by Should you still prepare for DV 2027? One of the most common questions right now is, will the DV 2027 lottery still happen? Let me share what we know based on official government announcements and how the program works.
The answer is possibly yes. The government has already announced that the DV 2027 program will proceed, but it will be delayed. This announcement was made before the current pauses, and nothing has changed that fundamental commitment.
Why the delay? The government is implementing two major changes for DV 2027. First, they’re introducing a $1 entry fee. Previously, entry was completely free.
Second, they’re requiring passport information at the time of entry, which wasn’t required before. Some people think these changes should take just a few minutes to implement. But government systems work differently than personal computers.
When the government collects fees, that money must be properly accounted for through complex government accounting systems. It can’t just go into a simple bank account. There are regulations about how government funds are handled, tracked and used.
Similarly, the passport requirement means they need to set up systems to collect, store and protect that data. There are government officials who must review data collection policies, data retention policies, and ensure everything complies with privacy laws. Every change must be tested, approved and documented.
Is there a deadline for DV 2027 entry to start? Technically, no. The program is called DV 2027 because those selected will receive their immigrant visas in fiscal year 2027, which runs from the 1st of October 2026 to the 30th of September 2027. As long as the selection process happens before the end of that fiscal year, the program can proceed. That the normal timeline matters for practical reasons.
Usually, entry happens in October, results come out in May, and interviews begin in October of the following year. The current delay is condensing this timeline, which creates challenges.
One important impact is on something called the Child Status Protection Act, or CSPA. This law protects children who are under 21 when their parents enter the lottery. The protection period runs from the start of the entry period to when results are announced.
By condensing the timeline, the government is reducing this protection period, which could affect some families. This may eventually lead to legal challenges.
Should you still plan to enter DV 2027? Absolutely yes. Even if you’re from one of the countries affected by current pauses, you should still enter. These pauses are temporary and may be removed before DV 2027 processing begins. For just $1, it’s definitely worth entering.
The government shutdown that’s right now won’t affect DV 2027 either. The DV program is self-funded through the fees applicants pay, so government shutdowns don’t impact it the way they affect other programs. Stay patient, keep checking official sources, and be ready to enter when DV 2027 registration opens.
