Changes Confirmed to the The US Diversity Visa Lottery

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What the Diversity Visa Lottery Is and Why It Matters

The Diversity Visa (DV) Programme—often called the “green card lottery”—grants up to 55,000 immigrant visas each year to individuals from countries with historically low levels of immigration to the United States. For many UK applicants, especially those without a qualifying employer or immediate family in the US, the DV Programme is a rare direct path to permanent residence.

To qualify, you must have:
• A secondary school education equivalent, or
• Two years of qualifying experience within the last five years
• Birth in an eligible country, as set by the US government each year

The UK is usually eligible, but eligibility rules can change, so applicants must check before applying.

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What’s New for DV-2027

According to Newsweek and recent US government notifications, the DV-2027 registration period has not yet opened. This is a major shift from the traditional early-October launch.

Key proposed changes include:
• Mandatory valid, unexpired passport for most entrants
• Required upload of the passport’s biographic page at registration
• A new US$1 electronic registration fee
• Updated terminology on forms (e.g., replacing “gender” with “sex”)
• No changes to the visa-issuance window: 1 October 2026 to 30 September 2027

These updates aim to reduce fraud and improve identity verification during registration.

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Why These Changes Matter for UK Applicants

For UK nationals, the DV Programme is simple in concept but strict in execution. Any mistake during registration can lead to automatic disqualification—even after selection.

The delayed registration period introduces uncertainty, meaning applicants must stay alert for official announcements.

The new passport and document rules mean:
• A valid passport must already be in hand
• The digital scan must be clear and compliant
• Submissions must be accurate—no corrections after entry
• The US$1 fee formalises the process and helps prevent mass fraudulent entries

The US government continues to warn against fraudulent “lottery services” that claim to boost selection chances or falsely announce early openings. No private company can improve your odds.

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What UK Applicants Should Do Now

Preparing early increases your chances of submitting a fully compliant entry.

You should:
• Check that your passport is valid and unexpired
• Prepare a high-quality scan of the biographic page
• Verify your country of eligibility
• Organise education or employment evidence
• Monitor the official US State Department page for the DV-2027 opening announcement

If you have a spouse or children, ensure all marital and parental information is accurate across all entries. Mistakes here commonly lead to disqualification.

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Considering Alternatives to the DV Programme

Because the DV Programme is random, UK applicants often explore additional US immigration routes, including:
• E-2 Treaty Investor visas for entrepreneurs
• E-1 Treaty Trader visas for qualifying trade between the UK and US
• O-1 visas for individuals with extraordinary ability
• EB-2 NIW green cards, which do not require employer sponsorship
• Family-based immigrant visas, where applicable

These categories offer more predictable timelines and can align better with long-term business or relocation plans.

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FAQs

Q: When will DV-2027 registration open?
A: The US State Department has not announced the new start date yet. It will publish the timeline “as soon as practicable.”

Q: Do I need a passport to enter the US green card lottery?
A: Yes. A valid, unexpired passport—and a digital scan of the biographic page—will be required under the proposed rules.

Q: Is there a fee to enter the Diversity Visa lottery?
A: Yes. The proposal introduces a new US$1 registration fee for DV-2027.

Q: Can an agency improve my chances of being selected?
A: No. The US government states that no private organisation can increase your odds and warns against fraudulent services.

Q: If selected, when can I apply for my US immigrant visa?
A: DV-2027 selectees will be eligible to apply between 1 October 2026 and 30 September 2027, subject to meeting all requirements.

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If you are considering entering the DV Programme—or wish to explore more reliable immigration pathways such as the O-1, E-1, E-2, or EB-2 NIW routes—Crownside Legal can provide tailored, strategic guidance. You can learn more at https://usalaw.co.uk/about, book a consultation at https://www.calendly.com/crownside, or contact us via WhatsApp at https://wa.link/2liwjz.