DV Lottery on Pause: What This Means for DV-2027 Applicants and Beyond

The Diversity Visa (DV) Lottery, also known as the Green Card Lottery, is a program that offers a chance for individuals from countries with low immigration rates to the United States to obtain a green card. However, recent developments have brought uncertainty to the program, leaving many applicants anxious and confused. This article aims to provide clarity and guidance on the current pause in the DV Lottery program, particularly for DV-2027 applicants and those interested in future lotteries. For detailed information about eligibility, visit our page on DV Lottery eligibility.

The Reasons Behind the Program’s Suspension

The DV Lottery program has faced suspensions and pauses in the past, often due to security concerns or policy changes. Most recently, on December 18, 2025, the U.S. government announced a plan to pause the Diversity Visa (DV) lottery program.

The decision followed a shooting at Brown University where the suspect was a Portuguese national who had entered the U.S. through the Diversity Visa program. The suspension is indefinite, without a clear restart date. The registration period for DV-2027 had already been delayed before the December 2025 suspension.

Impact on DV-2027 Applicants

For those who have already applied for the DV-2027 lottery or were planning to do so, the pause has created significant uncertainty. Registration remains on hold with no confirmed start date. The announced pause suggests that no new DV lottery will happen for the foreseeable future. To understand the DV Lottery application process, refer to our guide: How to apply DV Lottery.

What If I Was Already Selected?

If you were selected in a recent lottery (e.g., DV-2026):

• Those preparing documentation or interviews may experience delays or suspension of processing, depending on how the pause is enforced.
• DV visa issuance and Adjustment of Status (AOS) applications are effectively paused, subject to enhanced security review.
• USCIS has placed all pending Diversity Visa-based Adjustment of Status (AOS) applications on hold. This affects Form I-485 (Adjustment of Status), Form I-765 (Employment Authorization Document – EAD), and Form I-131 (Advance Parole / Travel Document).
• Applicants may still submit applications and attend scheduled interviews, but consulates will not issue any Diversity Visas.
• Many cases face delays that could extend beyond the September 30, 2026 deadline, potentially causing applicants to lose their opportunity.
• DV-2026 winners may face extended “administrative processing” indefinitely until the suspension is resolved.
• Individuals already holding a green card through a prior DV lottery cycle remain unaffected by the suspension.

Guidance for Applicants During This Period of Uncertainty

Navigating the uncertainty surrounding the DV Lottery pause can be challenging. Here are some steps you can take to stay informed and protect your interests:

• Stay Informed: Keep a close eye on official announcements from the U.S. Department of State and other reputable sources.
• Seek Legal Advice: If you have already been selected for the DV Lottery or have a pending application, consider seeking legal advice from an immigration attorney.
• Explore Alternative Options: While waiting for updates on the DV Lottery, explore other potential pathways to immigration, such as family-based visas or employment-based visas. Consider educational opportunities that could lead to a student visa.

Understanding Your Options During the Pause:

Many applicants are unsure of what steps to take during this pause. Here’s a helpful video explaining the situation and potential options:

This video from demonstrates what the pause means for DV-2026 applicants, who is affected, and what steps to consider next.

The Financial and Emotional Toll

The DV Lottery pause has had a significant financial and emotional impact on applicants and their families.

Financial Impact:

• Loss of paid fees: Many applicants have already paid substantial non-refundable government fees for the DV lottery application, USCIS filing fees, medical examinations, document translations, and attorney fees. These costs can total well over a thousand dollars.
• Lost investments: Lottery winners may have made financial commitments based on the expectation of receiving a green card, such as career decisions.
• Travel arrangements: Some have spent savings on travel arrangements.

Emotional Impact:

• Increased uncertainty: Applicants face uncertainty regarding the timing and eligibility of their applications.
• Anxiety and stress: The pause has created anxiety for many hopeful immigrants who have been waiting for their chance at permanent residency in the United States.
• Reshaping life plans: Many lottery winners have structured their entire lives around this opportunity and may have made career decisions, family plans, or financial commitments based on the expectation that their green card was forthcoming. Some may have turned down other opportunities or made sacrifices in anticipation of permanent residency.
• Living in limbo: Some applicants have already resigned from jobs or removed children from school in anticipation of their move, leaving them stranded.
• Heartbreak of the ticking clock: The strict timeline of the Diversity Visa program adds to the emotional toll, as all visas for the fiscal year must be issued by September 30th. If the suspension continues, families face the permanent expiration of their selection.
• Frustration: The situation is frustrating for those who have already paid fees.

The pause affects people selected in the FY 2026 Diversity Visa lottery, applicants waiting for visa interviews or approvals, and families planning immigration based on lottery selection.

Potential Changes to the DV Lottery Program

In addition to the pause, there have been discussions about potential changes to the DV Lottery program, such as the proposed registration fee and passport requirement. Starting April 10, 2026, a valid, unexpired passport is required when applying. If a passport scan isn’t included, the entry won’t be accepted. Additionally, all entrants must pay a $1 registration fee when submitting their entry online. Don’t forget to check DV Lottery photo requirements before applying.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Is the DV Lottery program permanently canceled? A: The program is currently paused, but it has not been permanently canceled. Monitor official sources for updates.

Q: What happens to my application if I was already selected? A: Your application may be delayed or suspended. Seek legal advice and stay in contact with the U.S. Department of State.

Q: What are my options if the DV Lottery program is not reinstated? A: Explore alternative immigration options, such as family-based visas or employment-based visas.

Q: Where can I find the most up-to-date information on the DV Lottery program? A: The U.S. Department of State website is the official source of information on the DV Lottery program.

DV Lottery Guide is another trusted resource with tools available to support your application.