What happened
The State Department announced in November 2025 that it was changing the Diversity Visa entry process and would publish DV-2027 registration dates "as soon as practicable". No dates followed.
On 14 October 2026 a federal district court in California ordered the department to announce registration details by 29 October, open registration by 1 November for 30 days, and notify selected entrants by 3 December.
On 29 October 2026 the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals granted the government's emergency request to pause that order while the appeal continues. The appeals court said it did not endorse the department's failure to open registration, but the deadlines no longer apply while the stay is in place.
As of 1 November 2026, DV-2027 registration is not open and no new start date has been announced.
Key dates
| Date | What happened |
|---|---|
| November 2025 | State Department says DV-2027 entry process is changing; dates to follow |
| 14 October 2026 | District court orders registration to open by 1 November |
| 29 October 2026 | Appeals court pauses that order (stay pending appeal) |
| 1 October 2026 – 30 September 2027 | Visa application window for anyone selected in DV-2027 |
Watch out for scams
Because people are anxious about the lottery, fake "registration" sites appear every year. Entries are only accepted through the official E-DV site, dvprogram.state.gov, and only when the State Department announces an entry period. Nobody can enter you early or improve your chances.
Get your photo ready now
When registration does open, it usually runs for about a month and the photo is the most common reason entries are disqualified. You can prepare it today:
- Square digital image of 600 × 600 pixels, JPEG format, no larger than 240 KB.
- Plain white or off-white background, no shadows.
- Head size between 50% and 69% of the image height; eyes between 56% and 69% from the bottom.
- No glasses. Neutral expression, both eyes open, facing the camera.
- Taken in the last 6 months. Do not reuse an old photo or a photo from a previous entry.
- No filters, retouching or background editing.
- Every person listed on the entry (spouse and children) needs their own photo.
Our US visa / DV photo maker crops to exactly 600 × 600 pixels and keeps the file under 240 KB. If you already have a photo, run it through the free photo checker or the resize to KB tool.
What to do next
- Bookmark travel.state.gov's Diversity Visa instructions page and check it for an announcement.
- Make sure your passport is valid, since recent rule changes put more weight on passport details.
- Prepare one compliant photo for each family member now, so you are not rushing when the window opens.
We will update this page as soon as the State Department or the courts announce anything new.
Questions
Is the DV-2027 lottery open?
No. As of 1 November 2026 registration has not opened. A court order requiring it to open on 1 November was paused by the Ninth Circuit on 29 October 2026.
What size is the DV lottery photo?
A square JPEG of exactly 600 × 600 pixels, no larger than 240 KB, with a white or off-white background.
Can I wear glasses in my DV lottery photo?
No. Glasses are not allowed in US visa photos, including the DV lottery.
Sources
- Official E-DV entry website (U.S. Department of State)
- U.S. Department of State: Visa photo composition
Checked on 2 Nov 2026. Prices and rules change; always confirm with the official source before you apply. SnapToSubmit is an independent service, not a government website.