Green Card Lottery Suspension: What's Happening Now
The green card lottery program has been indefinitely suspended by the Trump administration as of December 18, 2025. Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem ordered USCIS to immediately halt all Diversity Visa (DV) processing following a tragic shooting incident at Brown University and MIT.
This suspension affects approximately 129,516 DV-2026 selectees who were notified of their selection in May 2025. Additionally, millions of hopeful applicants worldwide are impacted as DV-2027 registration remains delayed until early 2026.
Key Changes to the Green Card Lottery Program
Here are the most significant developments affecting DV lottery applicants:
- Complete Processing Halt: USCIS has placed a hold on all pending DV lottery adjustment applications and ancillary benefits
- No New Visa Issuances: The State Department has temporarily suspended issuing DV immigrant visas at all U.S. Embassies and Consulates
- Enhanced Security Reviews: Affected applicants may be required to appear for in-person interviews or re-interviews
- DV-2027 Registration Delayed: The upcoming lottery registration has been pushed from October 2025 to late December 2025 or January 2026
- New $1 Fee Required: For the first time in 30+ years, DV-2027 applicants must pay a non-refundable registration fee
Secretary of State Marco Rubio stated the pause will continue "until we can be sure we know exactly who we are letting into our country." However, previously issued DV immigrant visas remain valid during this suspension period.
Who Is Affected by the Green Card Lottery Suspension
The suspension impacts multiple groups of applicants at different stages of the process. Understanding your status is critical for planning next steps.
For DV-2026 Selectees Awaiting Interviews
If you were selected in the DV-2026 lottery and have not yet completed your interview, your case is now in "administrative processing." Consulates will continue accepting applications and conducting interviews, but no final visa decisions are being made. Keep all documents current and monitor official State Department updates.
For DV-2026 Adjustment of Status Applicants
Applicants adjusting status within the U.S. face the most significant impact. USCIS has instructed adjudicators to hold all pending DV adjustment applications. Work and travel authorization applications linked to DV cases are also suspended. Your deadline of September 30, 2026 still applies.
For Future DV-2027 Applicants
If you planned to enter the DV-2027 lottery, registration is delayed but not canceled. Prepare your passport photo meeting official requirements and gather required information. The registration window may be shortened to just 2-3 weeks instead of the traditional 30+ days.
How to Check Your DV Lottery Status - Step by Step
Follow these steps to verify your selection status and stay informed:
- Visit the Official Portal: Go to dvprogram.state.gov/ESC/ to access the Entrant Status Check
- Enter Your Confirmation Number: Use the 16-character confirmation number from your original submission
- Review Your Status: The system will display whether you were selected and your case number
- Check Visa Bulletin: Compare your case number against the January 2026 cutoff numbers at travel.state.gov
- Monitor Updates: Check official sources weekly as the suspension situation evolves
January 2026 Visa Bulletin: DV Cutoff Numbers
Despite the suspension, the State Department continues publishing visa bulletin cutoff numbers:
- Africa: 35,000 (January); 45,000 (February) — Egypt and Algeria have separate lower cutoffs
- Asia: Cutoff numbers advancing steadily for most countries
- Europe: Numbers progressing with some country-specific limitations
- Oceania: Generally current or near-current status
- South America: Cutoffs advancing at typical pace
- Total Available Visas: Approximately 52,000 for DV-2026 (reduced from 55,000 due to NACARA adjustments)
Important Dates and Timeline
Critical deadlines remain in effect despite the processing suspension:
- December 18, 2025: DV program suspension announced by DHS
- Late December 2025 - January 2026: Expected DV-2027 registration window (if suspension lifted)
- September 30, 2026: Absolute deadline for DV-2026 visa issuance — no extensions possible
- October 1, 2026 - September 30, 2027: DV-2027 application period for selected entrants
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Green Card Lottery Permanently Canceled?
No, the program is suspended, not canceled. The Diversity Visa program was created by Congress and would require legislative action to permanently end. However, the processing pause functions as a de facto shutdown since DV visas have strict fiscal-year deadlines. Monitor official announcements for updates on when processing will resume.
Can I Still Apply for DV-2027?
Registration for DV-2027 has been delayed but is expected to open in late December 2025 or January 2026. A new $1 non-refundable fee will be required for the first time. Prepare your visa application photo in advance and watch dvprogram.state.gov for the registration announcement.
What Happens If My Case Number Becomes Current During the Suspension?
Your interview may proceed, but no final visa decision will be issued during the suspension. Cases are being placed in "administrative processing" status. Your September 30, 2026 deadline remains fixed, creating urgency if the suspension extends for months.
Are Previously Issued DV Green Cards Still Valid?
Yes. The State Department confirmed that previously issued DV immigrant visas remain valid. The suspension only affects new visa issuances and pending applications. If you already received your green card through the DV lottery, your status is unaffected.
What You Need to Know: Bottom Line
The green card lottery suspension creates significant uncertainty for over 129,000 DV-2026 selectees and millions of potential DV-2027 applicants. With the September 30, 2026 deadline unchanged, time is critical for current applicants. The situation remains fluid as the administration conducts security reviews.
Stay prepared by ensuring your passport photo meets all official requirements and keeping documentation current. Monitor travel.state.gov and dvprogram.state.gov for official updates. If you're planning to apply for DV-2027, have your $1 payment method ready and prepare for a potentially shortened registration window of just 2-3 weeks.