Green Card Lottery Program Suspended: January 2026 Update
The green card lottery (Diversity Visa Program) was suspended on December 18, 2025, leaving approximately 130,000 DV-2026 selectees facing an uncertain future. The suspension follows the Brown University shooting, where the suspect was identified as a DV program recipient from 2017.
This marks the second time the Trump administration has halted the diversity visa program. The first suspension occurred in 2020 during the pandemic. However, this time, the stakes are higher with a statutory deadline of September 30, 2026 that cannot be extended.
Key Green Card Lottery Changes for 2026
The suspension affects both current DV-2026 selectees and future DV-2027 applicants. Here's what has changed:
- DV-2026 Processing Halted: USCIS has placed a hold on all pending adjustment of status applications and related benefits
- Visa Issuance Paused: The State Department has indefinitely stopped issuing diversity visas at embassies worldwide
- DV-2027 Registration Delayed: The registration period, originally scheduled for October 2024, has been postponed to 2026
- New $1 Entry Fee: When DV-2027 registration opens, applicants will pay a $1 fee for the first time in 30 years
- Enhanced Vetting: Affected applicants may be required to appear for in-person interviews or re-interviews
The Department of State continues to schedule visa appointments, but no diversity visas will be issued until the security review is complete. The administration has not announced when processing will resume.
Who Is Affected by the Green Card Lottery Suspension
The suspension impacts millions of people across multiple categories. Understanding your status is critical for taking appropriate action.
For DV-2026 Selectees
If you were among the 129,516 applicants selected from over 20.8 million entries, your case is now on hold. You can still submit applications and attend scheduled interviews, but no visas will be approved until the pause ends. Your September 30, 2026 deadline remains in effect.
For DV-2027 Hopefuls
Registration for DV-2027 has been delayed indefinitely. When it reopens, expect a shorter registration window (potentially 2-3 weeks instead of the typical 30 days) and the new $1 electronic registration fee. Immigration experts estimate registration may open in early 2026.
For UK and Cuba Applicants
Special corrections affect these groups. Cuban nationals are ineligible for DV-2026 due to exceeding statutory immigration limits. UK applicants should recheck their status at dvprogram.state.gov due to initial selection errors that may have incorrectly reported results.
How to Check Your Green Card Lottery Status - Step by Step
The State Department only notifies winners through the official website. Any email, phone call, or letter claiming you won is fraudulent.
- Visit the Official Portal: Go to dvprogram.state.gov/ESC (Entrant Status Check)
- Enter Your Confirmation Number: Use the unique number from your original application submission
- Provide Required Information: Enter your last name and date of birth exactly as submitted
- Check Your Status: The system will display whether you were selected and any case updates
- Save Your Documentation: Screenshot or print your results and keep your confirmation number until September 30, 2026
Important Green Card Lottery Dates and Deadlines
Mark these critical dates on your calendar to avoid missing any opportunities:
- December 18, 2025: DV program suspension announced by DHS Secretary Kristi Noem
- January 1, 2026: Presidential Proclamation 10998 takes effect, adding visa restrictions for nationals from 39 countries
- September 30, 2026: ABSOLUTE DEADLINE for DV-2026 applicants - all visas must be issued by this date (cannot be extended)
- TBD 2026: DV-2027 registration expected to open with new $1 fee requirement
Frequently Asked Questions About the Green Card Lottery
Can the September 30, 2026 Deadline Be Extended?
No. The deadline is statutory and set by Congress. Even if the suspension continues, DV-2026 selectees who don't receive their visas by September 30, 2026, will permanently lose eligibility. This creates significant risk for applicants caught in the processing hold.
Is the Green Card Lottery Program Permanently Cancelled?
Not currently. The diversity visa program was created by Congress and remains part of U.S. immigration law. Only Congress can permanently cancel the program. The current suspension is an administrative pause during security reviews. However, legal challenges are expected from immigration advocacy groups.
What Should DV-2026 Selectees Do Right Now?
Continue preparing your documentation. Keep your confirmation number secure. If you have a scheduled interview, attend it. Monitor official State Department announcements at travel.state.gov. Consider consulting an immigration attorney if you have concerns about meeting the September deadline.
What Green Card Lottery Applicants Need to Know Now
The green card lottery suspension creates a time-sensitive crisis for 130,000 DV-2026 selectees. With the September 30, 2026 deadline approaching and processing halted indefinitely, many applicants risk losing their opportunity through no fault of their own. Legal challenges to the suspension are anticipated.
If you're preparing for the diversity visa process, ensure your passport photo meets official requirements. Proper documentation, including compliant photos, will be essential when processing resumes. Stay informed through official channels at travel.state.gov and dvprogram.state.gov for the latest green card lottery updates.