The Diversity Visa (DV) program, popularly known as the US Green Card lottery, for fiscal year 2027 has been suspended, causing significant uncertainty for hopeful applicants worldwide. A federal appeals court recently issued an emergency stay, halting a lower court's order that would have compelled the US State Department to reopen registrations.
This legal intervention means the department is not currently required to resume registrations while the dispute continues. The Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals clarified that its decision does not endorse the government's suspension but found insufficient legal grounds to force reopening the program at this stage.
Why is the 2027 Green Card Lottery Suspended?
The US State Department initially announced in November 2025 that changes were planned for the fiscal year 2027 Diversity Visa program. Subsequently, the registration process was suspended in December 2025, leaving applicants without a confirmed schedule for the lottery.
In August 2026, a lawsuit was filed by Red Eagle Law, challenging the government's decision to suspend the program. On October 14, 2026, a federal district court in California ruled in favor of the plaintiffs, directing the State Department to announce the registration schedule by October 29 and open applications by November 1, with selected applicants to be notified by December 3.
However, the government contested this order, leading to the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals issuing an emergency stay on October 29, 2026. This temporary blockage means the earlier deadlines are no longer in effect, and the registration process remains on hold as the legal battle continues.
What is the Diversity Visa Program?
The Diversity Visa program offers individuals from countries with historically low rates of immigration to the United States an opportunity to apply for permanent residency. It provides up to 55,000 immigrant visas annually through a random selection process.
It is important to note that selection in the lottery does not guarantee a Green Card. Applicants must still meet rigorous eligibility requirements, submit extensive documentation, undergo thorough background checks, and complete a mandatory visa interview to finalize their application.
Are Indian Applicants Eligible?
India has historically been excluded from the Diversity Visa program due to its high levels of immigration to the United States. Eligibility for the program is typically determined by an applicant's country of birth, rather than their current citizenship or residence.
Despite this general exclusion, there are specific circumstances under which Indian applicants may qualify. This includes situations where an applicant's spouse was born in an eligible country, or, in certain rare cases, based on a parent's country of birth, provided these situations comply with strict program rules.