state.gov), never trust emails or calls about winning, and remember that selection is random.
Conversation
0 Comments