Green Card Lottery Program Suspended: December 2025 Updates
The Green Card Lottery program has been suspended as of December 18, 2025, creating unprecedented uncertainty for hundreds of thousands of applicants worldwide. Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem announced the immediate halt of the Diversity Visa (DV) program at President Trump's direction.
This suspension affects the DV-2026 lottery with approximately 129,516 selectees who were notified in May 2025 and are now in various stages of processing. The pause comes as the January 2026 Visa Bulletin was just released with significant cutoff number increases.
Key Green Card Lottery Changes in December 2025
The immigration landscape has shifted dramatically with multiple developments affecting diversity visa applicants.
- Program Pause: USCIS ordered to halt DV program processing immediately on December 18, 2025
- DV-2026 Impact: Over 129,000 selectees face uncertain processing timelines and potential delays
- DV-2027 Delayed: Registration has not opened despite traditional October start, now expected January 2026
- New $1 Fee: First-ever registration fee confirmed for DV-2027 applications when they open
- January Cutoffs Released: Africa cutoff doubled to 35,000; Asia increased 50% to 15,000
- Annual Limit Reduced: DV-2026 visas reduced from 55,000 to approximately 52,000
The suspension was announced following a tragic shooting incident at Brown University and MIT involving an individual who entered the U.S. through the diversity visa program in 2017. However, legal experts note that Congress established this program by law, and any permanent changes would likely face legal challenges.
Who Is Affected by the Green Card Lottery Pause
The suspension creates different levels of impact depending on where applicants are in the process.
For DV-2026 Selectees Already in Process
If you've already submitted your DS-260 application or scheduled an interview at a U.S. Embassy or Consulate abroad, your case may still proceed. The State Department's consular processing appears to continue separately from USCIS adjustments. However, expect potential delays and monitor official channels closely.
For DV-2026 Selectees Not Yet Started
If you were selected in May 2025 but haven't begun your application, the situation remains unclear. DHS has not specified how the pause applies to existing selectees who haven't filed. Your selection remains valid until September 30, 2026, but processing availability is uncertain.
For Applicants Planning DV-2027 Entry
Those planning to enter the next lottery cycle must wait for official registration opening announcements. The DV-2027 registration window has been delayed past its traditional October start and may open in late December 2025 or January 2026 with a shorter entry period.
How to Check Your DV-2026 Status - Step by Step
Follow these official steps to verify your green card lottery selection status.
- Visit the Official Portal: Go to dvprogram.state.gov - this is the ONLY legitimate website for checking status
- Enter Your Confirmation Number: Use the confirmation number from your original 2024 registration submission
- Review Your Status: The system will show if you were selected and provide next steps for your visa application
- Download Your Selection Letter: Save or print your official notification for your records
- Prepare Required Documents: Gather your passport photo, birth certificate, education credentials, and police certificates
Important Dates and Timeline for DV-2026
Keep these critical deadlines in mind for your green card lottery application.
- December 18, 2025: DHS announces immediate pause on DV program processing
- January 2026: New visa bulletin cutoff numbers in effect (Africa: 35,000, Asia: 15,000)
- Late December 2025 - January 2026: Expected DV-2027 registration opening window
- September 30, 2026: Absolute deadline for DV-2026 visa issuance - no extensions possible
January 2026 Visa Bulletin: DV Cutoff Numbers
Despite the program pause announcement, the State Department released the January 2026 Visa Bulletin with significantly advanced cutoff numbers.
- Africa: 35,000 (doubled from December's 17,500)
- Asia: 15,000 (up 50% from 10,000)
- Europe: Forward movement continues for most countries
- Nepal: Remains at 6,500 limit
- Egypt: Remains at 21,000 limit
- Oceania: 1,175
The significant increases suggest lower-than-expected interview attendance or higher visa availability. If your case number is below these cutoffs and you're processing at a consulate abroad, you may still be able to proceed with your interview.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Green Card Lottery Permanently Canceled?
No, the program has been paused, not permanently canceled. The Diversity Visa program was established by Congress through the Immigration Act of 1990. Any permanent elimination would require Congressional action or face legal challenges. DHS has not specified how long the pause will last.
What Should DV-2026 Winners Do Now?
Continue preparing your documentation and monitor official State Department announcements at travel.state.gov. Consular processing abroad may continue separately from USCIS adjustments. Ensure your passport photo meets official requirements and all documents are ready for when processing resumes.
When Will DV-2027 Registration Open?
DV-2027 registration has been delayed past the traditional October start date. Immigration experts expect the window to open between late December 2025 and January 2026, with a potentially shorter entry period of 2-3 weeks. A new $1 non-refundable fee will be required for the first time in the program's 30+ year history.
How Do I Avoid Green Card Lottery Scams?
The U.S. government NEVER emails, calls, or mails lottery results. Only use the official website dvprogram.state.gov to check your status or submit applications. Be wary of anyone claiming registration is open before official State Department announcements.
What You Need to Know - Bottom Line
The Green Card Lottery suspension creates significant uncertainty for DV-2026 selectees and future applicants. With 129,516 people selected and a September 30, 2026 deadline, timing is critical. Monitor official DHS and State Department channels for updates on when processing will resume.
While you wait for clarity, ensure all your documentation is in order. Your passport photo must meet strict requirements - VisaPics can help you prepare compliant photos for your diversity visa application. Additionally, explore alternative immigration pathways such as employment-based or family-based petitions with an immigration attorney if the pause extends significantly.