The United States Restarts Green Card Lottery Visa Issuance: Why September 30 Is Important!
Following a court injunction, the United States began diversity visa issuance on August 28, 2026. Here's who benefits, what Indian passport holders need to know, and why time is running out.
The United States State Department has started issuing Diversity Visas following a court decision lifting the temporary restriction. The relaunch took effect on August 28, 2026, however applicants must meet a tight deadline.
The halt was implemented in December 2025 as the government examined screening and vetting procedures for the Diversity Visa program. The restoration follows a federal court order in Medani et al. v. Trump et al., which was filed in California in June 2026.
Following the new policy:
DV interviews may still be planned.
Applicants should still go to their interviews.
Existing appointments are generally not canceled.
However, no Diversity Visas will be awarded at this time. The Department of State has made no exceptions.
What is a Diversity Visa?
The Diversity Immigrant Visa Program, often known as the U.S. Green Card Lottery, provides immigrant visas to people from countries with historically low levels of immigration to the United States.
A random computerized lottery is used to choose applicants. Selection, however, does not guaranty a visa. Winners are still required to complete the application, background checks, interviews, and other eligibility conditions.Who Benefits from the Resumption?
The amendment particularly benefits persons who were previously selected for a Diversity Visa and whose applications were impacted by the suspension.
There is one key catch for Indian passport holders: India has historically been disqualified for the Diversity Visa lottery due to its high volume of immigration to the United States. As a result, most Indian candidates will not be able to pursue a new Green Card under this news.
The advantage is primarily intended for DV selectees from qualified countries who are still within the appropriate fiscal year visa allocation and can finish processing on time.
Why the September Deadline Matters
There is little time for a delay. Diversity visas must be issued by September 30th of the applicable fiscal year in the United States. Any unused visa numbers will expire after that deadline and cannot be carried forward.
For affected applicants, the State Department's restart amounts to more than just an administrative update. Interviews, paperwork processing, security checks, and final visa issue all need to be completed fast.
For Indians interested in U.S. immigration choices, this serves as a reminder of a recurring trend in U.S. visa policy: court judgments can reopen a road, but they do not automatically qualify an application or guaranty an appointment.
What DV Applicants Must Do
Check their Diversity Visa case status and official messages.
Complete any pending forms or document submissions right away.
Follow the guidelines provided by the relevant US embassy or consulate.
Keep track of the interview and visa processing timeframes.
Do not assume that just because you were chosen, you will automatically receive a visa.
Travunited Take:
We consider this as a helpful respite for affected DV selectees, however Indian travelers should not confuse the restart with new eligibility. For qualified applicants, timeliness is increasingly critical.
