Court Orders DV-2027 Lottery to Open by November 1
A federal judge has ordered the U.S. State Department to move forward with the delayed 2027 Diversity Visa lottery, setting a November 1 deadline to open registration.
Why it matters: The ruling offers hope to people waiting to enter the Green Card Lottery after the annual registration period was delayed. But the court order does not guarantee that applicants will be selected or receive a visa.
The big picture
The order, issued by U.S. District Judge Jinsook Ohta on October 14, requires the State Department to announce the DV-2027 registration details by October 29 and open registration by November 1.
The department must keep the registration period open for 30 days, under the court’s order.
The revised schedule followed a request by both sides to change the original deadlines.
The deadlines to know
- October 29, 2026: Deadline for the State Department to announce registration details.
- November 1, 2026: Deadline to open DV-2027 registration.
- December 3, 2026: Deadline to notify selected entrants.
The dates are deadlines imposed on the government, not confirmation that registration is already open.
Why was the lottery delayed?
The State Department had postponed the DV-2027 entry period while making changes to the registration process. The delay prompted legal action from Red Eagle Law, which challenged the government’s failure to launch the program.
The court issued a preliminary injunction directing the department to proceed with the lottery.
The government could still challenge the ruling, so applicants should watch for official updates.
What applicants should do now
Get ready, but don’t rush to unofficial websites.
Anyone hoping to enter should:
- Monitor the official Diversity Visa website.
- Read the State Department’s official DV program instructions.
- Prepare a compliant entry photograph and the information required by the official instructions.
- Avoid websites or individuals promising guaranteed selection.
Applicants should follow the final government instructions for registration dates, eligibility, fees and any documentation requirements.
What happens next?
The immediate milestone is October 29, when the State Department is due to announce the registration details. Registration is then due to open by November 1 under the court’s order.
The ruling is a significant development for prospective applicants, but the next steps depend on how the government implements the order.
Bottom line: DV-2027 registration is expected to move forward under a court-ordered timetable. Applicants should prepare now and rely on official government announcements for confirmation of when and how to enter.
