For years the answer was simple: Diversity Visa registration opened in autumn and ran for about a month. Recently that rhythm has shifted. The calendar moved, a small official fee arrived and the passport rule is back on the agenda.
We will not give you a date here, because only the U.S. Department of State can announce one. What we can do is help you be ready on the day registration opens.
When does registration open?
The programme is named after the fiscal year in which visas are issued, so DV-2027 covers visas issued up to 30 September 2027. Registration dates are published with the official instructions and the window is never extended.
Do not plan around old habits or social media rumours. Prepare now, register in the first days, and avoid the last-minute rush. Timing within the window has no effect on selection.
What has changed recently?
In 2025 a rule introducing a small official registration fee (1 US dollar) was published; check the current amount and payment method on the official page. It is paid to the U.S. government, not to intermediaries.
The passport rule has changed more than once over the years. The safest approach is to hold a valid passport before registration opens.
Who qualifies, and what about the photo?
Eligibility depends on your country of birth, and the list is republished every year. You also need a high school education or two years of qualifying work experience within the last five years. Proof is requested at the interview, so gather it early.
The photo must be a 600×600 px JPEG of at most 240 KB, taken within the last six months, without glasses, against a plain light background. Reusing last year’s photo leads to disqualification.
Family details and your checklist
List your spouse and all unmarried children under 21, even if they do not live with you or will not emigrate. Omitting them can cost you the case later. Each person may submit only one entry per year.
Your checklist: valid passport, compliant photos for every family member, exact names and birth details, education or work records, and a long-term email address.
Next step
Results are available only through the official Entrant Status Check with your confirmation number; U.S. authorities never notify winners by email or phone. Selection is not a visa guarantee, and the visa must be issued by 30 September of the fiscal year. Always verify current rules in the U.S. Department of State’s official DV instructions.
If you would like help preparing, try the 30-second journey flow on our site or message our advisor on WhatsApp. Advice does not change your odds; it keeps your entry accurate and on time.