The Diversity Visa Lottery for 2027 was supposed to reopen on November 1 following a federal court order. But a last-minute appeals court ruling changed those plans.

As of November 12, 2026, the DV-2027 Green Card Lottery remains suspended, with no confirmed registration date.

For thousands of people hoping to apply for permanent residency through the lottery, the question is simple: Will the program reopen, and what should applicants do in the meantime?

Here’s what we know.

What Happened to the DV-2027 Green Card Lottery?

On October 14, 2026, a federal district court ordered the U.S. Department of State to reopen the DV-2027 registration process.

The ruling followed a lawsuit, Red Eagle Law, L.C. v. Rubio, challenging the government’s failure to launch the annual lottery.

Under the court’s revised schedule, the State Department was required to announce registration details by October 29 and begin accepting entries by November 1.

However, the federal government appealed.

On October 29, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit granted an emergency stay, temporarily blocking the lower court’s order.

The result: The State Department is no longer required to follow the November 1 reopening deadline while the appeal proceeds.

Why Did the Appeals Court Block the Reopening?

The appeals court focused on whether the law firm that filed the lawsuit had the legal right to bring its particular claim.

The court concluded that the firm’s financial interest in representing future Diversity Visa applicants was not sufficiently connected to the interests protected by the Diversity Visa Program.

Importantly, the court did not decide whether the government’s suspension of the lottery itself was lawful.

That distinction matters. The ruling prevents the earlier reopening order from taking effect, but it does not necessarily resolve the broader legal dispute over the program’s suspension.

Further litigation could still change the situation.

Is the Green Card Lottery 2027 Canceled?

Not officially through a final judicial decision, but the registration process remains on hold.

The Diversity Visa Program ordinarily makes up to 55,000 immigrant visas available annually to eligible individuals from countries with historically low immigration rates to the United States.

The program was established by federal law, and the current dispute concerns the government’s failure to conduct the DV-2027 registration process.

As of November 12, there is no confirmed new registration window.

Applicants should not rely on the previously announced November 1 deadline or assume that registration will automatically open later in November.

What Should DV-2027 Applicants Do Now?

If you were planning to participate in the lottery, there are several practical steps worth taking.

1. Follow official government announcements.

Check the U.S. Department of State for updated registration information. The official lottery website is dvprogram.state.gov.

2. Be cautious about lottery scams.

Periods of uncertainty create opportunities for fraudulent websites and individuals claiming to offer early registration, guaranteed selection, or special access to the program.

Only use official U.S. government websites for lottery registration and status checks.

3. Review your other immigration options.

The Diversity Visa Lottery is only one possible route to U.S. permanent residency.

Depending on your circumstances, you may qualify for a green card through family sponsorship, employment, or certain investment-based immigration categories.

These options have different eligibility requirements and procedures, but they may provide an alternative to waiting for the lottery.

When Will DV-2027 Registration Open?

There is currently no confirmed reopening date.

The ongoing litigation may produce additional court orders, and the government could announce further changes to the program.

For now, applicants should monitor official updates rather than rely on outdated registration schedules circulating online.

Explore Your Green Card Options With an Immigration Attorney

Immigration rules and court decisions can change quickly, making it difficult to know when to apply or which immigration pathway makes sense for your circumstances.

At the Law Office of Olena Manilich, we help individuals and families evaluate their immigration options, including family-based and employment-based green cards.

If you were counting on the DV-2027 lottery or want to explore another way to obtain permanent residency, our team can help you assess your eligibility and develop a strategy.

Contact the Law Office of Olena Manilich to schedule a consultation.

This article provides general information about immigration developments as of November 12, 2026, and does not constitute legal advice.