US Issues Warning Over False DV-2027 Lottery Announcements

The US Department of State has rejected claims that the Diversity Visa (DV) 2027 Lottery is currently open, warning the public against false information and fraudulent registration services.

In a statement issued through the Bureau of Consular Affairs, the Department clarified that no official dates have been announced for the DV-2027 registration period and that the online application system remains closed. 

“We are aware of reports of fraudulent claims that the DV-2027 entry is open and of individuals and services falsely claiming they can increase your chances of selection. This is not true,” the statement said, reiterating the government’s warning against deceptive schemes targeting potential applicants.

The clarification follows the introduction of a new registration fee for the Diversity Visa programme. Beginning with the DV-2027 cycle, applicants will be required to pay a non-refundable electronic entry fee of $1 (approximately KSh130) when submitting their applications. This marks the first time a charge has been applied at the entry stage of the programme, which was previously free to enter.

According to the Department of State, the new fee, announced on 8 October, is intended to help cover administrative costs associated with processing entries. Previously, only selected applicants proceeding to interviews were required to pay the standard $330 (KSh42,619) visa application fee. Under the revised system, both selected and non-selected entrants will contribute to the programme’s operating expenses.

While the amount is minimal, the change has prompted concerns about accessibility for applicants from lower-income countries. Kenya, which consistently records high participation rates in the lottery, is among the nations where even small financial barriers could affect applicant numbers. Observers also caution that the fee could create new opportunities for exploitation by unlicensed agents charging inflated prices for assistance with submissions.

The Department emphasised that the $1 registration fee cannot be refunded, transferred, or applied to future lotteries, regardless of the outcome. It urged applicants to rely exclusively on official US government websites for information and to avoid intermediaries claiming to offer priority or guaranteed entry.

Further details regarding the opening of the DV-2027 registration period will be announced directly by the Department of State. Until then, prospective applicants are advised to remain alert to misinformation and to verify all updates through official government channels.