Court Orders State Department to Open the DV-2027 Green Card Lottery
October 14, 2026
A federal court in California ordered the U.S. Department of State to resume the DV-2027 Diversity Visa lottery after the agency failed to open registration during the usual period.
The judge ordered that registration must open no later than October 18 and remain available through November 19, 2026. The State Department must accept electronic entries, conduct the selection of winners, and process qualifying applications under the regular procedure through the end of the fiscal year on September 30, 2027.
The program provides up to 55,000 immigrant visas for nationals of countries with relatively low levels of immigration to the United States. Winning the lottery does not guarantee a visa. Applicants must meet all program requirements and complete the process before the applicable deadline.
There is no need to submit an entry before registration officially opens. Applicants should wait for instructions from the State Department and use only the official Diversity Visa website.
Who may be able to participate and obtain a green card without leaving the United States:
- TPS holders
- People admitted or paroled into the United States
- Those who have not had a gap in lawful status of more than 180 days
Read more: I-GUIDE guide
Source: Courthouse News
