Many Kenyans who dream of starting a new life in the United States through the Green Card lottery will now have to pay a small fee to apply. For the first time in history, the U.S. government has introduced a $1 application fee for the Diversity Visa (DV) Lottery, commonly known as the Green Card program.
The new rule officially takes effect this month and will apply to the next registration window, DV-2027, which opens between October and November 2025. The decision marks the end of an era where applicants could register for free through the official U.S. government portal.
According to the U.S. Department of State, the fee aims to make the program more efficient and fair. Officials say that managing millions of applications every year comes at a cost, and it is only reasonable that those applying should contribute — even if it’s a small amount.
While $1 (about KSh 130) may seem insignificant, it’s a change that has drawn mixed reactions. Some Kenyans believe the fee is reasonable and could help reduce fake applications. Others, however, see it as an unnecessary burden that could discourage some people from applying.
For years, Kenya has ranked among the top African countries with the highest number of Green Card entries. Thousands of Kenyans apply annually, hoping to win one of the limited slots that allow successful applicants to live and work permanently in the U.S.
The Diversity Visa program was established to give people from countries with low immigration rates to the United States a fair chance to apply for permanent residency. Winners are selected through a computer-generated random draw, but only those who meet strict eligibility criteria are allowed to proceed with visa interviews.
With the new fee in place, applicants will have to be extra cautious to avoid scams. The U.S. government has warned that all payments should only be made through the official Diversity Visa website, and that no agent or intermediary should charge extra for registration.
Experts say the introduction of the fee could also help cut down on fraudulent entries, where some agents used to submit multiple applications on behalf of unsuspecting applicants.
The U.S. Department of State emphasized that the small charge is meant to enhance fairness and improve the integrity of the program, not to make profit.
For Kenyan applicants, the process remains largely the same:
- Submit one valid entry through the official dvprogram.state.gov website.
- Meet all educational or professional requirements.
- Pay the new $1 fee.
- Keep your confirmation number safe to check results the following year.
Although the change may appear minor, it highlights how immigration procedures are constantly evolving. For many hopeful Kenyans, the dream of winning the Green Card remains alive — but it now comes with a symbolic price tag.
As the next registration window opens, applicants are advised to stay alert, follow official instructions, and avoid falling victim to online fraudsters.
The small fee may not stop millions of dreamers from trying their luck, but it serves as a reminder that even dreams of a better life abroad come with a cost.
