The U.S. Diversity Immigrant Visa Program, commonly known as the Green Card Lottery, is a congressionally created immigration program that makes a limited number of green cards available each year through a randomized selection process. Its purpose is to promote diversity in U.S. immigration by offering access to individuals from countries that have historically had low levels of immigration to the United States.

Selection through the lottery does not guarantee a green card. It simply allows a selected applicant to apply, after which all legal requirements still apply, including education or work thresholds, background checks, medical exams, and full admissibility under U.S. immigration law.

What Is Happening Now?

Under normal circumstances, the Green Card Lottery registration opens in October of a given year. Each lottery is named for the fiscal year in which the green cards may actually be issued. For example, the Diversity Visa 2027 lottery refers to green cards issued during the U.S. government’s 2027 fiscal year, which runs from October 1, 2026 through September 30, 2027.

For the Diversity Visa 2027 lottery, registration would normally have opened in October 2025, but that did not happen. The lottery did not open, with no opening window announced. I

In addition, USCIS just placed an immediate hold on all adjustment of status, ancillary benefits, and associated waiver applications for applicants under the DV 2026 program and directed a comprehensive review of program policies and procedures.

What This Means for Applicants

The Diversity Visa program remains part of U.S. immigration law and has not been eliminated. However, prospective applicants are currently in a waiting period with no confirmed timeline. Applicants currently in process from the previous lottery will be in limbo until the review is concluded.

Bottom Line

The Green Card Lottery still exists, but its next registration cycle is delayed while procedural changes are being implemented. Applicants should stay alert, avoid scams, and be ready to act once official registration opens.