State Department Resumes Diversity Visa Issuance Following Court Order

• The U.S. Department of State has resumed Diversity Visa (DV) issuance after a federal court order ended the pause that had been in effect since December 2025.  

U.S. Resumes Diversity Visa Issuance 

The U.S. Department of State (DOS) announced that Diversity Visa (DV) issuance has resumed following a federal court order in Medani et al. v. Trump et al. that ended the temporary suspension of visa issuance.  

The pause, which began in December 2025, had prevented DOS from issuing diversity immigrant visas while the agency reviewed screening and vetting procedures.  

What Applicants Should Know 

• Diversity Visa issuance has resumed effective August 28, 2026.  
• Applicants may continue to submit applications and attend visa interviews.  
• Existing Diversity Visa appointments generally remain valid.  
• The change applies to Diversity Visa applicants affected by the December 2025 suspension.  

Background 

DOS implemented the temporary pause in December 2025 while reviewing security screening and vetting processes within the Diversity Visa program. During that period, applicants could proceed with interview scheduling and processing, but visas were not issued.  

With the court-ordered change now in effect, DOS has confirmed that Diversity Visa issuance may proceed. 

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