DV-2027 registration remains closed after a federal appeals court put on hold an order requiring the U.S. Department of State to open the green card lottery by November 1, 2026. Does this mean the Diversity Visa program has been canceled? Here is what the court’s decision means for people hoping to enter.
Information checked as of November 11, 2026.
Why Was DV-2027 Registration Supposed to Open on November 1?
The dispute concerns the Diversity Visa program for fiscal year 2027, commonly known as DV-2027 or the green card lottery.
After the State Department failed to open registration, immigration law firm Red Eagle Law filed a lawsuit challenging the government’s inaction.
On October 14, 2026, the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of California issued a preliminary injunction requiring the State Department to:
- Announce registration details by October 29, 2026.
- Open registration by November 1, 2026.
- Notify selected entrants by December 3, 2026.
The government appealed. On October 29, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit granted an emergency stay pending appeal, putting those requirements on hold.
Did the Court Cancel the Green Card Lottery?
No. The court’s order did not abolish the Diversity Visa program.
The appeals court focused on whether Red Eagle Law, suing in its own name, could bring this particular claim. It concluded that the firm’s financial interest in representing future lottery selectees fell outside the interests protected by the Diversity Visa statute. In a separate concurrence, one judge also concluded that the firm lacked constitutional standing.
The court expressly stated that it did not endorse the State Department’s failure to open registration.
The stay therefore does not finally resolve whether the government’s failure to launch DV-2027 is lawful. It suspends enforcement of the lower court’s order while the appeal proceeds.
Is DV-2027 Registration Open?
As of November 11, 2026, DV-2027 registration remains closed, and no replacement opening date has been confirmed.
The State Department’s announcement says it will publish the registration start date and the date when selection results will become available. That announcement does not provide a specific opening date.
The official Electronic Diversity Visa website is not currently accepting new entries.
It is helpful to distinguish three separate stages:
- Registration: submitting an entry during the official entry period.
- Selection: finding out whether an entry has been selected.
- Visa application: applying for an immigrant visa after selection and meeting the applicable requirements.
A court ruling does not automatically make the registration form available. Likewise, access to results from an earlier lottery does not mean a new registration period has opened.
When Will DV-2027 Registration Open?
There is currently no confirmed new registration date.
The November 1 deadline came from the district court’s injunction. Because the appeals court stayed that injunction, prospective entrants should not treat that date—or the other deadlines in the order—as an active registration schedule.
Further court decisions or State Department announcements could change the situation. Until then, anyone interested in the DV-2027 green card lottery should monitor official updates rather than rely on predicted opening dates.
Where Should You Check for Official DV-2027 Updates?
Use these government sources to check registration announcements and instructions:
- U.S. Department of State: DV-2027 Entry Period Announcement
- Electronic Diversity Visa: Official Entry Portal
- Department of State: Diversity Visa Instructions
When reading an update, check its publication date and the program year it concerns. Information about DV-2026 or an earlier edition may still appear in search results even though its deadlines have passed.
If a social media post announces a new registration date, confirm that the information appears in a current State Department notice.
Gathering information or receiving help preparing for registration does not mean an entry has been submitted. Registration must take place through the official system during the announced entry period.
Should You Explore Other U.S. Immigration Options?
If you are planning your future in the United States, it may be worth exploring immigration options beyond the green card lottery.
Depending on your circumstances, potential pathways may involve family relationships, employer sponsorship, professional achievements, or business and investment activities. Some options provide temporary status, while others may lead to permanent residence.
Eligibility depends on your individual background and the requirements of each category. An immigration consultation can help you understand which options may be relevant and what documents are needed to evaluate them.
Want to explore your U.S. immigration options? Schedule a consultation with immigration attorney Ilona Szymkowicz at Szymkowicz Law.
This article provides general information and does not constitute individual legal advice. The status of DV-2027 registration may change following further court decisions or announcements from the U.S. Department of State.
Legal Disclaimer: The information contained in this article is provided solely for informational and educational purposes. It does not constitute, and should not be construed as, legal advice, a legal opinion, or a recommendation regarding any individual matter. Publication of this article does not create an attorney–client relationship between the author and the reader. Every legal matter is different and requires an individual assessment based on the specific facts and applicable law. U.S. immigration law is complex and subject to frequent changes. The information presented in this article reflects the law and practices in effect at the time of publication and may no longer be current or consistent with the law in effect when you read it. Accordingly, the content of this article may not apply to your particular situation. Before making any legal decisions, you should consult directly with a licensed attorney regarding your specific circumstances.
