The United States has introduced a major reform of the DV-2027 Diversity Visa reform program, requiring applicants to possess a valid passport at the time of registration in an effort to combat widespread fraud in the green card lottery system. The new measures, announced by the U.S. Department of State, will take effect on April 10, 2026, and are intended to prevent fraudulent registrations and protect applicants from criminal networks exploiting the program.
The Diversity Visa Program, commonly known as the green card lottery, allocates around 50,000 immigrant visas each year to individuals from countries with historically low immigration levels to the United States. However, the program has long faced challenges related to large-scale fraud and unauthorized registrations.
Until now, applicants could enter the lottery using only basic information such as their name and photograph. This loophole allowed cybercriminal networks to create millions of fake registrations without the knowledge or consent of the individuals whose identities were used.
These fraudulent schemes often targeted unsuspecting individuals. Criminal groups would submit entries on behalf of people without informing them and keep the confirmation numbers associated with the application.
If the person was later selected in the lottery, the fraudsters would contact them and demand significant sums of money—sometimes reaching $30,000—in exchange for revealing the confirmation number needed to continue the immigration process.
Under the new DV-2027 Diversity Visa reform rules, such schemes should become far more difficult to carry out. Applicants will now be required to possess a valid and unexpired passport at the moment they complete their online application.
In addition to entering passport details, applicants must also upload a scanned image of the passport’s main page. This page includes the applicant’s photograph, personal information, and signature. The requirement is designed to ensure that each registration is linked to a legitimate identity document.
The registration form itself has also been updated to improve accuracy and reduce administrative errors. Instead of indicating only their age, applicants must now provide their exact date of birth, which must correspond to the information listed on their passport and other official records.
While participation in the Diversity Visa Program remains free of charge, applicants must now take into account the cost of obtaining a passport before applying. According to estimates from the U.S. Department of State, the average global cost of obtaining a passport is approximately $74.43.
Officials emphasize that passport information should only be submitted through the official U.S. government website managing the Diversity Visa Program. Sharing passport details on third-party platforms or unofficial websites could expose applicants to identity theft or fraud.
The reform comes after the Diversity Visa Program was temporarily suspended last December as part of broader immigration policy adjustments. During this period, all registration and selection procedures have been placed on hold.
Authorities have advised potential applicants to remain cautious and avoid paying any fees or services related to the program until the official reopening date for DV Lottery registrations is announced.
The new DV-2027 Diversity Visa reform is expected to significantly strengthen the integrity of the lottery system while providing better protection for legitimate applicants around the world seeking a chance to immigrate to the United States.
Sami B. is the founder and editor of Algeria News Gate, an independent English-language platform covering Algeria’s political, economic, and business developments. Based in Europe, he reports on official announcements, economic trends, and international relations involving Algeria.