Green Card Lottery Program Suspended: What You Need to Know
The Green Card Lottery program has been suspended effective December 18, 2025, marking a dramatic halt to the Diversity Immigrant Visa (DV) program. The Department of Homeland Security ordered USCIS to pause all pending diversity visa approvals while security reviews are conducted, affecting tens of thousands of applicants worldwide.
This suspension comes as DV-2026 selectees were actively pursuing their immigrant visas, and as millions awaited the opening of DV-2027 registration. The pause places the future of approximately 52,000 available visas in limbo for the current fiscal year.
Key Changes to the Green Card Lottery Program
The suspension introduces several critical changes that affect both current and future diversity visa applicants.
- All DV visa issuances paused: The State Department has halted all diversity immigrant visa approvals effective December 23, 2025
- Pending applications on hold: USCIS adjudicators must place all pending DV adjustment of status applications on hold
- Enhanced security reviews: Each applicant will undergo in-depth review, with some required to appear for in-person interviews or re-interviews
- No exceptions granted: The State Department confirmed no exceptions exist to this guidance
- Scheduled interviews may proceed: Existing consular appointments generally will not be cancelled, but no visas will be issued
The administration has not specified how long the suspension will last. However, because DV visas must be issued before September 30, 2026, this pause could effectively function as a program shutdown for the current fiscal year if it extends for months.
Who Is Affected by the Green Card Lottery Suspension
The suspension impacts multiple groups of applicants at different stages of the diversity visa process. Understanding your specific situation is crucial for planning next steps.
For DV-2026 Selectees in the U.S.
If you're adjusting status through USCIS, your application is now on hold. Work and travel authorization applications (EADs and Advance Parole) tied to your DV case are also paused. You should maintain your current immigration status and consult with an immigration attorney immediately.
For DV-2026 Selectees Abroad
Your consular interview may still occur, but no diversity visa will be issued at this time. Previously issued DV visas remain valid and have not been revoked. Monitor the State Department website for updates on when processing may resume.
For Prospective DV-2027 Applicants
Registration for the DV-2027 lottery remains delayed beyond the traditional October start date. The State Department has not announced a new registration date, though experts expect it may open in late December 2025 or January 2026. A new $1 registration fee will be required for the first time in the program's 30+ year history.
How to Check Your DV-2026 Status - Step by Step
Despite the suspension, DV-2026 selectees should continue monitoring their case status.
- Visit the official portal: Go to dvprogram.state.gov to access the Entrant Status Check
- Enter your confirmation number: Use the confirmation number from your original DV-2026 registration
- Review your case number: Check your regional rank number against the January 2026 Visa Bulletin cutoffs
- Document everything: Save screenshots and confirmation pages for your records
- Consult an immigration attorney: Given the unprecedented situation, professional legal advice is essential
Important Dates and Timeline
Here are the critical dates DV lottery applicants should track.
- December 18, 2025: DHS announces immediate suspension of DV program approvals
- December 23, 2025: State Department officially pauses all DV visa issuances
- September 30, 2026: Absolute deadline for DV-2026 visa issuance (fiscal year end)
- Late December 2025 or January 2026: Expected DV-2027 registration opening (not confirmed)
- May 2026: Expected DV-2027 results announcement
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I still check my DV-2026 lottery results?
Yes, the Entrant Status Check at dvprogram.state.gov remains available until September 30, 2026. You can verify your selection status, but visa issuance is currently paused. The State Department has not revoked any previously announced selections.
What happens to my scheduled consular interview?
Interviews may still proceed as scheduled, but no diversity visas will be issued during the suspension. The State Department stated existing appointments generally will not be rescheduled or cancelled. Check with your specific embassy or consulate for local guidance.
Is my previously issued diversity visa still valid?
Yes, if you already received your diversity visa before the suspension, it remains valid. No visas have been revoked under this directive. Questions about admission at U.S. ports of entry should be directed to the Department of Homeland Security.
When will DV-2027 registration open?
The State Department has not announced an official date. Immigration experts anticipate registration may open in late December 2025 or January 2026, with a shortened 2-3 week window instead of the traditional 30-day period. A new $1 non-refundable fee will be required.
How do I prepare my passport photo for the DV lottery?
When registration opens, you'll need a compliant passport photo meeting strict specifications: 2x2 inches (51x51mm), white background, and taken within the last 6 months. Using a service like VisaPics ensures your photo meets all official requirements to avoid disqualification.
What You Need to Know: Bottom Line
The Green Card Lottery suspension represents an unprecedented disruption to the diversity visa program. With approximately 129,516 DV-2026 selectees competing for roughly 52,000 visas, the timing of this pause is critical. Every week of delay reduces the chances that all eligible applicants can be processed before the September 30, 2026, deadline.
Whether you're a DV-2026 selectee or planning to apply for DV-2027, staying informed is essential. Ensure your passport photo meets all requirements by using VisaPics to create compliant images, and monitor official State Department announcements at travel.state.gov for updates. Consulting with an experienced immigration attorney can help you understand your options during this uncertain period.