One of the key innovations is that applicants must now provide digital copies of their documents at the application stage. This is aimed at combating fraud and improving the identification process for participants.
According to the updated requirements, in addition to providing the details of a valid foreign passport, applicants must upload scanned copies of the passport pages containing biographical data and the signature. Without these documents, registration will not be possible.
Furthermore, there have been changes in terminology in the application: instead of the general term "gender," the more precise term "sex" will be used, and for the "age" field, instead of indicating the number of years, the exact date of birth will need to be entered.
These changes logically complement the financial reform of the program introduced in September 2025, when a mandatory fee of $1 was established for participation in the lottery. Previously, the application process was free; however, instances of fraud and the suspension of visa issuance in December of last year prompted U.S. authorities to reconsider their approaches to organizing the competition.
Thus, the new requirements will apply to all those wishing to obtain residency under the program for 2027.
