Green Card Lottery Program Suspended in December 2025
The green card lottery program has been suspended by the Trump administration effective December 18, 2025. This unprecedented pause affects the Diversity Immigrant Visa (DV) program, leaving approximately 130,000 DV-2026 selectees in uncertainty about their immigration status.
The suspension follows the tragic shooting at Brown University, where the suspect was identified as a green card holder who entered the United States through the DV program in 2017. Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced an "indefinite pause" on diversity visa issuances while security protocols undergo comprehensive review.
Key Green Card Lottery Changes December 2025
Both USCIS and the State Department have implemented immediate restrictions affecting DV program applicants.
- All DV visa issuances paused: The State Department stopped issuing diversity visas immediately on December 18, 2025
- Adjustment applications on hold: USCIS placed a freeze on all pending DV-based adjustment of status applications
- Work authorization delayed: Applications for adjustment-based work permits and travel documents are suspended
- Enhanced security reviews: All DV applicants will undergo in-depth individual security screenings
- Interview requirement: Some applicants may be required to appear for in-person interviews or re-interviews
The policy memorandum titled "Hold and Review of Pending USCIS Adjustment of Status Applications Filed by Aliens Under the Diversity Immigrant Visa Program" went into effect immediately on December 19, 2025.
Who Is Affected by the Green Card Lottery Suspension
The program pause impacts multiple groups of immigration applicants with varying degrees of urgency.
For DV-2026 Selectees Already in Process
If you were selected in the DV-2026 lottery and have a pending adjustment of status application, your case is now on hold. USCIS will continue internal processing steps, but no approvals, denials, or dismissals will be issued until the hold is lifted. Your deadline remains September 30, 2026.
For DV-2026 Selectees Awaiting Consular Interviews
You may still submit DS-260 applications and attend scheduled interviews at U.S. embassies. However, no diversity visas will be issued even after successful interviews. Existing appointments will generally not be cancelled or rescheduled.
For DV-2027 Hopeful Applicants
The DV-2027 registration period, originally scheduled for October 2025, remains indefinitely delayed. When registration reopens, a new $1 fee will be required—the first payment in the program's 30+ year history. The registration window is expected to be shortened to 2-3 weeks.
How to Check Your DV-2026 Status - Step by Step
If you entered the DV-2026 lottery, here's how to verify your current status.
- Visit the official portal: Go to dvprogram.state.gov (the ONLY legitimate site for status checks)
- Enter your confirmation number: Use the unique number you received when submitting your entry
- Review your selection status: The system will show whether you were selected for further processing
- Check for corrections: UK and Cuba entrants should re-verify status due to previous reporting errors
- Document everything: Save your confirmation page and any status updates for your records
Important Green Card Lottery Dates and Timeline
Keep these critical dates in mind as the situation develops.
- December 18, 2025: Trump administration announces DV program suspension
- December 19, 2025: USCIS policy memorandum goes into effect, freezing all pending DV applications
- September 30, 2026: Statutory deadline for DV-2026 selectees—applications must be approved by this date
- January 2026 (estimated): Possible opening of DV-2027 registration with new $1 fee requirement
- Unknown: No end date announced for the program suspension
Frequently Asked Questions
Will my green card lottery application be denied?
Not automatically. USCIS has placed applications "on hold" rather than denying them. Cases will remain pending until the suspension is lifted or modified. However, the September 30, 2026 deadline still applies for DV-2026 selectees.
Can I still apply for the DV-2027 lottery?
Not yet. DV-2027 registration has been delayed from its usual October timeframe. When registration opens (expected late December 2025 or January 2026), you will need to pay a $1 non-refundable fee for the first time in program history.
How will this affect my passport photo requirements?
DV lottery photo requirements remain unchanged. When registration reopens, you'll still need a recent photo meeting strict U.S. government specifications: 600x600 pixels, white background, and taken within the last 6 months. Proper photo compliance remains essential for acceptance.
Is this suspension permanent?
The administration has not specified an end date. While described as a "pause," President Trump has been a longstanding critic of the diversity visa program. The program was previously suspended in 2020 during his first term. Immigration advocates and legal experts are monitoring the situation closely.
What You Need to Know Now
The green card lottery suspension creates significant uncertainty for over 20 million annual applicants worldwide. DV-2026 selectees face a race against the September 2026 deadline, while DV-2027 registration remains in limbo. Monitor official government websites for updates—never trust unsolicited emails or calls claiming lottery results.
If you're planning to apply when registration reopens, ensure your passport photo meets all requirements in advance. Having compliant documentation ready will help you submit quickly during what may be a shortened registration window. Check our visa photo specifications to prepare your application materials while awaiting further announcements.