DV Lottery Suspended as US Administration Reviews Security Measures

Acting on the directions of US President Donald Trump, the dv lottery, formally known as the Diversity Visa (DV) Lottery, has been temporarily suspended. The United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has been instructed to pause the processing of applications under the scheme amid a broader review of security procedures and application rules.

What Is the DV Lottery?

The dv lottery, officially called the Diversity Visa Lottery, provides up to 55,000 immigrant visas each year. These visas are allocated through a random selection process to applicants from countries that have historically sent fewer immigrants to the United States. Even after being selected, applicants must meet education or work-experience requirements and clear security checks before receiving permanent residency.

How Many Apply and How Many Are Selected?

Global interest in the dv lottery remains extremely high. For the 2025 cycle, nearly 20 million applications were submitted worldwide. More than 131,000 individuals were selected, including principal applicants and their dependants, though final approval depends on completing multiple screening stages.

Key Points of the DV Lottery

The dv lottery issues up to 55,000 green cards annually.
Selection is conducted through a lottery system followed by strict vetting.
Applicants must meet minimum education or work-experience requirements.

Which Countries Benefit the Most?

The dv lottery mainly benefits applicants from Africa, along with parts of Europe, Asia and Oceania that have lower historical migration to the United States. In 2025, for example, Portugal received 38 slots under the programme. Indian nationals are not eligible, as India already sends a large number of immigrants through other US immigration pathways.

Proposed Changes for DV-2027

Last month, the administration indicated that it planned to revise the dv lottery entry process for the DV-2027 cycle. While no specific details were disclosed, the current suspension is seen as part of this broader review and reassessment of security safeguards.

Security Concerns Behind the Suspension

The suspension of the dv lottery was announced following references to recent violent incidents linked to Brown University and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. On December 13, 2025, a shooting at Brown University left two students dead and nine injured. Two days later, MIT physics professor Nuno Gomes Loureiro was shot and killed outside his Massachusetts home, prompting a multi-day manhunt that ended in New Hampshire.

What Happens Next?

The suspension of the dv lottery has been described as temporary, but no timeline has been provided for its resumption. Immigration experts say future steps will likely be announced only after enhanced security checks and procedural reforms are finalised. Until then, selection and processing under the programme remain frozen.

The temporary suspension of the dv lottery marks a significant pause in one of the United States’ long-standing immigration programmes. While the move is under review for security and procedural reforms, millions of applicants worldwide remain affected as the administration evaluates the future of the dv lottery.

Thought you’d like to know

What is the dv lottery?
The dv lottery is a US immigration programme that provides up to 55,000 green cards annually. It uses a random selection process to promote diversity among immigrants. Applicants must still meet education, work, and security requirements. Final approval is granted only after interviews and background checks.

Why has the dv lottery been suspended?
The dv lottery has been temporarily suspended following directions from President Donald Trump. The administration cited security-related concerns and ongoing reviews of application procedures. Officials said the pause allows time to reassess safeguards. No clear timeline for resumption has been announced.

Who benefits most from the dv lottery?
The dv lottery primarily benefits applicants from Africa and select countries in Europe, Asia and Oceania. These regions historically send fewer immigrants to the United States. Countries with high migration rates, such as India, are not eligible. Allocation varies each year based on eligibility rules.

How many people are selected through the dv lottery?
Although millions apply for the dv lottery, only a limited number are selected. In the 2025 cycle, over 131,000 individuals were chosen, including dependants. Final visa issuance depends on passing all screening stages. Not all selected applicants receive green cards.

Will the dv lottery return?
The suspension of the dv lottery is described as temporary. Authorities have said decisions will follow a review of security and procedural reforms. Until then, processing remains on hold. Applicants are awaiting further official announcements.