Green Card application fee Kenya is changing from October 2025, as a new $1 registration fee for the Diversity Visa (DV) lottery is introduced. The DV lottery, a program offering 55,000 immigrant visas annually, allows individuals to gain a Permanent Resident card (Green Card) for the U.S. without family or employment connections. However, this new fee will apply to anyone submitting their entry for the DV-2027 program and beyond. The $1 fee will be collected at the time of entry, with the $330 application fee still required only if an entrant is selected for the visa process.
This new fee represents a shift in how the DV program is funded, aiming to fairly distribute the program’s costs among all applicants, rather than charging only the small percentage of people who are eventually selected.
When Does the $1 Fee Start?
The fee is effective from October 2025 when the DV-2027 registration period opens. It will be collected at the time of submission for entries starting from this date. The $1 fee applies only to the DV-2027 lottery and subsequent cycles, with no fee for earlier cycles, such as DV-2026. The $330 fee will still be required for those selected who choose to proceed with their immigrant visa applications after being randomly selected.
What Is the Diversity Visa (DV) Program?
The DV program is a U.S. government initiative to promote diversity in immigration by offering 55,000 green cards annually. Random selection is done from eligible countries that have historically sent fewer immigrants to the United States. Kenya is one of the countries eligible for the program. Applicants must meet basic education or work experience requirements and submit their application during the designated period each year.
Once selected, applicants can apply for an immigrant visa, which, if granted, allows them to move to the United States as permanent residents. The green card also grants the right to work, study, and live anywhere in the U.S.
Who Pays the $1 Fee, and Who Still Pays $330?
- $1 registration fee: All individuals who submit an entry for the DV-2027 program from October 2025 onward will pay the $1 fee at the time of entry.
- $330 application fee: Only those who are randomly selected for the visa process will be required to pay the $330 fee. This is paid when the individual is selected and chooses to proceed with the application process for the U.S. Permanent Resident Card (Green Card).
What Are the Eligibility Criteria for the DV-2027 Program?
To be eligible for the DV-2027 program, applicants must:
- Be a native of a country that qualifies for the program (Kenya is eligible).
- If the applicant is not from a qualifying country, they may still apply if their spouse or one of their parents is a native of an eligible country.
- Meet the education or work experience requirement:
- Have a high school education or its equivalent.
- Or have at least two years of experience in a qualifying occupation within the last five years.
There is no minimum age requirement, but the education or work experience requirement effectively disqualifies most individuals under the age of 18. Married applicants must list their spouse’s name, and those with children must list all unmarried children under 21.
Application Process for the DV-2027 Program
- When to apply: The DV-2027 program will open for applications from October 1 to November 1, 2025.
- Where to apply: Applications must be submitted electronically on the official U.S. Department of State website. Only one entry per person is accepted—multiple entries will disqualify the applicant.
- Confirmation: After submitting the entry, applicants will receive a confirmation screen with a unique confirmation number. Keep this confirmation number safe—it is necessary for checking the status of your entry.
- Check the status: Starting in May 2026, applicants can check the status of their entry on the official DV-2027 program website to see if they’ve been selected.
Selection and Visa Issuance
The Department of State randomly selects applicants by computer. Only those selected will be eligible to proceed with the visa application process. After selection, applicants and their families must be issued their visas before September 30, 2027, the official cutoff for the DV-2027 program.
Key Changes in the DV-2027 Program for Kenyans
- $1 fee: As of October 2025, every applicant will need to pay $1 to enter the lottery.
- $330 fee: This will still be required for those who are selected for the visa process.
- Selection process: After entry, applicants must wait until May 2026 to check if they have been selected, using the unique confirmation number.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Is the Green Card lottery still “free”?
No, the $1 fee is now required for DV-2027 and later entries. The $330 fee will still apply only to those who are selected.
How do I apply?
You must apply electronically on the official U.S. Department of State website between October 1 and November 1, 2025. Only one application per person is allowed.
How can I check if I’ve been selected?
After you submit your application, keep your confirmation number safe. Starting May 2026, you can check your selection status on the official DV-2027 website.
Will the fee impact my chances of selection?
No. The $1 fee does not impact your chances of being selected in the random draw. It only helps cover the administrative costs of the program.
Conclusion
The new Green Card application fee Kenya introduces a $1 registration fee for anyone entering the DV-2027 lottery starting October 2025. This change doesn’t affect the chances of being selected, but it does help cover the program’s administrative costs. If you’re planning to apply, ensure you pay the new fee and follow the entry guidelines carefully to increase your chances of success. Keep your confirmation number safe and check your entry status starting in May 2026.
