Author DVLottery.me
2025-09-26
New DV lottery registration fee: what Green Card applicants need to know
Starting with the DV lottery 2027, there will be a small registration fee. This rule will come into force with the new registration period in October 2025.
Until now, entering the Diversity Immigrant Visa (DV) Program has always been free. But in September 2025, the U.S. Department of State published a new rule that changes how the program is funded. Starting with the DV lottery 2027, there will be a small registration fee. This rule will come into force with the new registration period in October 2025.
How fees worked before
In previous years, the answer to the question “Is the Green Card lottery free of charge?” was always yes. There was no registration fee, and all applicants could enter without paying anything. The process was simple: you filled out the online entry form, uploaded your photo, and waited for the results. The government carried the administrative costs of registering and screening millions of participants worldwide.
The only charge was for those who won: winners needed to pay a $330 visa application fee at the U.S. embassy or consulate. This fee covered the consular interview, document checks, and final visa issuance. This was the only official Green Card lottery application cost.
What the new rule changes
From now on, DV lottery participants will pay a fee at the registration stage. This is a new requirement and marks the first time in the history of the program that entering is no longer free. The fee is set at just $1 per entry, and it must be paid online at the moment of submitting the application form.
The $330 consular fee for winners remains unchanged. This means that applicants will now face two separate costs: first, the $1 registration payment when submitting their entry, and then, if they are selected, the regular $330 immigrant visa application fee at the U.S. embassy or consulate.
So, if you ask, “Does DV lottery cost money?”, the answer is now yes. A small payment is required at the time of entry, and another payment is required later if you win. This is different from the past, when the program was completely free to enter.
Here is the link to the official statement confirming the new DV lottery price: https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2025/09/16/2025-17851/schedule-of-fees-for-consular-services-department-of-state-and-overseas-embassies-and
When the rule takes effect
The new system will apply from October 2025, when registration opens for the DV-2027 lottery. This is the official start of the next lottery cycle. From that date forward, the answer to the question “Is there a registration fee for DV Lottery?” will be yes. Anyone who wants to enter will need to pay the $1 registration fee at the time of submitting the entry form.
The rule was published in the Federal Register in September 2025, but the Department of State announced that the payment requirement would only be enforced beginning with the next open registration period. This means that DV-2026 and earlier lotteries remain unaffected. Only those entering from October 2025 onward will face the new payment step.
For applicants, this marks an important change in routine. Now, the registration process will include a mandatory online payment system. The payment must be completed successfully, or the entry will not be accepted.
Why was the change made?
The U.S. government explains that the Green Card lottery fee was introduced to cover the real costs of running the program. Every year, the Department of State receives millions of entries from around the world. Processing this huge volume requires reliable IT systems, data storage, and constant maintenance to keep the system secure. It also requires trained staff to manage applications, support the random selection process, and answer inquiries.
In addition, the government invests resources in security checks to ensure that the program is not abused. Fraud prevention is a major challenge: in the past, some people or agencies submitted thousands of fake or duplicate entries. This created unfair advantages and slowed down the processing system. By introducing even a very small DV lottery registration fee, the government hopes to discourage these practices.
Another reason for the change is fairness. Before, the cost of running the lottery was effectively covered only by those who were lucky enough to win and then pay the Green Card application cost of $330. Now, the expenses are shared by all participants. Even though the registration fee is symbolic, it means that everyone who uses the system contributes to keeping it secure and efficient.
In short, the new rule is meant to make the program more sustainable, fairer, and less vulnerable to fraud.
FAQ
Does DV lottery cost money now?
Yes. Starting in October 2025, there is a $1 registration fee.
Is the Green Card lottery free of charge for winners?
No. Winners still need to pay the $330 visa application fee.
What is the DV lottery total cost?
If you are not selected, your cost is $1 only. If you win, the full immigrant visa application cost is $331.
Can I still use an agent or third party?
Yes, but the payment must still be made. Be careful and always apply through the official government website.
Is the $1 fee refundable if I make a mistake?
No. The registration fee is non-refundable, even if your entry is not complete or you submit incorrect information.
What happens if I do not pay the registration fee?
Your entry will not be accepted. Payment is now a required step for a valid registration.
Can I pay the lottery registration fee in cash?
No. The fee must be paid online, most likely by debit or credit card, directly through the official U.S. government website.
Will the lottery application process change in any other way?
No. The only change is the new registration fee. The entry form, the required photo, and the official website remain the same.
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