Diversity Visa Lottery Status: DV-2027 Not Open (September 2026)

The State Department has said it will announce DV-2027 registration dates "as soon as practicable." As of September 22, 2026, none had been announced.

The Diversity Visa program normally offers up to 55,000 green cards a year, by random selection, to people from countries with low rates of immigration to the US. Entrants need at least a high school education or 2 years of qualifying work experience. Entry is free, and each program year (such as DV-2027) runs from October 1 to September 30.

If you were selected for DV-2026: your visa must be issued, or your USCIS green card approved, by September 30, 2026. The law does not allow any extension, even if delays were caused by the government. With interviews paused worldwide, many selectees will not be interviewed in time. Selectees in the US who filed to adjust status need a USCIS decision by the same date, and USCIS's May 2026 adjustment memo (PM-602-0199) applies to them.

If you wanted to enter DV-2027: there is no registration period, so no one can enter. Any website or person claiming to register you for DV-2027 now is not legitimate.

Nationals of travel ban countries: even when the program runs, immigrant visas are suspended for nationals of the 39 countries covered by Proclamation 10998. See travel ban.

DV scams increase when people are confused about the program:

• The only official entry website is dvprogram.state.gov, and only during an announced registration period.
• Entering is free. Anyone charging to "enter" or "guarantee" selection is a scam.
• The State Department does not email or text selectees. You check results yourself with your confirmation number.

See scam protection and notario fraud.

1. Check official news on the State Department's DV page for any DV-2027 announcement.
2. Consider other US routes that fit your profile: study on an F-1 visa, skilled work that could lead to EB-3 or EB-2, or family sponsorship.
3. Look at Canada and Mexico. Canada's Express Entry selects skilled workers by points, and Mexico offers temporary residency to people who meet its financial tests.
4. Keep your documents ready, such as passports, education records, and police certificates, so you can act quickly if registration reopens.