Diversity visa applicants face renewed uncertainty at the end of the 2026 fiscal year.
New issuance pause for diversity visa
The Department of State announced on August 31, 2026 that, effective immediately, all diversity immigrant visa issuances are paused. DV applicants may still submit applications and attend interviews, and existing appointments generally will not be cancelled or rescheduled, but consular posts may not issue diversity visas while the pause remains in effect.
The Department states that there are no exceptions. It also confirms that the guidance does not itself revoke diversity visas that have already been issued.
Why timing is critical
DV eligibility is tied to the fiscal year. For DV-2026 selectees, eligibility generally ends on September 30. A selection notice does not reserve a visa beyond that date, and a visa normally cannot be issued later merely because the applicant completed an interview or submitted all requested documents before the deadline.
This creates an unusually serious timing problem. Continued scheduling does not mean that issuance will occur, and the remaining fiscal-year window is short.
Should diversity visa applicants still attend interviews?
Applicants should generally continue following the instructions issued by the Kentucky Consular Center, the relevant embassy or consulate, and the Department of State. Missing an interview or failing to provide requested documents can create an additional obstacle if the policy changes before the statutory deadline.
Applicants should ensure that passports, civil documents, police certificates, medical examinations and financial evidence are current. They should also respond promptly to any request under INA section 221(g).
What the pause does not mean
The pause does not cancel the DV program itself.
It does not
- automatically cancel existing interview appointments.
- create an exception to the September 30 fiscal-year deadline.
- guarantee later issuance to an applicant who completes all processing steps.
- by itself, revoke an already valid visa.
Advice on diversity visas from our attorneys
DV-2026 applicants face a conflict between continued case processing and a complete pause on visa issuance. Because the statutory deadline is approaching, affected applicants should keep their cases fully prepared, follow official instructions closely and obtain case-specific advice promptly. For questions regarding your case, please contact our U.S. Desk at WINHELLER.
Kari Foss-Persson
U.S. Attorney at Law (MN, USA) specialized in U.S. immigration and visa law
Over 10 years of experience in U.S. immigration law; Kari personally guides individuals and businesses through the entire visa process – in German and English.
