There seems to be no preparation this year for the Electronic Diversity Visa (DV) program, which usually opens applications in the first week of October annually. Some US lawmakers have even introduced a bill in Parliament to abolish the DV lottery.
What you should know
Last year, at this time, the social media accounts of the US Embassy in Nepal were posting about applications being open, not applying from fake or fake websites, and extending the application deadline. This time, with no news about the DV program even as November approaches, suspicions have grown that the program is about to be closed.
Just a few days ago, the US State Department had posted a notice on its website stating that it was looking to make some changes to the application process. In the notice published on November 5, the ministry stated that it was looking to make some changes to the DV entry process, but did not specify what changes.
The ministry has stated that it will open applications for the 2027 DV program as soon as possible. In addition, the website says that the date when the ‘Entry Status Check’ feature will be available will be announced gradually.
The notice states that the changes to be implemented by the ministry regarding the DV program will not affect the visa application period of those selected for 2027. US embassies, consulates and other stakeholders in various countries where the DV program is available, including Nepal, are currently awaiting further information and guidance from the State Department.
The delay in opening entry applications has raised concerns in the context of some US lawmakers even submitting a bill in parliament to abolish the DV lottery. In February, Republican lawmaker Mike Collins introduced a bill to repeal the DV lottery in the US House of Representatives.
President Donald Trump has been changing various immigration rules since he took office for the second time. Earlier, in June, the US announced the termination of the Temporary Protected Status (TPS) facility provided to citizens of countries including Nepal, Afghanistan, Cameroon, Haiti, Honduras, Nicaragua, and Syria. This facility has been terminated for Nepalese since November 21.
The US Department of State, Homeland Security, and the US Citizenship and Immigration Services have made various changes. Provisions including the H1-B visa have been changed. The US Embassy in Nepal did not provide any information when tried to comment on this matter.
The United States annually grants US visas to around 3,000 to 8,000 Nepalis through the DV program.
