The Department of State paused all Diversity Visa issuances on 23 December 2025 while reviewing screening and vetting. Applicants may continue submitting documents and attending interviews, but the guidance publishes no exceptions to the issuance pause. Previously issued valid visas were not revoked. Programme-year deadlines still apply, making the pause especially consequential for time-limited cases.
Diversity Visa selectees seeking issuance or adjustment before their programme-year deadline.
Primary: Department of State — Diversity Visa issuance guidance ↗
Verified 2026-08-02 · methodology