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). No Diversity Visas are being issued, DV Adjustment of Status cases are on hold, and all DV cases are subject to enhanced security review.
Who Is Affected
This update affects DV Lottery selectees both inside and outside the United States and introduces significant timing and planning risks, especially for applicants approaching fiscal-year deadlines.
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, effective immediately. The pause applies broadly to all DV-related filings, including Form I-485 (Adjustment of Status), Form I-765 (Employment Authorization/EAD), Form I-131 (Advance Parole/Travel Document), and any related waiver or ancillary applications.
Critically: DV AOS cases are not denied. The DV Lottery program is not terminated. Case adjudication is paused. Applications may still be filed and remain pending. USCIS has confirmed that DV cases will not move forward until additional review steps are completed.
DOS Update: Diversity Visa Issuance Paused Worldwide
Last confirmed update: December 23, 2025. The U.S. Department of State confirmed that Diversity Visa issuance is paused globally. DV applicants may submit applications and attend scheduled interviews — U.S. consulates may continue scheduling interviews — but no Diversity Visas are being issued or printed, with no exceptions currently applying.
Why Are Diversity Visa Cases 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 criminal incidents allegedly involving individuals admitted through the DV program. The government is reassessing DV background-check procedures, reviewing identity-verification standards, and evaluating potential vulnerabilities in the DV selection and vetting process.
Will DV Fiscal-Year Deadlines Still Apply?
Yes — and this is one of the biggest risks. DV statutory rules remain unchanged, meaning fiscal-year limits still apply, unused DV numbers do not carry over, and cases must be approved before the fiscal-year deadline. Processing delays may push cases past the deadline, causing some eligible applicants to lose DV eligibility due to timing alone. This risk is especially high for DV AOS applicants inside the U.S. and late-year selectees.
Key Takeaway
Bottom Line for DV Applicants
The Diversity Visa Lottery program is still legally in place, but DV processing is effectively frozen due to enhanced security review. For DV applicants already in the U.S., waiting on work or travel authorization, or close to fiscal-year cutoffs, this pause introduces real timing and outcome risk.
Frequently Asked Questions
Has the DV Lottery been canceled?
No. The program is still legally in place. Visa issuance is paused, not canceled.
Will my DV AOS case be denied?
No. Cases are on hold, not denied. They remain pending.
Can I lose my DV eligibility during this pause?
Yes, if the pause extends past the fiscal-year deadline (September 30), unused DV numbers cannot carry over.
Can I still attend my interview?
Interviews may still be scheduled, but visas will not be issued at this time.