Breaking: Diversity Visa Lottery Program Suspended December 2025
On December 18, 2025, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security announced an immediate suspension of the Diversity Visa (DV) lottery program at President Trump's direction. This unprecedented pause affects millions of applicants worldwide and places tens of thousands of pending cases in jeopardy, according to [immigration law experts](https://www.lawfirm4immigrants.com/trump-suspends-green-card-lottery/).
The suspension follows security concerns raised after law enforcement officials indicated that a suspect in two deadly New England shootings became a permanent resident through the diversity visa program. The Department of Homeland Security has not announced an end date for the pause, leaving the future of the program uncertain.
DV-2027 Registration Delayed: What You Need to Know
Even before the December suspension, the DV-2027 lottery faced significant delays. The registration period failed to open on schedule in October 2025 as the State Department implemented "changes to the DV entry process."
- Original Schedule: DV-2027 registration was expected to open in October 2025
- Current Status: Registration delayed until late December 2025 or January 2026 according to [State Department announcements](https://travel.state.gov)
- New $1 Fee: For the first time in over 30 years, applicants must pay a $1 registration fee (effective September 16, 2025)
- No Registration Dates: The State Department has not yet released official start dates for DV-2027 registration
- Results Checking: Entry Status Check (ESC) timeline also remains unannounced
The historic $1 entry fee represents a significant policy change from the previously free registration process. This fee was published in the Federal Register and took effect immediately on September 16, 2025.
Who Is Affected By The DV Lottery Suspension
The December 2025 suspension impacts multiple groups of applicants and winners at different stages of the immigration process. Understanding your specific situation is crucial for planning next steps.
For DV-2026 Winners (Selected May 2025)
If you were selected in the DV-2026 lottery (results announced May 3, 2025), your application window runs from October 1, 2025 to September 30, 2026. However, the current USCIS pause may affect processing timelines, and it's unclear how long approvals will be suspended. Current winners with pending cases should monitor their case status closely through the [official portal](https://dvprogram.state.gov/ESC/).
For DV-2027 Prospective Applicants
If you were planning to register for DV-2027, you face double uncertainty: the registration period remains delayed, and the overall program is now suspended. The State Department has not confirmed whether DV-2027 registration will proceed as planned or be cancelled entirely.
For Current Adjustment of Status Applicants
According to [Fragomen immigration attorneys](https://www.fragomen.com/insights/united-states-uscis-suspends-approvals-of-pending-diversity-visa-adjustment-applications-while-security-reviews-are-conducted.html), USCIS has suspended approvals of pending diversity visa adjustment applications while security reviews are conducted. If you have a pending adjustment application, expect processing delays of unknown duration.
How to Check Your DV Lottery Status - Step by Step
Despite the suspension, checking your status remains important for DV-2026 selectees and future applicants. Follow these steps:
- Visit the Official Portal: Go to [dvprogram.state.gov](https://dvprogram.state.gov/ESC/) - this is the ONLY official source for results
- Enter Your Confirmation Number: Use the unique confirmation number you received when you registered (format: 2026XXXXXXXXXX)
- Provide Personal Information: Enter your last name and year of birth exactly as submitted on your entry
- Review Your Status: Check if you were selected and what steps you need to take next
- Save Your Confirmation Page: Screenshot or print your results page for your records immediately
- Prepare Your Passport Photo: If selected, ensure your [passport photo meets official U.S. requirements](https://visapics.org/photo-requirements) for the visa application
Important Dates and Timeline
Understanding key dates helps you plan your next steps, though the suspension may alter these timelines:
- December 18, 2025: DHS announces immediate suspension of DV lottery program
- September 16, 2025: New $1 registration fee becomes effective via Federal Register
- May 3, 2025: DV-2026 results announced (approximately 125,000 selectees for 55,000 visas)
- October 1, 2025 - September 30, 2026: DV-2026 application window (processing currently suspended)
- Late December 2025 or January 2026: Expected DV-2027 registration opening (now uncertain due to suspension)
- Unknown: No end date announced for the program suspension
Frequently Asked Questions
Will the DV-2027 Lottery Still Happen?
As of December 26, 2025, the future of DV-2027 remains uncertain. While Congress has not repealed the diversity visa lottery program, the DHS processing suspension effectively functions as a shutdown because DV visas are strictly limited by fiscal-year deadlines. The State Department has not announced whether DV-2027 registration will proceed.
Can I Still Apply If I Already Paid the $1 Fee?
The DV-2027 registration period has not yet opened, so no one has been able to pay the $1 fee yet. If registration opens in the future, the $1 fee will be required at the time of entry submission. Monitor the [official State Department website](https://travel.state.gov) for updates on when or if registration will begin.
What Happens to Current DV-2026 Winners?
According to [Ukraine Immigration Task Force](https://ukrainetaskforce.org/what-the-diversity-lottery-suspension-means-for-ukrainians-seeking-permanent-residence-through-dv-visas/), the DHS pause primarily affects USCIS processing of adjustment of status applications within the United States. It's unclear how this will impact State Department visa issuance at consulates abroad. Current winners should continue monitoring their cases and consult with immigration attorneys about their specific situations.
How Long Will the Suspension Last?
The Department of Homeland Security has not provided an end date for the diversity visa program suspension. The pause could continue indefinitely while the government reviews the program's security protocols. Applicants should regularly check official government sources for updates rather than relying on unofficial news or social media.
Are There Alternative Ways to Get a Green Card?
Yes, several alternatives exist beyond the diversity lottery program. Family-based immigration (through U.S. citizen or permanent resident relatives), employment-based immigration (through job sponsorship), and asylum or refugee status are primary pathways. Additionally, special immigrant visas exist for certain categories like religious workers, international organization employees, and Afghan/Iraqi nationals who worked with the U.S. government.
What You Need to Know Right Now
The December 2025 suspension of the diversity visa lottery represents a major shift in U.S. immigration policy affecting millions of hopeful applicants worldwide. With no clear timeline for resumption and DV-2027 registration already delayed, prospective immigrants face significant uncertainty about this popular green card pathway.
If you're a DV-2026 winner or planning to apply for future lotteries, stay informed through official channels only, consult with qualified immigration attorneys about your options, and ensure all your documentation—including compliant [visa photos and passport photos](https://visapics.org)—is ready for when processing resumes. The situation remains fluid, with updates expected as the new administration implements its immigration policy priorities throughout 2026.
--- **Sources:** - [DV Lottery Program Paused | USAHello](https://usahello.org/immigration/visas-and-residency/dv-lottery/) - [3 Huge Changes After Trump Suspends Green Card Lottery](https://www.lawfirm4immigrants.com/trump-suspends-green-card-lottery/) - [What the Diversity Lottery Suspension Means - Ukraine Immigration Task Force](https://ukrainetaskforce.org/what-the-diversity-lottery-suspension-means-for-ukrainians-seeking-permanent-residence-through-dv-visas/) - [USCIS Suspends Approvals of Pending Diversity Visa Applications | Fragomen](https://www.fragomen.com/insights/united-states-uscis-suspends-approvals-of-pending-diversity-visa-adjustment-applications-while-security-reviews-are-conducted.html) - [Check the Diversity Visa Lottery Results | USAGov](https://www.usa.gov/dv-lottery-results)