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US Warns Public Over Fake Reports Claiming Green Card Registration Is Open
The United States government has dismissed reports circulating online claiming that registration for the 2027 Diversity Visa (DV-2027), popularly known as the Green Card Lottery, has been opened.
In an official statement, the US Department of State’s Bureau of Consular Affairs clarified that the DV-2027 entry registration period “is not open at this time”, warning the public against fraudulent websites and individuals spreading false information.
“We are aware of reports of fraudulent claims that DV-2027 entry is open and of individuals and services falsely claiming they can increase your chances of selection. This is not true,”
— US State Department, Bureau of Consular Affairs.
The department further assured that official registration dates and any updates to the 2027 application process will be announced exclusively through official US government channels, particularly dvprogram.state.gov.
New $1 Green Card Registration Fee Introduced
The clarification comes a month after the US government announced a new $1 (KSh130) electronic registration fee for the upcoming DV-2027 programme.
This marks the first time applicants will be required to pay a fee to submit entries, in addition to the existing visa application fees for those selected for interviews.
The Diversity Visa programme offers a path to permanent residency for applicants from eligible countries and remains one of the most competitive immigration channels globally.
End of Automatic Work Permit Extensions
In a separate announcement, the US Department of Homeland Security (DHS) ended the automatic extension of work permits for foreigners — including Kenyans — effective October 30, 2025.
The policy requires affected foreign nationals to apply for renewals at least 180 days before expiry, allowing for more frequent screening.
According to the US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), the change is meant to strengthen national security by enhancing vetting procedures before extending work authorisations.
“Employment in the US is a privilege, not a right,”
— USCIS statement.
Analysts warn the new rule could reduce the number of foreign workers and impact remittance flows to developing countries such as Kenya.
Kenyan expatriate William Kimani said that while many Kenyans will feel the effects, Indian nationals — who hold a majority of H-1B visas — will likely be the most affected.
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US Warns Public Over Fake Reports Claiming Green Card Registration Is Open