12/24/2025
What Could Happen If DV-2026 Visas Are Not Issued?
— Bashu Phulara, ESQ | phulara.com
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The Diversity Visa (DV) program provides an important opportunity for individuals from countries with historically low U.S. immigration rates to obtain permanent residency in the United States. For DV-2026, the U.S. Department of State has paused all diversity visa issuances effective immediately, citing the need to review screening and vetting protocols to ensure national security and public safety. While applicants may still attend scheduled interviews and submit their applications, no DV-2026 visas will be issued until the Department completes its review. There are no exceptions to this guidance, though existing valid visas remain unaffected.
In parallel, USCIS has implemented Policy Memorandum PM-602-0193, placing a hold on all pending Adjustment of Status (AOS) applications filed by DV applicants, including Form I-485 and related ancillary benefits such as Forms I-765, I-131, and associated waiver applications. Each case will undergo a comprehensive review, which may include re-interviews to verify eligibility, confirm identity, assess national security and public safety risks, and evaluate any grounds of inadmissibility. Decisions will be made on a case-by-case basis, with all findings documented in accordance with established procedures.
Applicants should understand that DV visas must be issued within the fiscal year, which ends on September 30, 2026. If the pause continues past this date, some selected applicants may lose their eligibility, including spouses and children who derive status from the principal applicant. Although rare, discretionary extensions may be granted to allow issuance beyond the fiscal year, but these are not guaranteed.
To maximize their chances, DV-2026 applicants are encouraged to monitor official USCIS and Department of State updates, maintain all documentation, and be prepared for interviews or re-interviews as needed. This combined DOS and USCIS action represents a precautionary and security-focused measure, ensuring that only eligible and vetted applicants are granted diversity visas while protecting the integrity of the DV program.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice.
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