What Is Going On With the DV Lottery? USCIS & DOS Pause DV Cases

Introduction

In a significant development affecting Diversity Visa (DV) Lottery applicants, both U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) and the U.S. Department of State (DOS) have issued immediate and coordinated guidance impacting DV-based immigration cases.

While the DV Program has not been canceled or terminated, DV visa issuance and DV Adjustment of Status (AOS) applications are now effectively paused, and all related cases are subject to enhanced security review.

USCIS Update: DV Adjustment of Status (AOS) Applications Placed on Hold

USCIS has issued a new memorandum, effective immediately, placing all pending Diversity Visa–based Adjustment of Status (AOS) applications on hold.

What This Means:

• ❌ DV AOS cases are not denied
  

• ❌ The DV Program is not canceled
  

• ⏸️ Processing is paused pending enhanced review
  

• ⏳ Significant delays are expected

• DV applications can still be filled
  
  

Applications Affected by the Hold

The pause applies to:

• Form I-485 (Adjustment of Status)
  
  
• Form I-765 (Employment Authorization Document – EAD)
  
  
• Form I-131 (Advance Parole / Travel Document)
  
  
• Related waiver applications
  
  

All cases will undergo heightened scrutiny before any decision is made.

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DOS Update: Diversity Visa Issuance Paused Worldwide

Last Updated: December 23, 2025

Separately, DOS has confirmed that all Diversity Visa issuances are paused worldwide, effective immediately.

Key Points:

• DV applicants may submit applications
  
  
• DV applicants may attend scheduled interviews
  
  
• Consulates will continue scheduling appointments
  
  
• ❌ No Diversity Visas will be issued or printed
  
  
• ❌ No exceptions apply
  
  

Existing interview appointments are generally not being canceled or rescheduled.

Why Are DV Cases Being Paused?

According to DOS, this action is being taken to ensure that the visa process meets the highest standards of U.S. national security and public safety.

The pause follows serious concerns raised after a shooting at Brown University and the killing of an MIT professor, which authorities believe may have involved an individual admitted to the United States through the DV program.

This has prompted a comprehensive review of DV screening and vetting protocols to identify and address any vulnerabilities.

What Will USCIS Review During This Period?

USCIS has confirmed that DV AOS cases will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis, with no automatic outcomes.

Review Areas Include:

• National security concerns
  
  
• Criminal history
  
  
• Inadmissibility and deportability issues
  
  
• Identity verification
  
  
• Eligibility confirmation
  
  

Additional Notes:

• Mandatory interviews are required for all DV AOS cases
  
  
• Additional interviews may be scheduled if needed
  
  
• ❌ No automatic approvals
  
  
• ❌ No automatic denials
  
  

Will This Affect DV Fiscal-Year Limits?

Yes — potentially.

DV fiscal-year quotas and eligibility timelines remain in effect, meaning:

• Delays could push cases past statutory deadlines
  
  
• Some applicants may be unable to receive final approval in time, despite eligibility
  

This creates real timing risk for DV applicants currently in the U.S. pursuing Adjustment of Status.

Are Current Visas Being Revoked?

❗ Important Clarification:

• No Diversity Visas have been revoked
  
  
• No other visa types have been revoked
  
  
• The guidance does not impact currently valid visas
  

Questions related to admission to the United States fall under the authority of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS).

Kulen Law Firm Analysis

This coordinated USCIS–DOS action represents one of the most significant DV Lottery disruptions in recent years.

For DV applicants, especially those:

• Inside the U.S. filing Adjustment of Status
  
  
• Relying on EAD or Advance Parole
  
  
• Approaching DV fiscal-year deadlines
  

strategic legal guidance is now critical.

Applicants should also evaluate alternative immigration pathways where appropriate.