As of August 28, 2026, the Diversity Visa (DV) program is back up and running. The U.S. Department of State (DOS) confirmed this. The move complies with a court order related to the ongoing lawsuit in Medani et al. v. Trump et al.
Background
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) initially suspended the DV program in December 2026. The move comes after the shooting at Brown University on that same month. According to the DHS, the perpetrator first entered the U.S. as a green card holder back in 2017.
The diversity visa lottery is a program that randomly allocates visas to individuals from countries with low rates of immigration to the U.S. According to the USCIS website, the DV program allocates up to fifty thousand visas each year. Previously, the government tried cancelling the DV1 program after a terrorist attack in 2017. Both perpetrators entered with a green card under the DV1 program. While not the only available path for earning a green card, the DV1 lottery is a major pathway for individuals from countries with low immigration.
What This Means for DV Applicants
Now that the government will be processing DV applications once more, it’s critical for DV-20 26 applicants to take action. Unless a visa is issued by September 30 of that given fiscal year, the visa number is permanently lost. That means we have until September 30, 20 26 to get this year’s visas processed. With the length of this suspension, we’re cutting it pretty close. There’s still no confirmation that the government will provide any leeway for applicants affected by the suspension.
For now, proceed as normal and don’t miss any deadlines. If you’re called in for an interview, be sure to attend. If they need additional information, give it as soon as possible.
As always, Immigration USA actively monitors ongoing U.S. immigration news. If you have questions about any U.S. immigration related issue, contact us. Working with an experienced attorney ensures you get the right advice based on the most recent laws. In an ever-evolving immigration policy landscape, we’re with you every step of the way.