The U.S. Embassy Sierra Leone has issued a clear warning following a wave of rumours claiming that registration for Diversity Visa Program (DV-2027) is now open. According to the Embassy, the DV-2027 entry registration period is not open at this time. Travel.state.gov+1
The warning comes amid circulating messages, social-media posts and adverts by individuals and services claiming they can “guarantee” a green card or even boost a person’s chance of being selected. The Embassy cautions that such claims are false. Wikipedia+1
“Don’t be deceived! The Diversity Visa (DV) 2027 entry registration period is not open at this time,” the Embassy said in a statement. “We are aware of rumours and false reports … and of individuals and services falsely claiming they can increase your chances of selection. This is not true.”
What is the Diversity Visa Program?
The Diversity Visa Program — often called the “DV Lottery” or “Green Card Lottery” — is a scheme by the U.S. Department of State that gives up to 55,000 immigrant visas each year to people from countries with historically low immigration rates to the United States. The aim is to diversify the immigrant population in the U.S. by offering a chance for permanent residence — commonly referred to as a “green card.” Wikipedia+2Grape Law Firm PLLC+2
Applicants do not pay a fee (or until 2025 when a small $1 registration fee was introduced) to enter; the only official channel is the Department of State’s website. Wikipedia+2Visa Lawyer Blog+2
Each year, millions of people submit entries. From those entries, up to 55,000 are randomly selected. Being selected does not guarantee you get a green card — but it allows you to apply, and if all supporting documents and requirements are in order (education or qualifying work experience, background checks, medical, etc.), you may receive a visa. Kulen Law Firm+2USCIS+2
Only individuals born in eligible countries (or who qualify through a spouse’s or parent’s birthplace under certain conditions) can participate. The eligible-country list may change each year. Wikipedia+2USAGov+2
When does DV registration usually open?
Traditionally, the registration window for each DV lottery opens in early October of the year preceding the visa fiscal year, and closes in early November — normally giving about a one-month span for people to apply. Kulen Law Firm+2Nixon Peabody LLP+2
For example:
- For the 2026 lottery (DV-2026), entries were accepted from October 2, 2024 until November 7, 2024. Ogletree+2USAGov+2
- The winners of a given lottery are usually announced the following May via the official entrant-status website. Boundless+2Grape Law Firm PLLC+2
- Visa application processing for selected entrants typically takes place in the fiscal year named by the lottery: e.g., for DV-2026, visa issuance runs between October 1, 2025 and September 30, 2026. Travel.state.gov+2Nixon Peabody LLP+2
Thus, for the upcoming DV-2027 program, observers expected the registration window to open around early October 2025. susanscheerimmigrationlaw.com+2Aila+2
Why DV-2027 registration has not opened yet
On November 5, 2025, the U.S. Department of State announced changes to the DV entry process and said it will publish the official registration start date for DV-2027 “as soon as practicable.” Travel.state.gov+1
The recent delay, compared with previous years — when applications typically began in early or mid-October — has fuelled confusion and given scammers a chance to exploit uncertainty by luring people with false promises. Mshale+2B A L | Berry Appleman & Leiden LLP+2
The Department clarified that these changes do not affect the visa-application period for those who will be selected: that period remains scheduled to run from October 1, 2026 to September 30, 2027. Travel.state.gov+1
What aspiring applicants — including Sierra Leoneans — should know
- The DV-2027 entry period is not yet open. Anyone claiming otherwise — or offering to increase your chances for a fee — is likely running a scam. The Embassy warns to be careful.
- Always use only the official website of the U.S. State Department (dvprogram.state.gov) for registration and checking results. Wikipedia+1
- Ensure you meet the eligibility criteria (birth in eligible country, valid passport — if required, education or qualifying work experience, etc.) before applying. Kulen Law Firm+2Wikipedia+2
- Keep your confirmation number safe after you apply. You will need it to check whether you’ve been selected once results are published. Travel.state.gov+2dvprogram.state.gov+2
- If selected, you — your spouse, and any unmarried children under 21 — may apply for a U.S. immigrant visa. But selection does not guarantee a visa. You must follow all required steps properly. Nixon Peabody LLP+2USCIS+2
Why the warning matters for Sierra Leone and other African countries
In many countries in Africa, including Sierra Leone, there is strong interest in the DV lottery. People often rely on official and unofficial sources, including social-media posts, to know when the lottery opens. Delays or unclear announcements create anxiety and open the door to fraudulent agents charging fees or making false guarantees.
The Embassy’s warning hopes to protect potential applicants from being scammed, misled, or disqualified by paying unofficial “fees.” It also emphasises that the DV lottery remains free (apart from any new official small fee — when announced) and accessible only through the government’s official platform.
For now, the public should stay alert. Keep an eye on announcements from the U.S. Department of State, and ignore rumours or promises of “special treatment.”
The U.S. Embassy Sierra Leone’s statement is a strong reminder: DV-2027 registration is not open yet, and any claims otherwise are false. The Diversity Visa Program remains a legitimate channel for immigration, but entry must follow the official process — free, online, and only during the formal registration window. Until the U.S. Department of State formally announces the start date, applicants should be cautious.
When registration does open, and the announcement is made through official channels, people can prepare, apply, and hope for the chance to win a visa — but until then, beware of scams.
