Green Card Lottery Program Suspended in December 2025
The green card lottery program has been indefinitely suspended by the Trump administration as of December 18, 2025. Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem announced the pause, affecting over 129,000 DV-2026 selectees who were preparing their visa applications.
Secretary of State Marco Rubio confirmed the suspension, stating the government will halt diversity visa issuance "until we can be sure we know exactly who we are letting into our country." This marks the second time the administration has halted the program, following a similar pause in 2020.
Why Was the Green Card Lottery Suspended?
The suspension came in response to tragic events that raised national security concerns about the diversity visa program.
- Triggering Incident: The shooting at Brown University on December 14, 2025, which killed two students and injured nine others
- Suspect Background: Portuguese national Claudio Manuel Neves Valente entered the U.S. through the DV lottery program in 2017
- Administration Response: President Trump directed DHS to immediately pause the DV-1 program
- State Department Action: Secretary Rubio indefinitely paused diversity visa issuance at embassies worldwide
- USCIS Orders: Adjudicators instructed to hold all pending DV adjustment applications
The diversity visa program, created by Congress in 1990, makes up to 50,000 green cards available annually through a lottery system to applicants from countries with historically low U.S. immigration rates.
Who Is Affected by the Green Card Lottery Suspension
The suspension impacts multiple groups of immigrants at various stages of the diversity visa process.
For DV-2026 Selectees Already in the U.S.
Those pursuing adjustment of status through USCIS face immediate processing holds. Applications and ancillary benefits including work and travel authorization are paused. Some applicants may be required to appear for in-person interviews or re-interviews.
For DV-2026 Selectees Abroad
Applicants processing through U.S. embassies and consulates may experience different treatment. Reports indicate the USCIS pause may not fully impact State Department consular processing abroad. However, the State Department's "indefinite pause" creates significant uncertainty for scheduled interviews.
For Future DV-2027 Applicants
The suspension adds another layer of uncertainty to the already-delayed DV-2027 registration. Prospective applicants should monitor official State Department announcements closely. The program's future remains unclear pending government review.
How to Protect Your Green Card Lottery Application
If you're a current DV-2026 selectee, take these steps immediately:
- Document Everything: Keep copies of all submitted applications, confirmation numbers, and correspondence
- Monitor Official Sources: Check travel.state.gov and uscis.gov regularly for updates on processing resumption
- Consult an Immigration Attorney: Legal counsel can help navigate the uncertainty and protect your rights
- Prepare Your Documents: Ensure your passport photo meets requirements and all supporting documents are ready for when processing resumes
- Watch Your Deadlines: Remember that DV-2026 visas must be issued by September 30, 2026 under current law
- Avoid Scams: Only trust information from official government websites, not third-party services
Important Dates and Deadlines for DV-2026
Despite the suspension, key program deadlines remain in effect under current law:
- DV-2026 Results Available: May 3, 2025 through September 30, 2026
- Visa Issuance Deadline: September 30, 2026 (no extensions permitted by law)
- Total Selectees: 129,516 applicants selected from 20,822,624 qualified entries
- Available Visas: Approximately 52,000 (reduced from 55,000 due to NACARA and NDAA provisions)
- Suspension Duration: Indefinite pending government security review
DV-2027 Registration: New Fee and Continued Delays
The DV-2027 green card lottery registration has been delayed beyond its traditional October start date, with additional complications from the new suspension.
- Registration Status: DV-2027 entry is NOT currently open
- Expected Opening: Originally late December 2025 or January 2026, now uncertain
- New $1 Fee: First-ever registration fee in the program's 30-year history
- Fee Purpose: Expected to generate $25 million annually from approximately 25 million applicants
- Shortened Window: Registration period may be reduced to 2-3 weeks (from typical 30+ days)
The $1 fee, announced in September 2025, must be paid electronically through the official State Department portal at dvprogram.state.gov. Applicants should avoid third-party websites claiming to process DV lottery entries.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Green Card Lottery Suspension
Can I Still Check My DV-2026 Selection Status?
Yes, DV-2026 selectees can continue checking their status at dvprogram.state.gov using their confirmation number. The status check remains available through September 30, 2026. However, actual visa processing and issuance are currently suspended.
Will the Green Card Lottery Be Permanently Canceled?
The administration has not announced permanent cancellation, but the program's future remains uncertain. The diversity visa lottery was established by Congress, meaning permanent elimination would likely require legislative action. Legal challenges to the suspension are anticipated.
What Happens If My Visa Isn't Issued by September 30, 2026?
Under current law, DV-2026 selectees who don't receive visas by September 30, 2026 will lose their selection status permanently. There are no extensions or rollovers permitted. The indefinite suspension increases the risk that many selectees won't complete processing before this deadline.
Are Applicants from Cuba or the UK Affected Differently?
The State Department previously identified issues with certain Cuban and UK entrants. Cuban natives are ineligible for DV-2026 because over 50,000 Cubans immigrated in the previous five-year period. UK applicants should recheck their status as some results were previously reported incorrectly.
What DV Lottery Applicants Need to Know Now
The green card lottery suspension creates unprecedented uncertainty for the 129,516 DV-2026 selectees and millions planning to apply for DV-2027. With no timeline for resumption and the September 30, 2026 deadline approaching, current selectees face significant risk of losing their opportunity.
If you're a DV lottery selectee, ensure all your documentation is complete and ready, including a compliant passport photo that meets strict visa application requirements. Monitor official government sources for updates, and consider consulting with an immigration attorney to understand your options during this suspension. The situation remains fluid, and prompt action when processing resumes will be essential.