DV Lottery 2027: Registration Has Not Opened Yet
Every October, thousands of people search for the opening date of the U.S. Diversity Visa Lottery. However, this year’s registration schedule is different. Has the DV-2027 registration period officially started? Here is what the U.S. Department of State has announced so far.
Has DV Lottery 2027 Registration Started?
According to the U.S. Department of State’s official announcement, the opening date for the DV-2027 registration period has not yet been announced.
Therefore, as of October 10, 2026, applicants should not assume that the new registration period is open. The official schedule must be confirmed through the Department of State.
The Department of State has stated that it will announce both the DV-2027 registration opening date and the date when selection results may become available.
In previous years, Diversity Visa registration typically took place in October and November. However, the historical schedule does not establish the opening date for this program year.
Why Is DV-2027 Registration Delayed?
On November 5, 2025, the U.S. Department of State announced that it was implementing changes to the Diversity Visa entry process.
As a result, the Department stated that the DV-2027 registration opening date would be announced as soon as practicable.
Importantly, the announcement did not provide a replacement date. Therefore, applicants should avoid relying on unofficial registration calendars or unsupported predictions.
Important Update: Diversity Visa Issuance Pause
Separately from the registration schedule, the Department of State published updated Diversity Visa issuance guidance on August 31, 2026.
Under that guidance, the Department stated that Diversity Visa issuance was paused, effective immediately. Applicants could still submit visa applications and attend scheduled interviews, but Diversity Visas would not be issued during the pause.
This is an important distinction: a pause in visa issuance is not the same as an announcement that a new lottery registration period has opened or closed.
DV-2026, DV-2027 and DV-2028 Explained
One common source of confusion is the difference between a Diversity Visa program year and its registration period.
The DV program number refers to a U.S. fiscal year. Therefore, it does not necessarily match the calendar year when an entry is submitted.
Previous Program
Registration was held from October 2 through November 7, 2024. The visa issuance period ended in September 2026.
Revised Schedule
The Department of State announced changes to the entry process. Its official registration date remains unannounced.
Future Program
Registration dates must be confirmed through the official instructions for the DV-2028 program.
Official U.S. DV Lottery Registration Website
The official electronic Diversity Visa entry system is operated by the U.S. Department of State.
Applicants should use the official government portal only during an announced registration period. Entries cannot be submitted before the system opens.
Private websites may offer general information or assistance. However, they are not substitutes for the official government registration system.
Visit the Official DV Lottery Website →Basic DV Lottery Eligibility Requirements
The exact requirements for each program year are established in its official instructions.
Nevertheless, applicants should understand the major eligibility rules before preparing an entry.
Eligible Country
Eligibility generally depends on country of birth, subject to specific legal exceptions.
Education or Work
Principal applicants must meet the qualifying education or work experience requirement stated in the instructions.
Accurate Information
Personal details, marital status, qualifying family information and photos must meet official rules.
Meeting the entry requirements does not guarantee selection. Furthermore, selection does not guarantee that an immigrant visa or Green Card will be issued.
How to Avoid DV Lottery Scams
Interest in the Diversity Visa Lottery often increases around the expected registration season. Unfortunately, misleading advertisements and fraudulent claims may also become common.
Essential Safety Tips
- Verify announcements through official U.S. government websites.
- Never trust promises of guaranteed lottery selection.
- Keep your official entry confirmation number secure.
- Check selection results only through the official portal.
- Avoid giving sensitive personal information to unverified websites.
What Should Applicants Do While Waiting?
Although the official opening date has not been announced, applicants can use this time to understand the program requirements.
For example, reviewing identity information and family details in advance may help reduce avoidable errors later.
Registration Preparation Checklist
- Review your full legal name and personal information.
- Confirm your education or qualifying work experience.
- Study the official photograph requirements.
- Review spouse and child information requirements.
- Follow official announcements for new registration dates.
Meanwhile, individuals interested in working, studying or living in the United States may also explore other available visa and immigration categories.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is DV Lottery 2027 registration open?
As of October 10, 2026, the official Department of State announcement reviewed for this article does not provide a DV-2027 registration start date.
When will DV Lottery 2028 begin?
Applicants should wait for the official DV-2028 instructions before relying on any registration date.
Has the U.S. Green Card Lottery been canceled?
The announcement about changes to the DV-2027 registration schedule does not itself establish permanent cancellation of the Diversity Visa program.
Can I register before the official opening date?
No. Entries must be submitted during the registration period officially announced by the Department of State.
Does lottery selection guarantee a Green Card?
No. Selection only provides an opportunity to pursue the next steps of the immigration visa process. Eligibility, visa availability and applicable policies still determine the outcome.
Does the visa issuance pause affect registration?
The issuance pause and the registration schedule are separate matters. Applicants should monitor official guidance for updates on both.
Is the DV Lottery Your Only Immigration Option?
No. The Diversity Visa Lottery is only one potential pathway to U.S. permanent residence.
Depending on individual circumstances, family-based, employment-based and investment immigration pathways may also be worth exploring.
Start US Visa provides information about U.S. visa categories and options for requesting a consultation about your circumstances.
Explore U.S. Visa Options →Official Sources and References
This article is based on information published by the U.S. Department of State.
Last updated: October 10, 2026 | Start US Visa