The United States has resumed issuing diversity visas following a court order in an ongoing immigration case. The move restores an important immigration pathway for applicants affected by the earlier suspension.
According to a confirmation dated August 28, 2026, the US State Department has restarted diversity visa issuance.
The decision follows the ongoing case Medani et al. v. Trump et al.
The State Department had temporarily stopped issuing diversity visas at US embassies and consulates in December 2025.
The suspension came as the agency reviewed its screening and vetting procedures. However, that suspension has now ended following the court order.
Diversity Visa Issuance Resumes After Suspension
The resumption allows the US to restart processing for applicants affected by the previous halt. The diversity visa programme provides an immigration pathway for eligible applicants seeking to move to the United States.
However, applicants now face a limited timeframe because of the fiscal-year deadline. Officials have stressed the need for processing to move quickly.
Diversity immigrant visas must be issued by September 30 of the applicable fiscal year. Once that deadline passes, any unused visa number is lost.
Applicants Face Limited Time
The restart comes with little room for further delays. Although diversity visa issuance has resumed, applicants must complete the process within the remaining timeframe.
Therefore, the September 30 deadline remains particularly important for those affected by the suspension.
Any delay could further reduce the time available for visa processing before the fiscal year ends.
The State Department’s decision consequently provides relief while also creating urgency for affected applicants.
What the Resumption Means
The end of the suspension restores diversity visa issuance at US embassies and consulates. It also reopens a key immigration route for applicants whose processing was affected since December 2025.
However, the available timeline remains short because diversity immigrant visas must be issued within the applicable fiscal year.
The September 30 deadline means applicants and officials have limited time to complete the necessary processing.
As a result, the resumption marks an important change for diversity visa applicants. At the same time, the approaching deadline leaves little scope for additional delays.
For now, the US State Department has resumed diversity visa issuance following the court order in Medani et al. v. Trump et al.
The decision ends the suspension that began in December 2025 while the agency reviewed screening and vetting protocols.
Meanwhile, the September 30 deadline continues to determine how much time remains for affected applicants.
