Green Card Lottery Suspension: What Happened in December 2025
The green card lottery, officially known as the Diversity Visa (DV) Program, was suspended on December 19, 2025, by the Trump administration. This unprecedented pause affects approximately 129,516 DV-2026 selectees who were chosen from over 20.8 million qualified entries.
The suspension came after authorities linked the suspected gunman in the Brown University and MIT professor shootings to the program. Portuguese national Claudio Manuel Neves Valente allegedly used the diversity visa lottery to enter the United States in 2017.
Key Green Card Lottery Updates for January 2026
Here's what DV-2026 applicants and future lottery hopefuls need to know right now.
- Full Processing Halt: USCIS has placed holds on all pending DV lottery adjustment applications and related benefits
- Visa Issuance Paused: The State Department stopped all visa issuances to diversity visa applicants
- Enhanced Reviews Required: Affected applicants may need in-person interviews or re-interviews
- DV-2027 Delayed Indefinitely: The new lottery registration, originally planned for October 2025, remains postponed
- Program Not Cancelled: Congressional action would be required to permanently end the program
Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem confirmed that President Trump directed the pause while the government conducts security reviews. However, immigration advocates emphasize that the Diversity Visa Program remains authorized under U.S. law.
Who Is Affected by the Green Card Lottery Suspension
The suspension impacts multiple groups of applicants at different stages of their immigration journey.
For DV-2026 Lottery Selectees
If you were selected in the DV-2026 lottery, your application is now on hold. The critical deadline of September 30, 2026 still applies—this statutory deadline cannot be extended. All visa applications must be approved by this date, or eligibility is permanently lost.
For DV-2027 Hopeful Applicants
The registration period for DV-2027 has been delayed since October 2025. A new $1 electronic entry fee was finalized in September 2025, but technical implementation combined with the current suspension has pushed the registration date indefinitely. Immigration experts previously expected the window to open between December 2025 and January 2026.
For UK and Cuban Applicants
The State Department issued corrections for applicants from Great Britain (United Kingdom) whose selection status may have been incorrectly reported. Additionally, Cuban natives were found ineligible for DV-2026 because more than 50,000 Cuban nationals immigrated to the U.S. in the previous five years.
How to Check Your Green Card Lottery Status
Follow these steps to verify your DV-2026 selection status during the suspension period.
- Visit the Official Portal: Go to dvprogram.state.gov—this is the only legitimate site for checking results
- Enter Your Confirmation Number: Use the number you received when you submitted your entry in October-November 2024
- Review Your Status Carefully: Note any updates or corrections, especially if you're from the UK or dependent territories
- Save Your Documentation: Keep screenshots and records of your status for future reference
- Monitor Official Announcements: Check travel.state.gov regularly for updates on when processing will resume
Important Green Card Lottery Dates and Timeline
Mark these critical dates for the DV-2026 and DV-2027 programs.
- December 19, 2025: DV program processing suspended nationwide
- May 3, 2025 - September 30, 2026: DV-2026 results viewing window (still accessible)
- September 30, 2026: Absolute deadline for DV-2026 visa issuance or status adjustment
- TBD (2026): DV-2027 registration period—watch for announcements on the new $1 fee requirement
- May 2027 (Expected): DV-2027 selection results announcement
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Green Card Lottery Permanently Cancelled?
No, the green card lottery is not cancelled. The program is authorized by Congress under Section 203(c) of the Immigration and Nationality Act. The current suspension is a temporary administrative pause. Full cancellation would require Congressional legislation, which has not occurred.
Will the September 30, 2026 Deadline Be Extended for DV-2026?
Unfortunately, no. The September 30, 2026 deadline is statutory and cannot be extended by executive action. If your application is not approved by this date, you permanently lose eligibility for DV-2026. This makes the suspension particularly concerning for selectees whose cases remain pending.
What Is the New $1 Fee for the Diversity Visa Lottery?
Starting with DV-2027, all applicants must pay a $1 non-refundable registration fee when submitting their entry. This fee helps offset administrative costs and serves as an anti-fraud measure. It is separate from the $330 visa application fee that selectees pay later during consular processing.
How Can I Prepare My Green Card Lottery Photo?
Your DV lottery photo must meet strict U.S. Department of State requirements. The photo must be 2x2 inches (51x51mm) with specific head size, background, and lighting standards. Using a professional passport photo service ensures your entry won't be disqualified for technical photo errors.
What DV Lottery Applicants Should Do Now
The green card lottery suspension creates uncertainty, but applicants can take proactive steps. Monitor the official State Department website at travel.state.gov for announcements. Do not trust emails, phone calls, or letters claiming you won the lottery or offering to expedite processing—these are common scams.
For DV-2026 selectees, ensure all your documentation is current and ready for when processing resumes. This includes having a compliant passport photo that meets requirements, gathering civil documents, and completing medical examinations if not already done. For those planning to enter the DV-2027 lottery, prepare your $1 payment method and ensure your photo specifications match official green card lottery photo requirements.