A court decision orders the opening of the DV-2027 program and sets deadlines for it. Learn what the measure means and why it does not guarantee participation or a visa.
What was decided about DV-2027
A preliminary decision by a U.S. federal court ordered the Department of State to open the registration period for the 2027 Diversity Visa Program, known as the green card lottery. The measure establishes obligations for the administration of the program, but it does not grant permanent residence or waive the requirements that apply to each applicant.
The order was signed on October 14, 2026, by Judge Jinsook Ohta of the Southern District of California in Red Eagle Law, L.C. v. Rubio. The original schedule was changed by a second order, also dated October 14. For that reason, the first deadlines reported about the case should not be used without checking this update.
What are the updated court deadlines?
The order modifying the schedule sets the following deadlines, all in 2026:
October 29: deadline to publicly announce the registration period.
November 1: deadline to open electronic registration.
December 3: deadline to notify those selected.
The document sets midnight EST for these milestones. They are deadlines imposed on the government, not confirmation that registration is already available.
The initial order requires a 30-day registration period. The Department of State must publish the opening and closing dates, the electronic address, and the participation requirements. The closing date should not be presumed from news reports or an informal calculation.
The decision does not guarantee a green card
Registering, being selected, and receiving a visa are different events. The order requires that the program be carried out and that applications be processed under the applicable procedures and standards, subject to the law. It does not pre-approve future applicants.
Processing remains subject to the availability of visas for fiscal year 2027 and to the September 30, 2027 deadline stated in the order. This does not mean that every selected person will receive a visa by that date.
The measure is preliminary, not a final judgment that ends the dispute. Further decisions or official guidance may affect its implementation.
What should Brazilians keep in mind?
Opening the program does not automatically make all Brazilians eligible. The DV has its own participation rules, including rules on country of eligibility and the qualification of the principal applicant.
The official DV-2026 instructions included Brazil among the countries whose natives were not eligible under the general rule, with specific circumstances for qualifying through another country. This is information from the previous edition; it does not replace the DV-2027 instructions.
For the new edition, it is necessary to check the official list and conditions once they are issued. Nationality, place of residence, and country of eligibility should not be treated as equivalent, nor should the court decision be treated as a waiver of those requirements.
Where to follow implementation
Announcements should be checked on the Department of State's official visa news page and in the program's official instructions. The agency's general guidance explains that the registration portal becomes active only on the date and at the time set for the relevant period.
As of this consultation on October 15, 2026, the instructions page accessed still displayed the DV-2026 rules. The court order to open DV-2027 should not be confused with the form being immediately available.
Before sharing personal information or making an immigration-related decision, confirm the official channel and the rules for the correct edition. Promises of guaranteed selection or approval do not replace these requirements.
To discuss how immigration rules relate to your situation, contact Linhares Law.
The topic was identified from reporting by Quinn Welsch, published by Courthouse News Service on October 14, 2026. This text was independently written and prepared with reference to the court orders and official sources identified above.
Information verified on October 15, 2026.
