applicants for the U.S. Diversity Visa (DV) Lottery, widely known as the Green Card Lottery, must pay a $1 (approximately KSh129) electronic registration fee. This is the first time in the program’s history that the U.S. government will charge a fee for entry. Previously, all applications were free, and millions of hopeful immigrants relied on this opportunity to secure permanent residency in the United States.
The new fee affects applicants globally, including thousands of Kenyans who participate in the lottery each year. Although $1 may seem nominal, it represents a major policy shift designed to enhance the sustainability of the program.
Purpose of the Registration Fee
The U.S. Department of State introduced the fee to share the operational costs of running the DV Lottery more fairly. Historically, the government covered these costs only through the fees paid by the roughly 55,000 individuals who were eventually selected for interviews and issued visas. Meanwhile, millions of applicants submitted entries without contributing financially.
With about 25 million entries expected annually, the new $1 registration fee is projected to generate $25 million. The funds will cover essential program costs, including system maintenance, secure data storage, automated lottery selection processes, and rigorous security checks. Therefore, this small fee helps ensure that the program continues to operate efficiently and securely.
Moreover, the fee discourages automated or fraudulent submissions, as applicants must now pay through an authorized government portal, creating a more streamlined and accountable registration process.
Step-by-Step Application Process
Applicants for the DV-2027 program must complete several steps correctly to qualify:
- Verify Eligibility:
Applicants must confirm that they are natives of eligible countries with historically low immigration rates to the United States. Countries that have sent more than 50,000 immigrants in the past five years generally do not qualify. - Meet Educational or Work Experience Requirements:
Applicants need a high school diploma or its equivalent. Alternatively, they must have two years of work experience in an occupation that requires at least two years of training or practical experience. - Register Online:
Applicants must submit their entries electronically on the official U.S. government website during the designated registration period. Online submission ensures faster processing and reduces the risk of lost or delayed applications. - Pay the $1 Registration Fee:
Applicants must pay the registration fee during submission via an authorized portal. This fee is non-refundable, even if the applicant is not selected.
After registration, only selected applicants proceed to consular processing. At that stage, they must pay the $330 Diversity Visa Application fee, which covers medical examinations, document verification, and visa issuance costs. This fee remains unchanged.
How Kenyan Applicants Are Affected
Kenya remains one of the most active participants in the Green Card Lottery. Thousands of Kenyan applicants enter every year, and this new $1 fee ensures that they contribute to the administrative costs upfront.
Some experts believe this minor charge could slightly reduce the total number of applicants. If fewer people enter, each participant’s chances of being selected might improve marginally. At the same time, the fee encourages applicants to submit genuine entries rather than multiple automated applications.
Important Considerations
Applicants should keep the following points in mind:
- Non-Refundable Fees:
Both the $1 registration fee and the $330 visa application fee are non-refundable, even if applicants do not proceed with the visa process or fail to get selected. - No Fee Transfers Between Years:
Fees paid for one lottery cycle cannot be carried forward to another year. Each year’s registration requires a separate payment. - Use Only Official Payment Channels:
Payments must go through the authorized U.S. government portal. Using unofficial or third-party platforms may result in automatic disqualification. - Careful Submission:
Applicants must review all information carefully before submitting. Incorrect or incomplete entries can lead to disqualification, even if the registration fee has been paid.
Why the Change Matters
Although the fee is small, it represents a strategic effort by the U.S. government to improve program sustainability, reduce fraud, and maintain the integrity of the Green Card Lottery. Previously, the government relied on funding only from those who completed the process after being selected, which left the system vulnerable to inefficiencies and misuse.
By requiring every applicant to pay a modest fee, the government ensures better resource allocation, enhanced security measures, and improved administration of this globally popular immigration program.
Conclusion
The introduction of the KSh129 registration fee for the DV-2027 Green Card Lottery marks a significant shift for applicants worldwide. While modest, this fee highlights the U.S. government’s efforts to run the lottery more efficiently and fairly.
Prospective applicants should verify eligibility, prepare accurate documentation, and submit entries through official channels to maximize their chances. As the registration period opens, careful attention to the fee and application requirements will ensure a smoother and more secure experience for all participants.
For more details and to apply, visit the official U.S. Department of State Diversity Visa Program website: travel.state.gov/diversity-visa-program-entry.
