Good news for immigrants hoping to win a Green Card: a federal judge has ordered the State Department to move forward with the Diversity Visa Program 2027, and registration is now scheduled to open by November 1, 2026.

On October 14, 2026, U.S. District Judge Jinsook Ohta in California ordered the Trump administration to move forward with the delayed DV-2027 Green Card Lottery after the State Department failed to open registration in 2025.

Following a lawsuit filed by immigration law firm Red Eagle Law, the federal court ordered the government to restore the lottery registration process.

When Will the Diversity Visa Program 2027 Start? Important Dates

Under the revised court-approved schedule, the Diversity Visa Program 2027 registration must open by November 1, 2026:

October 29, 2026: Deadline for the State Department to announce registration details.
November 1, 2026: Deadline to open DV-2027 registration.
30 days: Required registration period.
December 3, 2026: Deadline to notify selected applicants.
September 30, 2027: Final deadline for DV-2027 visa issuance.

Who Can Apply for the Diversity Visa Lottery?

The Diversity Visa Lottery provides up to 55,000 immigrant visas annually to qualifying individuals from countries with historically low immigration rates to the United States.

Applicants generally must:

Be born in an eligible country, subject to certain exceptions.
Have at least a qualifying high school education OR two years of qualifying work experience.
Submit a properly completed electronic entry during the official registration period.

Not sure if you qualify? Shepelsky Law Group can review your eligibility before you submit an entry.

Important Warning: Green Card Issuance Is Still Paused

Although the federal court ordered the lottery registration process to proceed, the State Department’s separate pause on Diversity Visa issuance remains an important obstacle.

According to official State Department guidance dated August 31, 2026, applicants may attend interviews, but diversity immigrant visas are not currently being issued under that policy.

This means that winning the lottery does NOT guarantee receiving a Green Card. Further legal developments may determine whether selected applicants can receive their visas before September 30, 2027.

What Should DV-2027 Applicants Do Now?

Prepare your documents, verify your eligibility, and monitor the official government website at https://dvprogram.state.gov for registration instructions.

Also keep in mind the new public charge rules and the USCIS fee increases for FY 2027 as you plan your next steps.

Diversity Visa Program 2027: Frequently Asked Questions

When will the Diversity Visa Program 2027 start?

Under the court-approved schedule, the State Department must announce registration details by October 29, 2026 and open DV-2027 registration by November 1, 2026. The registration period must last 30 days, so applicants should be ready to submit a complete entry as soon as it opens.

When will DV-2027 winners be notified?

The deadline to notify selected applicants is December 3, 2026. Selected entrants are normally notified through the official Entrant Status Check on the State Department website, not by email or text. Be careful with anyone who contacts you claiming you won, and read our warning about fake immigration law firms.

Does winning guarantee a Green Card?

No. The State Department’s separate pause on Diversity Visa issuance remains in place, and DV-2027 visas must be issued by September 30, 2027. Further legal developments may determine whether selected applicants can receive their visas. See our update on the immigrant visa freeze for what is paused and what still moves.

Who is eligible to enter?

Applicants generally must be born in an eligible country, have at least a qualifying high school education or two years of qualifying work experience, and submit a properly completed electronic entry during the official registration period. Our guide on who should enter the DV program explains eligibility in more detail.

Is there a fee to enter the Diversity Visa Lottery?

Historically, the State Department has not charged a fee to submit an entry, and entries are made only through the official government website. Be wary of anyone who charges to “guarantee” a win or to submit your entry through an unofficial site.

Can I enter if I already live in the United States?

Eligibility is based mainly on your country of birth, not where you live. Selected entrants who are in the U.S. may be able to pursue adjustment of status if they otherwise qualify, while others complete consular processing abroad. Read adjustment of status versus consular processing, then speak with an immigration attorney before relying on either path.

Do I need an immigration lawyer to apply?

A lawyer is not required to submit an entry. However, Shepelsky Law Group, a New York immigration law firm, can review your eligibility, help you avoid entry mistakes, and guide you through the Green Card and adjustment of status process if you are selected. If your DV case does not work out, we can also review family immigration and employment-based Green Card options.

Need Help With the DV Program? Talk to a New York Immigration Lawyer

At Shepelsky Law Group, a New York immigration law firm, we help immigrants understand their eligibility, avoid application mistakes, and explore available pathways to permanent residency. Learn more about our attorneys or browse our immigration services.

Call Shepelsky Law Group at 718-769-6352 or contact us online to schedule a consultation.

Your American Dream may still be possible!