Archive · 10 Jan 2026
US Pauses Diversity Visa Issuances
The US government has stopped giving out diversity visas, which are like a lottery for people from certain countries to move to the US.
They did this because they are worried about safety after some bad events.
They are checking their rules to make sure everyone is safe.
People can still go to their visa interviews, but no visas will be given out until the checks are done.
This might make some people worried because they have to meet deadlines to get these visas.
The government didn't say when they will start giving out visas again.
US pauses diversity visa issuances due to security concerns.
Review focuses on screening and vetting procedures.
Applicants can still submit applications and attend interviews.
No visas will be issued until the review is complete.
No timeline provided for resuming visa issuances.
- Who
- US State Department
- What
- Paused diversity visa issuances
- When
- Immediate, no timeline for resumption
- Where
- Worldwide
- Why
- Security concerns after recent incidents
- Program Affected
- Diversity Visa (DV) lottery program
- Reason for Pause
- National security and public safety concerns
- Review Focus
- Screening and vetting procedures
- Impact on Applicants
- No visas issued, but interviews continue
- Annual Visa Allocation
- Up to 55,000 visas
- Applicant Instructions
- Contact DHS for entry questions