US Issues Update on DV Lottery, Immigration Lawyer Akua Poku Gives Details on New Changes

• The US Department of State has given an update on the American 2027 Diversity Visa Lottery programme
• US-based immigration lawyer Akua Poku shared details on the latest updates for prospective applicants
• Netizens who took to the comments section of the post shared varied opinions on the visa lottery changes

The US Department of State has opened up about planned changes for prospective applicants desirous of applying for the 2027 Diversity Visa Lottery programme.

US immigration lawyer, Akua Poku, popularly known as AK Poku, while sharing insight on a new update to the DV programme, disclosed that some additions have been made to the application process.

Delving into details, she explained that applicants will now need to provide unexpired passport information.

Additionally, applicants will also need to submit a scanned copy of the biographical and signature page of the passport.

"If you've been waiting for an update on the Diversity Visa Lottery programme, listen up. There is a new final rule for the DV Lottery programme, and this will be published in the Federal Register on March 11, 2026. Here are the key changes you need to know.

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First, Diversity Visa Lottery applicants will now be required to provide valid and expired passport information when submitting their lottery entry. Applicants will also need to upload a scanned copy of their passport's biographic page with the electronic Diversity Visa entry form unless they qualify for a specific exemption. The new final rule also makes some technical updates to immigration regulations."

The founder of AK Poku Law further explained that, according to the State Department, the new measures are aimed at combating fraud and improving the integrity of the DV programme.

She then disclosed that the pause on processing DV 2026 programme winners is still in place, adding that a new date for DV 2027 registration is yet to be communicated.

It is also unclear when the pause for the 2026 programme winners would be lifted.

"The diversity visa 2027 registration period has not yet opened, and the government has also temporarily paused visa issuance for the DV 2026 program. At this time, we do not know when registration for DV 2027 will open or when the pause for the DV 2026 winners will be lifted. If you are planning to apply for the diversity visa lottery in the future, please just get ready."

New fee for US DV lottery applicants

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According to the US Department of State, the 2027 Diversity Visa Lottery programme will now come at a cost.

With this, Akua Poku explained that the decision to change the application process was made public by the US Department of State.

She said the new registration fee would cover the cost of processing entries and discourage fake or speculative registrations.

Applicants are encouraged to apply by themselves

In a comment to YEN.com.gh, Akua Poku, a US immigration lawyer, admonished prospective applicants to endeavour to go through the registration process without relying on agents.

She stated that in cases where help must be sought to complete the process, applicants should ensure that key details are accurately presented.

“The registration process is very simple and so it is possible to correctly do it by yourself. It requires you to submit just 14 pieces of information about yourself.”

Watch the TikTok video below:

Reaction to DV programme changes, lawyer's advice

Social media users who took to the comments section of the post have shared varied opinions on the updates to the DV programme.

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teezeey commented:

“Thank you. What are these past passport details required? That part was not clear. And should all dependants have a passport?”

buyinzajason5 indicated:

“I want to apply. Is it OK to apply now?”

Lady refused US visa over typing error

Previously, YEN.com.gh reported that a lady had stirred reactions as she opened up on the reason why she was refused her visa.

Speaking in a video, the lady mentioned that she went for the interview and was eventually denied due to a typo with her surname.

Peeps reacted to the video, with visa applicants being advised to ensure their documents were free of any errors or oversights.

Proofreading by Bruce Douglas, copy editor at YEN.com.gh.

Source: YEN.com.gh