Urgent Alert for Nepali DV Lottery Winners: Diversity Visa Program Suspended Indefinitely – Essential Guide for Green Card Hopefuls in Nepal

Hey there, fellow Nepali DV visa lottery winners and applicants! If you’re one of the thousands from Nepal chasing that dream of a U.S. Green Card through the Diversity Immigrant Visa (DV) program, I’ve got some heavy news to share. On December 18, 2025, the U.S. government dropped a bombshell: an immediate and indefinite pause on the Diversity Visa program, also known as the Green Card lottery. This DV lottery suspension is shaking things up big time for our Nepali community, and I’m here to break it down in simple terms. Whether you’re a DV-2026 selectee or eyeing the DV-2027 Lottery, stick around – this U.S. immigration update is tailored just for you.

As a blog dedicated to helping Nepali immigrants navigate the U.S. visa process, we’ll dive into why this happened, what it means for Nepali DV winners, and actionable steps to protect your Green Card dreams. Let’s get into it!

Why the Diversity Visa program Got Hit with This Indefinite Pause?

The DV program suspension stems directly from an order by President Donald Trump to Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem. They’re citing security threats as the main reason, linking it to a tragic incident: a deadly shooting at Brown University and the murder of a professor at MIT. The suspect, Claudio Manuel Neves Valente, a Portuguese national, allegedly entered the U.S. via the DV lottery back in 2017.

Secretary Noem called the program “disastrous,” claiming it allowed someone involved in these acts to slip into the country. Now, the U.S. government is hitting pause for a full security vetting review. For Nepali DV Applicants, this feels like a gut punch, especially since Nepal ranks high in Diversity Visa participation. We’ve seen thousands of Nepali Green Card winners processed yearly through the U.S. Embassy in Kathmandu – but that’s all on hold now.

What Does This DV Lottery Pause Mean for Nepali selectees and Applicants?

If you’re part of the vibrant Nepali DV community, this U.S. immigration policy shift brings heaps of uncertainty. Nepal’s been a top player in the Green Card lottery, with the U.S. Embassy Kathmandu handling massive caseloads. Here’s how it hits home for Nepali DV visa winners:

• DV-2026 Selectees (With Interviews in Process): If you’ve been selected for DV-2026 and your interview at the U.S. Embassy in Kathmandu is pending – or you haven’t gotten your diversity visa yet – brace for indefinite delays. Your case could be frozen until further notice.
• Adjustment of Status (AOS) for Those in the U.S.: Nepali selectees already stateside on student or work visas? USCIS is “immediately suspending its role,” which probably means your Form I-485 applications are halted. This is a huge blow for Nepali immigrants adjusting status via the DV program.
• Embassies and Scheduled Interviews: The Department of State hasn’t fully clarified yet, but DV interviews worldwide, including in Kathmandu, might be canceled or visas withheld. Keep an eye on official channels for U.S. visa updates.
• If You Already Hold a Diversity Visa Sticker: Lucky you! Nepali winners with a valid DV visa in your passport should rush to enter the U.S. ASAP to activate your Lawful Permanent Resident status. Don’t wait – more restrictions could kick in.
• DV-2027 Lottery Prospects: Registration was already delayed, but this pause signals no new DV lottery entries anytime soon. For aspiring Nepali Green Card applicants, it’s a waiting game.

This Diversity Visa halt is creating ripples across the Nepali diaspora, from Kathmandu to communities abroad. Stay informed to safeguard your U.S. immigration journey.

Beware of visa agents and Scams Targeting Nepali DV Applicants

In Nepal, many folks turn to visa agents or consultants because not everyone has easy access to computers or the internet. But during this DV program uncertainty, scammers are lurking! U.S. consular reports warn that fraudsters might charge you to “fix” your DV case or offer “inside info” on bypassing the pause.

Remember: The U.S. government doesn’t use external consultants for the Diversity Visa program. Any email, call, or ad promising to speed up your Green Card lottery process for a fee is likely a scam. Protect yourself, Nepali DV winners – stick to official sources like the U.S. Embassy website to avoid falling victim.

The Legal Side of This U.S. Immigration Pause and What’s Next

The Diversity Visa program was born from the Immigration Act of 1990 and is baked into the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA). Legal pros say the President can’t just kill it permanently without Congress passing a new law. This executive action is already sparking lawsuits – expect challenges in federal courts soon.

History shows similar DV suspensions have been overturned or tweaked by judges, forcing the government to resume processing for lottery winners. For Nepali DV selectees, this means hope isn’t lost; the program’s legal foundation remains strong.

Top Recommended Actions for Nepali DV Lottery Winners Right Now

Don’t panic, but act smart! Here’s your checklist to navigate this Diversity Visa crisis:

1. Monitor the U.S. Embassy Kathmandu Website: Check daily for local guidance on appointments and DV interview updates.
2. Organize Your Records: Gather your DV confirmation number, medical results, and police certificates. Be ready if courts order a program restart.
3. Seek Legal Advice: If you’re in the U.S. or have a tricky case, chat with a qualified immigration lawyer about your rights as a Nepali DV applicant.
4. Wait for Official Updates: Avoid risky travel if your application is pending without a valid entry doc. Patience is key in this U.S. visa uncertainty.

Think of the DV program like a train derailed by an emergency brake. The tracks (the law) are still there, but it won’t budge until security reviews wrap up or a judge hits play. For Nepali Green Card hopefuls, stay vigilant and connected.

If you’re a Nepali DV winner affected by this, drop a comment below – let’s support each other through this immigration rollercoaster. For more U.S. visa tips and DV lottery news, subscribe to our blog. Hang in there, Nepal – brighter days ahead! 🇳🇵🇺🇸