Green Card Lottery 2026 Program Status Update
The green card lottery 2026 program faces significant disruption as the U.S. Department of State has paused all diversity visa issuances effective December 2025. This suspension affects approximately 125,000 DV-2026 selectees competing for 55,000 available immigrant visas.
The pause follows security concerns raised after a tragic incident allegedly involving a previous diversity visa recipient. While the program remains legally authorized by Congress, both current applicants and future registrants face uncertainty heading into 2026.
Key Green Card Lottery Changes for 2026
Here are the most critical updates every diversity visa applicant needs to know:
- DV-2026 Visa Issuance Paused: The State Department has halted all new diversity visa issuances while conducting security protocol reviews
- USCIS Adjustment Applications On Hold: Pending DV lottery adjustment applications and ancillary benefits are suspended, with some applicants required to appear for re-interviews
- DV-2027 Registration Delayed: The registration period has been pushed from October 2025 to late December 2025 or January 2026
- New $1 Entry Fee: A historic first—all DV-2027 applicants must pay a non-refundable $1 fee at registration
- January 2026 Visa Bulletin Released: Africa cutoffs jumped from 17,500 to 35,000, while Asia increased from 10,000 to 15,000
Previously issued diversity visas remain valid, and the State Department continues accepting applications and scheduling interviews. However, no new visas will be issued during the review period.
Who Is Affected by the Green Card Lottery Suspension
The program pause impacts multiple groups of applicants differently. Understanding your category helps determine the best course of action.
For DV-2026 Selectees Already in the Process
If you were selected in the DV-2026 lottery, your case is now on hold. You should continue preparing all documentation, including ensuring your passport photo meets requirements, as processing may resume with short notice. Your September 30, 2026 deadline remains unchanged.
For DV-2026 Applicants Awaiting Interviews
The State Department will continue scheduling and conducting diversity visa interviews. However, even after a successful interview, your visa will not be issued until the pause is lifted. Stay in close contact with your embassy or consulate.
For Future DV-2027 Applicants
Registration for the DV-2027 green card lottery has been delayed indefinitely. Monitor the official dvprogram.state.gov website for announcements. The registration window is expected to be shorter than usual—only 2-3 weeks instead of the traditional 30+ days.
How to Check Your DV-2026 Lottery Status
Follow these steps to verify your selection status and stay informed:
- Visit the Official Portal: Go to dvprogram.state.gov/ESC—this is the only legitimate way to check results
- Enter Your Information: Provide your confirmation number, last name, and birth year exactly as entered during registration
- Check for UK Corrections: If you're from Great Britain, recheck your status as some results were incorrectly reported and have been corrected
- Review Your Case Number: If selected, note your case number and region—this determines when you can schedule your interview
- Prepare Required Documents: Gather birth certificates, police clearances, medical exams, and compliant visa application photos now to avoid delays when processing resumes
Important Dates and Timeline for DV Lottery 2026
Mark these critical deadlines to protect your green card lottery eligibility:
- December 18, 2025: DV program suspension announced—visa issuances paused
- January 2026: Africa cutoff at 35,000; Asia at 15,000 (significant advancement)
- February 2026: Africa cutoff expected to reach 45,000 based on visa bulletin projections
- September 30, 2026: Absolute final deadline—all DV-2026 visas must be issued by this date with no exceptions
- October 1, 2026 - September 30, 2027: DV-2027 visa application period (for those selected in upcoming registration)
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Green Card Lottery Cancelled Permanently?
No, the diversity visa program is not cancelled. It remains authorized by U.S. law, and permanent elimination would require Congressional action. The current pause is a temporary administrative measure while security protocols are reviewed. The State Department has not indicated any intention to end the program.
What Happens If My DV-2026 Visa Cannot Be Issued by September 30, 2026?
Unfortunately, there are no extensions. Under U.S. immigration law, diversity visas cannot be issued after the fiscal year ends on September 30, 2026. If the pause extends too long, some selectees may lose their opportunity. This makes it critical to have all documentation ready for immediate processing when the hold is lifted.
Are Cuban Nationals Eligible for DV-2026?
No. The State Department confirmed that Cuban natives are ineligible for DV-2026 because more than 50,000 Cuban nationals immigrated to the U.S. in the previous five-year period. Any Cuban applicants who previously showed as selected have been notified of their ineligibility.
How Much Does the New DV-2027 Registration Cost?
The DV-2027 lottery will require a $1 non-refundable entry fee—the first registration fee in the program's 30+ year history. If selected, you'll pay an additional $330 visa application fee. This change aims to reduce fraudulent entries and generate approximately $25 million annually for program operations.
What You Need to Know Moving Forward
The green card lottery 2026 situation remains fluid, but proactive preparation is essential. DV-2026 selectees should complete all possible steps—gathering documents, scheduling medical exams, and ensuring photo requirements are met—so they're ready when processing resumes.
For those planning to enter DV-2027, bookmark the official State Department website and prepare your $1 payment method. Given the shortened registration window expected, having your information and compliant passport photo specifications ready in advance will be crucial. Stay informed through official government sources, and avoid any third-party sites claiming to process lottery entries—these are always scams.
Sources: - [U.S. Department of State - Update on DV Program 2026](https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/News/visas-news/update-on-dv-program-2026.html) - [U.S. Department of State - Diversity Visa Instructions](https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/us-visas/immigrate/diversity-visa-program-entry/diversity-visa-instructions.html) - [Visa Bulletin for January 2026](https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/legal/visa-law0/visa-bulletin/2026/visa-bulletin-for-january-2026.html) - [Changes to DV-2027 Entry Period](https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/News/visas-news/changes-to-2027-dv-program-entry-period.html) - [USAGov - Diversity Visa Lottery Results](https://www.usa.gov/dv-lottery-results) - [USCIS - Green Card Through Diversity Visa Program](https://www.uscis.gov/green-card/green-card-eligibility/green-card-through-the-diversity-immigrant-visa-program)