One of the key innovations will be the requirement to provide digital copies of documents when submitting the initial application. This is aimed at strengthening measures against fraud and simplifying the identification process for participants.
According to the new rules, applicants are now required not only to provide information from their valid foreign passport but also to upload scanned copies of the pages containing biographical information and their signature into the electronic system. Without these documents, registration in the system will not be possible.
Furthermore, the changes also affected the terminology used in the application form. The department decided to clarify the wording: instead of the general term "gender," the more specific word "sex" will be used, and in the "age" field, participants will need to specify not just the number of years but their exact date of birth.
These changes logically complement the financial reforms of the program, which are worth mentioning. Starting from September 2025, a mandatory registration fee of $1 will be introduced for participation in the lottery. Previously, participation in the contest was free, but the increasing cases of fraud and the temporary suspension of visa issuance in December of last year prompted U.S. authorities to reconsider their approach to organizing the lottery.
The new requirements will apply to all those who intend to participate in the residency program in 2027.
