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Green Card lottery dates

When does DV-2028 registration open? The short answer: nobody knows yet. Here is the latest status, the usual calendar and what has changed.

Updated: September 28, 2026Source: U.S. Department of State

How it usually works

In past years the lottery followed roughly the same calendar every year:

• October – NovemberRegistration: open for about 5 weeks.
• MayResults: at dvprogram.state.gov, with your confirmation number.
• October 1 – September 30The visa year for selectees: interviews and visas must happen within it.

For example, DV-2026 registration ran from October 2 to November 7, 2024.

Recent changes

• September 16, 2025A $1 registration fee was adopted. It's paid on the official site when you enter.
• November 5, 2025The start of DV-2027 registration was postponed. No new date was announced.
• April 10, 2026Entries require a valid passport and scans of its biographic and signature pages.

What you can do now

1. Check your passportA passport is now required. If it has expired or expires soon, renew it.
2. Gather family detailsDates and places of birth for your spouse and children, and education details.
3. Take photos close to registrationPhotos must be taken within the last 6 months. Taking them once dates are announced is best.
4. Turn on notificationsThe app will tell you when registration opens and when results come out.

Don't miss the dates

Download the app and turn on notifications. We'll tell you as soon as registration opens, and you'll have your photo ready in minutes.

Coming soon toApp StoreComing soon toGoogle Play

My GC Photonow

Green Card registration is open!

Take your photo now and we'll check it against the rules.

My GC PhotoMay

Results are out

Check with your confirmation number at dvprogram.state.gov. Good luck!