Green Card Lottery Suspension: What's Happening Now
The Green Card Lottery (Diversity Visa program) has been suspended by the Trump administration as of December 18, 2025. This major policy change affects approximately 131,000 DV-2025 lottery winners and throws the future of the DV-2027 registration into uncertainty.
The suspension came after Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem announced the pause following the tragic Brown University shooting on December 13, 2025. The suspected shooter was identified as a green card holder who entered the U.S. through the diversity visa program in 2017.
Key Green Card Lottery Updates December 2025
Here are the most critical changes affecting diversity visa applicants:
- DV Program Pause: USCIS directed to halt all diversity visa processing immediately
- DV-2025 Winners Affected: Over 131,000 selected applicants face uncertain futures
- DV-2027 Registration Delayed: Originally scheduled for October 2025, now postponed to late December 2025 or January 2026
- New $1 Registration Fee: First fee in the program's 30+ year history takes effect for DV-2027
- Visa Issuance Stopped: Secretary of State Marco Rubio has "indefinitely paused" diversity visa issuance
This marks the second time the Trump administration has halted the program. It was previously suspended in 2020 during the pandemic, and the Biden administration restarted it in 2021.
Who Is Affected by the Green Card Lottery Suspension
The diversity visa lottery suspension impacts millions of applicants worldwide. Here's how different groups are affected:
For DV-2025 Winners
If you were selected in the DV-2025 lottery, your case is now in limbo. Nearly 20 million people applied for the 2025 visa lottery, with over 131,000 selected. All DV-2025 visas must be issued by September 30, 2025, making the timing of this suspension critical.
For DV-2026 Selectees
DV-2026 winners were announced on May 3, 2025. From 20,822,624 qualified entries, 129,516 prospective applicants were selected. Your visa application period runs through September 30, 2026, but the current suspension creates uncertainty about processing timelines.
For Future DV-2027 Applicants
The DV-2027 registration has been delayed by over two months. The State Department will announce the new start date "as soon as practicable." When registration opens, expect to pay the new $1 non-refundable entry fee—the first fee in program history.
How to Protect Your Green Card Lottery Application
If you're a current DV lottery winner, take these steps immediately:
- Preserve All Records: Keep copies of your confirmation number, DV selection notification, and all submitted documents
- Consult an Immigration Attorney: Given the legal uncertainty, professional guidance is essential for navigating this situation
- Monitor Official Sources: Check dvprogram.state.gov and travel.state.gov daily for updates
- Keep Documents Ready: Maintain current passport, medical exam results, and financial documents
- Avoid International Travel: If you're in the U.S. on a pending DV case, avoid travel that could complicate your status
- Contact KCC: Email the Kentucky Consular Center at kccdv@state.gov for case-specific questions
Important Dates and Timeline
Here are the critical dates for green card lottery applicants to know:
- December 18, 2025: DV program pause announced by DHS
- September 30, 2025: Deadline for all DV-2025 visas to be issued
- September 30, 2026: Deadline for all DV-2026 visas to be issued
- Late December 2025 – January 2026: Expected DV-2027 registration window (delayed from October 2025)
- May 2026: Anticipated DV-2027 lottery results availability
- October 1, 2026 – September 30, 2027: DV-2027 visa application period (unchanged)
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Green Card Lottery Cancelled Permanently?
No, the program has been paused, not cancelled. The Diversity Visa program was created by Congress and exists in federal law. The executive branch cannot permanently abolish it without congressional action. However, processing delays can effectively prevent visa issuance before fiscal year deadlines.
What Happens to My DV-2025 or DV-2026 Selection?
Your selection remains valid, but visa processing is currently halted. Immigration advocacy groups are mobilizing legal challenges. In 2020, federal courts ordered the State Department to continue processing DV applications despite similar restrictions. Monitor official channels for updates on when processing may resume.
Will the New $1 Fee Affect My DV-2027 Application?
Yes, when DV-2027 registration opens, all applicants must pay a $1 non-refundable fee. This fee was established by a final rule published on September 16, 2025. The fee is expected to generate approximately $25 million annually from an estimated 25 million registrants.
What Countries Are Ineligible for the Green Card Lottery?
For DV-2026, these countries are ineligible: Bangladesh, Brazil, Canada, China (mainland and Hong Kong), Colombia, Cuba, Dominican Republic, El Salvador, Haiti, Honduras, India, Jamaica, Mexico, Nigeria, Pakistan, Philippines, South Korea, Venezuela, and Vietnam. Eligibility is based on birth country, not current residence.
What You Need to Know Going Forward
The green card lottery suspension creates significant uncertainty for hundreds of thousands of applicants worldwide. Legal challenges are expected, as courts have previously ruled that executive directives cannot override congressionally mandated programs. DV-2025 winners face the greatest urgency due to the September 30, 2025 deadline.
Whether you're a current lottery winner or planning to apply for DV-2027, ensure your passport photo meets all requirements for visa applications. Proper documentation, including compliant photos, remains essential. Stay informed through official government sources, and consider consulting an immigration attorney to protect your rights during this uncertain period.