Starting September 16, 2025, the U.S. Department of State (DOS) will begin charging a $1 fee to register for the Diversity Visa (DV) Lottery. This change comes from a final rule published in the Federal Register (90 FR 44524, 9/16/25).
What’s Changing?
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Previously, entering the DV Lottery was free.
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Now, applicants will need to pay $1 at the time of registration.
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The payment must be made online with a debit or credit card.
Why the Change?
The $1 fee is not meant to be a financial burden—it’s a small, symbolic amount designed to:
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Reduce fraud and block mass registrations by third parties or bots.
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Ensure each entry is intentional and valid.
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Help the Department of State cover basic administrative costs.
What Stays the Same?
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Eligibility requirements for the DV Lottery do not change.
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Your chances of selection are the same as before.
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Winners will still go through the normal visa application process and pay the standard visa processing fees later.
Key Takeaway
If you plan to enter the Diversity Visa Lottery in 2025 or beyond, remember to have a payment method ready. The $1 fee is small, but it’s now a required step to submit your entry.