The U.S. Department of State’s (DOS) introduction of a $1 electronic registration fee for the Diversity Visa (DV) lottery has caused uncertainty among prospective Nepali applicants, with over a million participating annually. The concern stems not from the fee’s modest amount but from the lack of clarity surrounding the payment process, as most Nepali bank cards do not support international transactions.
The DOS has not yet announced the official payment mechanism for countries with limited international payment infrastructure, and the registration period for DV 2027 remains unopened. The fee, introduced via a final rule published in the Federal Register in September 2025, will be collected electronically during registration to distribute the lottery’s operational costs more equitably and reduce fraudulent entries.
An official from Nepal Rastra Bank (NRB), Nepal’s central bank, stated that the country’s payment system poses no inherent barriers to paying the DV fee. However, standard Nepali bank cards are not enabled for international transactions, requiring applicants to obtain a dollar card. This process involves opening a dollar account with a minimum balance, often $50 or more, which many view as an unnecessary hurdle for a $1 fee.
Dollar cards, used in Nepal for international payments such as digital streaming services, are issued by banks with limits typically ranging from $500 to $1,000, depending on the applicant’s needs. NRB officials confirm that no Nepali law prevents using these cards to pay the $1 DV fee.
Despite this, many applicants remain hesitant. One prospective applicant said, “Even if banks issue dollar cards easily, I’m not getting one just for a $1 fee. Opening a dollar account takes time and effort. I’m hoping agencies that assist with DV applications can offer a solution.”
Govinda Parajuli, a cloth merchant in Kathmandu who applies regularly for the DV, expressed frustration: “Why should I get a dollar card for a one-dollar payment? I don’t need it for anything else. What’s the point of the card after I apply?”
Rabindra, a pharmacist in Kathmandu who has applied four times, decided not to participate this year due to the payment confusion. “It’s just a dollar, but getting a card takes a whole day. I’m likely skipping this time,” he said.
While banks claim dollar cards are readily available, they are not practical for everyday use. Additional fees and minimum balance requirements add expense and inconvenience, raising concerns that the $1 fee could reduce DV participation from Nepal.
The U.S. Embassy in Kathmandu encourages applicants to apply from home, but many Nepalis rely on photo studios or similar services that charge fees to complete applications due to concerns about photo standards, limited access to computers, or fear of errors.
The operator of Yara Digital, a photo studio in Kathmandu that assists with DV applications, voiced concerns about the uncertainty. “People come to us for photos and ask for help with the application for a small fee. With DV 2027 registration still unopened, we don’t know how the $1 fee payment will work. Since few Nepalis have dollar cards, applying from home is challenging. Those who can’t apply independently come to us, and we’re here to help,” he said.
Keshab Seadie, a legal professional in New York, suggested alternatives such as using remittance companies, friends abroad, or internet café credit cards to pay the fee. He advised applicants to prepare a card compatible with international payment gateways in advance and to apply early to avoid system overload once registration opens.
The DOS has not specified the payment methods for the DV lottery but typically uses systems accepting credit, debit, and prepaid cards. The U.S. Embassy in Kathmandu stated it has not received further details.
A DOS spokesperson explained the fee’s purpose: “The new registration fee will more fairly allocate the costs of managing the random selection process to those who register. It will also discourage speculative registrations by individuals exploiting potential entrants.” The Federal Register’s final rule estimates the fee will generate approximately $25 million annually.
The DOS aims to equitably distribute the DV lottery’s operational costs, previously covered by the $330 Diversity Visa Application fee paid by successful applicants. While the operational costs are now shifted to the registration fee, the $330 fee for successful applicants will not immediately decrease, though the DOS plans to review it in a future update.
DV Applicants from Nepal
Nepal consistently ranks among the top countries for Diversity Visa (DV) lottery participation worldwide. Approximately one million Nepalis apply each year, according to data from the U.S. Department of State, Bureau of Consular Affairs. In DV 2018, participation reached 1,187,350, including principal applicants and their derivatives. The following year, DV 2019 saw 1,092,035 participants, while DV 2020 recorded 1,026,423 applicants. Participation dropped to 688,502 in DV 2021, likely due to a temporary passport requirement that year, which posed challenges for some applicants.
The introduction of the $1 registration fee for DV 2027 could generate up to $1 million in revenue from Nepal alone. Nepal is the 8th largest participating country globally, following Ghana, Congo, Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, Ukraine, and Uzbekistan. Among Asian countries, only Iran surpasses Nepal in the number of DV applicants.
DV 2027 Registration Delay
The DV lottery typically opens in early October, but registration for DV 2027 has been delayed. The DOS has not specified the reason, though some speculate it relates to implementing the new fee system. A DOS spokesperson said the DV 2027 announcement will be published soon on the Department’s website, with registration dates to be widely publicized in the coming months, according to the November 2025 Visa Bulletin.
A proposed rule from the Trump administration to reinstate a passport requirement for DV applicants is not expected to apply to DV 2027.
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D. Dhungana
View More PostsDipendra Dhungana is a journalist based in Kathmandu with over a decade of experience in photojournalism. His work has been featured in numerous national and international outlets, showcasing the stories and resilience of the Nepali people. He is also a contributing journalist for NepYork.
