The U.S. Department of State announced on December 23, 2025, that all Diversity Visa (DV) issuances are temporarily paused effective immediately. The decision affects applicants selected through the annual DV lottery, even if they have completed all required forms, submitted supporting documents, or attended their scheduled embassy interviews.
According to the Department of State, the pause is intended to strengthen screening and vetting procedures within the DV program. This follows concerns arising from the Brown University shooting and the killing of an MIT professor, which authorities believe may have involved an immigrant admitted to the United States through the DV program. The Department is conducting a review to address potential vulnerabilities in the program, ensuring applicants’ identities, eligibility, and any risks to national security or public safety are properly assessed.
Despite the pause:
- Visa interviews at U.S. embassies and consulates continue as scheduled.
- Applicants may still submit applications.
- Previously issued diversity visas remain valid and have not been revoked.
However, no diversity visas will be issued until the review is complete, and there are no exceptions to this guidance. The pause also affects adjustment-of-status cases for DV recipients already in the U.S., temporarily halting final approvals for green cards linked to the program. Legal experts warn that delays could cause some applicants to lose eligibility if fiscal year deadlines are missed.
Immigration attorney A.K. Poku of AK Poku Law has stated in an explainer published on social media that it is important to seek accurate information on the new directive from experts, stating that misinformation is circulating regarding the DV program.
She urged affected applicants to seek professional guidance to navigate the evolving process.
The Department of State confirmed that the pause aims to uphold the highest standards of national security and public safety, and it will resume diversity visa issuances only after the review is complete.
