What Is Happening With the Diversity Visa (DV) Lottery? 2026 Update

The U.S. Diversity Visa (DV) Lottery program has not been canceled, but DV-based immigration processing is currently paused following coordinated actions by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) and the U.S. Department of State (DOS). This is one of the most significant disruptions to the DV program in recent history.

USCIS Update: DV Adjustment of Status Applications Paused

USCIS has issued internal guidance placing all Diversity Visa–based Adjustment of Status (AOS) applications on hold. This means:

• DV AOS cases are not denied — they remain pending
• The DV Lottery program is not terminated
• Case adjudication is paused pending additional review
• Extended delays are expected for all DV AOS filers
• Applications may still be filed and will remain pending

The pause applies broadly to all DV-related filings, including Form I-485 (Adjustment of Status), Form I-765 (Employment Authorization), Form I-131 (Advance Parole), and any related waiver or ancillary applications.

DOS Update: Diversity Visa Issuance Paused Worldwide

Separately from USCIS, the U.S. Department of State confirmed — as of December 23, 2025 — that Diversity Visa issuance is paused globally. Key points:

• DV applicants may still submit applications and attend scheduled interviews
• U.S. consulates may continue scheduling interviews
• However, no Diversity Visas are being issued or printed — with no current exceptions

Most existing interview appointments are not being canceled, even though visas will not be issued at the conclusion of those interviews at this time.

Why DV Cases Are Being Paused

According to official statements, the pause is tied to a comprehensive review of DV screening and vetting procedures. U.S. authorities cited national security and public safety concerns following high-profile incidents allegedly involving individuals admitted through the DV program. As a result, the U.S. government is reassessing DV background-check procedures, identity-verification standards, and potential vulnerabilities in the DV selection and vetting process.

What USCIS Will Review During the Pause

USCIS has confirmed that DV AOS cases will be reviewed individually with no automatic outcomes. Review areas include national security screening, criminal history checks, immigration inadmissibility grounds, identity and document verification, and DV eligibility confirmation. All interviews remain mandatory, and additional interviews may be scheduled.

Will DV Fiscal-Year Deadlines Still Apply?

Yes — and this is one of the biggest risks for DV selectees. DV statutory rules remain unchanged:

• Fiscal-year limits still apply
• Unused DV numbers do not carry over
• Cases must be approved before the fiscal-year deadline

Processing delays may push cases past the deadline. Some eligible applicants may lose DV eligibility due to timing alone. This risk is especially high for DV AOS applicants inside the U.S. and late-year selectees.

Are Existing Visas Being Revoked?

No Diversity Visas have been revoked. No other visa categories are affected by this specific pause. Currently valid visas remain valid. Lawful admissions already granted are not being reversed. Questions about entry, inspection, or admission fall under the authority of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS).

What DV Applicants Should Do Now

• Monitor official USCIS and DOS updates closely
• Keep all filings accurate, complete, and current
• Avoid unnecessary international travel if relying on DV AOS
• Track fiscal-year deadlines closely — they remain legally binding
• Evaluate alternative immigration pathways where eligible