US Government Adds 1 Dollar Fee to Diversity Visa Program

The U.S. Department of State has just announced an important change to the Diversity Visa Program, also known as the Green Card Lottery, starting with the DV-2027 Green Card Program. For the first time in history, applicants must now pay a $1 fee to submit their application online.

At first glance, this may sound like a surprising move, but in reality, this change is great news for genuine applicants – and here’s why.

Why the US Government Adds 1 Dollar Fee to Diversity Visa Program

For decades, it has been free to submit an entry into the Green Card Program, while only those selected were required to pay the $330 visa application fee before their interview.

However, the system was widely abused. Fraudulent operators have for years submitted thousands of free applications on behalf of unsuspecting individuals, only to demand huge payments later if those individuals were selected. This unfair practice caused unnecessary problems and made the process more difficult for real applicants.

The new $1 registration fee serves two important purposes:

Covers administrative costs. The government spends millions each year running the DV Program. This fee helps offset some of those costs.
Reduces fraud and fake entries. Because every application must now be paid at the time of submission, fraudulent mass entries will dramatically decline. That means fewer fake applications and a much greater chance for real applicants to be selected.

According to official government estimates, this small change will generate around $25 million annually to maintain and secure the Green Card Program.

Mandatory Passport Requirement – Another Critical Change

In addition to the $1 fee, the U.S. government now also requires all applicants to upload a clear copy of their non-expired passport when submitting their entry.

This is not just a formality. The details on your passport, such as your name, date of birth, place of birth and MRZ information, must exactly match what you enter on your application form. If they don’t, your entry will be automatically disqualified.

Statistics show that around 65% of self-submitted applications are rejected every year due to mistakes, missing details, or poor-quality photo and passport uploads. Many of these errors involve mismatched passport information.

That’s why choosing a professional service is more important than ever. At US Green Card Office, our immigration team:

Cross-checks all application details against your passport.
Ensures your passport photo is uploaded correctly and meets all government standards.
Reviews your entire application before submission so you don’t risk disqualification.

This way, you don’t risk your American dream over a small mistake that could have easily been avoided.

What This Means for US Green Card Office Customers

If you are applying through US Green Card Office (USGCO), you do not need to worry about the new $1 fee or the Visa interview fee.

Here’s why:

The new $1 registration fee is paid by us.
The $330 Diversity Visa application fee before your interview is also covered by us.
Our professional team double-checks your passport and application information to make sure everything is correct before submission.

That means peace of mind, no hidden surprises, no extra fees, and no risk of disqualification due to technical mistakes.

Why a Paid Value-Added Service Is the Only Right Choice

While it’s technically possible to apply directly through the U.S. government website for $1, the truth is that most self-submitted applications fail.

By choosing US Green Card Office, starting from just $80 for a single applicant and $120 for a family, you get:

Professional guidance from immigration experts.
Photo and passport verification service.
Full coverage of government fees (both the $1 entry and $330 visa interview fee).
Legal support from immigration lawyers if needed.

With fewer fraudulent entries being submitted, and with your application handled correctly from start to finish, your chances of being selected are now better than ever before.

You can also read more here about the difference between using the $1 government website and applying directly with US Green Card Office.

Apply Today with US Green Card Office

The Diversity Visa Program remains one of the easiest legal ways to immigrate to the United States, and with these new rules, it’s now fairer and more secure for genuine applicants.

Don’t let your application get disqualified because of a simple mistake. Let our experts handle it for you.

Apply now with US Green Card Office and secure your best chance of living and working in the United States.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why did the U.S. government add a $1 fee to the Diversity Visa Program?

The U.S. Government adds $1 Fee to the Diversity Visa Program to reduce fraud and eliminate fake applications. For years, scammers abused the system by submitting free entries in bulk and later demanding money from winners. Now, only genuine applicants will apply, which increases your chance of being selected.

Does the $1 fee mean I can apply safely on my own?

Technically, yes, but statistics show that around 65% of self-submitted applications are rejected due to errors in passport details, photos, or missing information. At the US Green Card Office, we handle these issues for you, so your application is secure and mistake-free.

What if I don’t have a valid passport when applying?

The new rule requires every applicant to submit a non-expired passport with their Diversity Visa entry. If your passport is invalid or mismatched with your application details, you’ll be disqualified automatically. That’s why the US Green Card Office carefully checks all passport data before submission.

Who pays the $1 entry fee and the $330 visa application fee if I apply with the US Green Card Office?

Good news: both fees are covered by us. You only pay the affordable service fee for your application package. This means no hidden costs, no surprises, and complete peace of mind knowing your fees are already taken care of.

Why is using the US Green Card Office better than applying directly?

While applying directly costs only $1, most self-submitted entries fail due to errors. With the US Green Card Office, you get expert guidance, professional photo and passport review, and complete coverage of the $1 and $330 government fees. That means fewer risks, more security, and higher chances of success.

Does this change affect Diversity Visa winners for DV-2027?

Yes. Starting with DV-2027, every applicant must pay the $1 fee and submit a valid passport copy. Winners will then move on to the interview stage, where the $330 visa fee applies, but remember, when you apply through the US Green Card Office, these government fees are already included in your plan.

Can my application still be rejected even if I pay the $1 fee?

Yes, paying the fee alone doesn’t guarantee approval. Incorrect passport details, low-quality photos, or incomplete applications can all lead to rejection. That’s why professional support is so valuable at the US Green Card Office; every detail is reviewed before submission.

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