Green Card Lottery DV-2026 Program Suspended
The Green Card Lottery (Diversity Visa program) has been suspended indefinitely by the U.S. government as of December 23, 2025. This unprecedented action affects more than 129,000 DV-2026 selectees who were awaiting visa processing and adjustment of status approvals.
The Department of State announced it has paused all diversity visa issuances while conducting a comprehensive security review. Additionally, USCIS has placed an immediate hold on all pending DV-based adjustment of status applications nationwide.
Key Green Card Lottery Updates for January 2026
Here are the most critical developments affecting diversity visa applicants:
- All DV-2026 visa issuances paused: No diversity visas are being issued at any U.S. embassy or consulate worldwide
- Adjustment of status on hold: USCIS has stopped processing all pending DV-based green card applications inside the U.S.
- Interviews continue: Scheduled diversity visa interviews are generally not being cancelled, though no visas will be issued
- DV-2027 registration delayed: The next lottery cycle, originally expected in October 2025, remains postponed with no announced start date
- New $1 registration fee: When DV-2027 opens, all applicants must pay a $1 electronic fee—the first in the program's 30+ year history
- September 30, 2026 deadline unchanged: This statutory deadline cannot be extended, making delays especially concerning
The suspension follows security concerns related to incidents in December 2025. The State Department stated it "is committed to ensuring that its visa process upholds the highest standards for U.S. national security and public safety."
Who Is Affected by the Green Card Lottery Suspension
The diversity visa program suspension impacts multiple groups of applicants differently. Understanding your situation is critical for planning next steps.
For DV-2026 Selectees Abroad
If you were selected in the DV-2026 lottery and are waiting for a consular interview or visa issuance overseas, your case is currently on hold. You may still attend scheduled interviews, but no visas will be issued until the pause is lifted.
For DV-2026 Selectees in the United States
Applicants filing for adjustment of status within the U.S. face a complete processing halt. USCIS has directed officers to place an immediate hold on all pending DV-based applications. Work authorization extensions connected to these applications are also affected.
For Future DV-2027 Applicants
Those hoping to enter the next green card lottery must wait for the State Department to announce new registration dates. The DV-2027 entry period has been delayed beyond its traditional October start, and no new timeline has been provided.
How to Check Your DV-2026 Status - Step by Step
Follow these steps to verify your selection status and stay informed during the suspension:
- Visit the official portal: Go to dvprogram.state.gov and click "Entrant Status Check"
- Enter your confirmation number: Use the unique number you received when you submitted your original lottery entry
- Provide personal details: Enter your full name and year of birth exactly as they appeared on your application
- Review your status: The portal will display whether you were selected and your case number if applicable
- Monitor for updates: Check the State Department website regularly for announcements about when processing may resume
- Beware of scams: The State Department never sends emails, letters, or makes phone calls to notify winners—the portal is the only official notification method
January 2026 DV-2026 Cutoff Numbers
Despite the processing suspension, the State Department released January 2026 cutoff numbers in the latest Visa Bulletin:
- Africa: 35,000 (Algeria: 20,000; Egypt: 16,000)
- Asia: 15,000 (Nepal: 6,000)
- Europe: 8,500
- North America (Bahamas): 20
- Oceania: 1,100
- South America and Caribbean: 1,850
These cutoff numbers show significant advancement from December 2025. Africa doubled from previous months, and Asia increased by 50%. However, these numbers are effectively frozen during the current pause.
Important Dates and Deadlines
Mark these critical dates for the green card lottery program:
- December 23, 2025: State Department officially paused all DV visa issuances
- September 30, 2026: Statutory deadline for DV-2026—visas cannot be issued after this date under any circumstances
- October 1, 2026 - September 30, 2027: Visa application period for DV-2027 selectees (if the program resumes)
- DV-2027 Registration: Start date still pending—originally expected October 2025, now delayed indefinitely
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Green Card Lottery Cancelled Permanently?
No, the green card lottery is not cancelled. The Diversity Visa program is authorized by Congress and remains part of U.S. immigration law. The current suspension is a temporary administrative pause while security reviews are conducted. Permanently ending the program would require Congressional legislation.
Can the September 30, 2026 Deadline Be Extended?
Unfortunately, no. The September 30 deadline is set by statute and cannot be extended by executive action. If DV-2026 applications are not approved by this date, selectees permanently lose their eligibility. This is why the current processing hold is particularly concerning for affected applicants.
What Photo Requirements Apply to Green Card Lottery Applications?
DV lottery applications require a recent photograph meeting strict U.S. visa photo specifications: 2x2 inches (51x51mm), white background, taken within the last 6 months. Using a professional visa photo service ensures your image meets all technical requirements and won't cause application rejection.
Were Any DV-2026 Selection Results Corrected?
Yes. The State Department issued corrections affecting Cuban nationals and some UK applicants. Natives of Cuba are ineligible for DV-2026 because more than 50,000 Cuban immigrants arrived in the prior five-year period. Some UK entrants also received inaccurate status notifications and should verify their selection through the official portal.
What You Need to Know Right Now
The green card lottery suspension creates significant uncertainty for over 129,000 DV-2026 selectees. With the unchangeable September 30, 2026 deadline approaching, every day of delay reduces the window for visa processing. Current DV-2026 selectees should keep all documentation ready and monitor official channels closely.
For future applicants planning to enter DV-2027, ensure your passport photo meets all requirements before registration opens. The State Department has announced a new $1 fee and will publicize registration dates "as soon as practicable." Visit VisaPics to prepare your compliant diversity visa photo and avoid application rejection due to photo errors.