Freetown, Sierra Leone – December 2, 2025 – The United States Embassy in Freetown issued a stark advisory on social media today, urging aspiring immigrants to steer clear of fraudulent schemes preying on hopes for the upcoming Diversity Visa (DV) 2027 program, popularly known as the Green Card Lottery.
“Don’t be deceived!” the embassy posted across its platforms. “The Diversity Visa (DV) 2027 entry registration period is not open at this time. We are aware of rumors and false reports that DV-2027 is open and of individuals and services falsely claiming they can increase your chances of selection. This is not true. DV-2027 registration dates and details about changes to this year’s process will be announced by the Department of State when available.”
The warning comes amid a surge in online misinformation, with scammers charging exorbitant fees, often hundreds of dollars—for nonexistent “premium” entries or “guaranteed” selections.
Recent reports from U.S. embassies worldwide, including in Samoa and Kenya, echo similar alerts, highlighting a global uptick in fraud targeting vulnerable applicants in Africa and Asia.
Launched by Congress in 1990 under the Immigration Act signed by President George H.W. Bush, the DV program aims to diversify U.S. immigration by allocating up to 55,000 visas annually to natives of countries with historically low U.S. immigration rates. Sierra Leone remains eligible, offering a rare pathway for permanent residency to high school graduates or those with equivalent education and work experience.
However, the 2027 cycle faces delays. On November 5, 2025, the U.S. Department of State announced undisclosed “changes” to the entry process, including a new $1 electronic registration fee to deter spam entries and fund system upgrades. Unlike past years’ early October openings, no start date has been set, expected sometime in the coming months, with results checkable via the official Entry Status Check portal. The visa issuance window for selectees stays fixed: October 1, 2026, to September 30, 2027.
Immigration experts like Morgan Bailey, a former Department of Homeland Security official, suggest the tweaks target fraud and streamline verification, potentially altering eligibility checks. Yet, the limbo has fueled scams, with fake websites mimicking the official travel.state.gov portal.
“Only enter through the free, official site once announced,” the embassy emphasized. Applicants should monitor travel.state.gov for updates and report suspicions to local authorities or the Federal Trade Commission.
