Green Card Lottery Program Suspended by Trump Administration
The green card lottery program has been suspended as of December 18, 2025, following a directive from President Trump to the Department of Homeland Security. Secretary Kristi Noem announced the immediate pause of the Diversity Visa (DV1) program, affecting millions of hopeful applicants worldwide.
This decision comes in response to the tragic Brown University and MIT shootings, where the suspect reportedly entered the United States through the DV lottery program in 2017. The program's future now hangs in uncertainty as the government conducts a comprehensive review.
Key Changes to the Green Card Lottery Program
The suspension introduces several major disruptions to the diversity visa process:
- Immediate Processing Halt: USCIS has stopped issuing new diversity visas effective December 18, 2025
- DV-2026 Impact: The 129,516 selectees already notified may face delays or suspension of their interviews
- DV-2027 Registration: Already delayed from October 2025, now facing additional uncertainty
- New $1 Registration Fee: When DV-2027 opens, applicants must pay a mandatory, non-refundable entry fee
- State Department Pause: Secretary Marco Rubio has "indefinitely paused" diversity visa issuance
Legal experts expect court challenges since Congress created the diversity visa program. Because DV eligibility expires at the end of each fiscal year, this pause doesn't merely delay—it can permanently eliminate immigration opportunities for thousands.
Who Is Affected by the Green Card Lottery Suspension
The suspension impacts different groups of applicants in various ways depending on their current status in the process.
For DV-2026 Lottery Winners
If you were selected in the DV-2026 lottery and received notification on May 3, 2025, your case now faces uncertainty. Those preparing documentation or awaiting interview appointments may experience significant delays. All DV-2026 visas must still be issued before September 30, 2026, creating a tight deadline.
For DV-2027 Prospective Applicants
Registration was already delayed from the traditional October start date while the State Department implements a new $1 fee system. The suspension adds further uncertainty about when—or if—DV-2027 registration will open. Originally expected in late December 2025 or January 2026, the timeline now remains unclear.
For DV-2025 Selectees
Those still processing their DV-2025 applications have until September 30, 2025 to complete their cases. The suspension's impact on DV-2025 processing remains uncertain, though these cases are closest to their deadline.
How to Check Your DV Lottery Status - Step by Step
DV-2026 selectees should continue monitoring their status through official channels:
- Visit the Official Site: Go to dvprogram.state.gov/ESC for the Entrant Status Check
- Enter Your Confirmation Number: Use the 16-character confirmation number from your original registration
- Provide Personal Information: Enter your full name and year of birth exactly as submitted
- Review Your Status: Check if you were selected and view any case updates or interview scheduling
- Save Documentation: Download and print any selection letters or instructions immediately
- Monitor Official News: Check travel.state.gov regularly for program updates
Important Dates and Timeline for DV Lottery
Keep these critical dates in mind as the situation develops:
- December 18, 2025: Trump administration announces DV program suspension
- September 30, 2025: Deadline for DV-2025 selectees to complete visa processing
- September 30, 2026: Deadline for DV-2026 selectees to obtain their visas
- TBD (January 2026?): Potential DV-2027 registration opening—now uncertain due to suspension
- Ongoing: Legal challenges expected as Congress created the program by law
December 2025 Visa Bulletin: DV-2026 Cutoff Numbers
Before the suspension, the State Department released December 2025 cutoff numbers for DV-2026:
- Africa: 17,500 (Algeria: 17,250; Egypt: 16,000)
- Asia: 10,000 (Nepal: 6,000)
- Europe: 7,750
- Oceania: 1,100
- South America & Caribbean: 1,850
- North America (Bahamas): 20
January 2026 cutoffs were scheduled to show significant increases—Africa jumping to 35,000 and Asia to 15,000. However, the suspension may affect scheduled interview appointments and visa issuances.
Frequently Asked Questions About the DV Lottery Suspension
Is the Green Card Lottery Cancelled Permanently?
No, the program has been paused, not cancelled. The diversity visa program was created by Congress, and the administration cannot permanently eliminate it without legislative action. However, the duration of this pause remains unknown, and legal challenges are expected.
Can I Still Check My DV-2026 Lottery Results?
Yes, the Entrant Status Check at dvprogram.state.gov remains available for DV-2026 selectees. Results are accessible until at least September 30, 2026. Continue checking for updates about interview scheduling and processing status.
What Happens to My DV Application If I Was Already Selected?
If you're a DV-2026 selectee, your selection remains valid, but processing may be delayed or suspended. Critically, all diversity visas must still be issued before the September 30, 2026 fiscal year deadline. The pause could permanently affect applicants if it extends too long.
Will DV-2027 Registration Still Happen?
DV-2027 registration was already delayed before the suspension. The State Department planned to implement a new $1 registration fee system. With the current pause, the DV-2027 timeline is now completely uncertain. Monitor official State Department announcements for updates.
Do I Need a Photo for My DV Lottery Application?
Yes, proper passport photo requirements remain essential for DV lottery applications. Photos must meet strict U.S. Department of State specifications: 2x2 inches, recent (within 6 months), with a white or off-white background. Incorrect photos are a common reason for application disqualification.
What You Need to Know About the Green Card Lottery Suspension
The green card lottery suspension creates significant uncertainty for the nearly 20 million annual applicants and 129,516 DV-2026 selectees currently in the system. This is the second time the Trump administration has halted the program, following a 2020 suspension during broader pandemic immigration restrictions.
Applicants should continue preparing their documentation and ensure all visa photo specifications and requirements are met. When processing resumes, those with complete applications will be best positioned to proceed. Monitor official sources including travel.state.gov and dvprogram.state.gov for the latest updates, and consult with an immigration attorney if you have specific questions about your case.