USCIS Holds Diversity Visa Adjustment of Status Applications Filed Within the United States
On December 5, 2025, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) issued new instructions to its officers regarding Diversity Immigrant Visa (DV) applicants seeking to adjust their status within the United States. As USCIS holds Diversity Visa application reviews, these instructions direct USCIS staff to pause and conduct further review. This applies to all pending Adjustment of Status (AOS) applications filed by individuals selected in the State Department’s Diversity Visa Lottery. As a result, this internal procedural update could lead to delays in processing. These delays specifically affect adjustment applicants in the DV category residing in the United States. However, the new approach does not apply to diversity visa selectees who are completing their application process at U.S. consular posts abroad.
Background on Why USCIS Holds Diversity Visa Adjustment of Status Applications
The Diversity Immigrant Visa Program provides an opportunity for individuals from countries with historically low rates of immigration to the United States. This opportunity is provided through an annual lottery selection. Selected individuals may generally pursue lawful permanent resident status in one of two ways. They can apply for an immigrant visa at a U.S. consulate abroad or, if eligible, file Form I-485 to adjust status while residing in the United States. The adjustment of status process allows DV selectees lawfully present in the U.S. to finalize their green card applications without leaving the country.
USCIS’s new guidance specifically targets this latter group—those adjusting status domestically. Under normal circumstances, adjustment applications are processed according to system-wide procedures and timelines. With this new hold in place, adjudication of pending DV-based AOS applications will be paused. Meanwhile, USCIS undertakes an internal review.
Key Implications for Diversity Visa Applicants and Stakeholders
The implementation of the hold may cause increased uncertainty for those seeking to adjust their status through the Diversity Visa program from within the United States. Potential delays may occur during this adjustment process. Therefore, applicants should be aware that processing timelines could extend beyond typical durations. It is particularly important for pending applicants to monitor their cases. They should ensure all supporting documentation remains valid and be responsive to any correspondence from USCIS. This includes possible Requests for Evidence (RFEs) as further internal review is conducted.
This development is limited in scope. Importantly, it does not impact applicants who are pursuing their immigrant visas under the Diversity Visa program via U.S. consular processing abroad. Instead, this update is confined to those whose cases fall under the jurisdiction of USCIS. This is due to their location within the United States.
Impacted Groups and Critical Considerations
Impacted Groups
- DV Selectees Adjusting Status in the United States:
Individuals selected in the Diversity Visa Lottery who have filed, or plan to file, Form I-485 (Adjustment of Status) with USCIS are directly affected. Pending cases are subject to a processing pause while USCIS conducts additional internal review. - Employers and Sponsors (Indirect Impact):
Employers relying on anticipated employment authorization or permanent residence outcomes for DV-based AOS applicants may experience workforce planning uncertainty. This is due to extended adjudication timelines. - Derivative Beneficiaries:
Spouses and children included as derivatives on DV-based AOS applications may also face delays. These are tied to the principal applicant’s case.
Critical Considerations
- Risk of Fiscal Year Constraints:
Diversity Visa benefits are statutorily limited to the fiscal year for which selection occurs. Any prolonged pause increases the risk that cases may not be adjudicated before the fiscal year deadline. This could potentially affect visa availability. - Maintenance of Lawful Status:
Applicants should ensure continuous lawful presence and valid ancillary benefits, such as Employment Authorization Documents and Advance Parole, while their AOS applications remain on hold. - Document Validity and Readiness:
Medical examinations, financial documentation, and other time-sensitive evidence may need renewal if adjudication is delayed. Applicants should be prepared for possible Requests for Evidence (RFEs). - Strategic Case Monitoring:
Close monitoring of USCIS communications and case status updates is essential. Prompt responses to any agency inquiries will be critical once adjudications resume. - Consular Processing Distinction:
DV selectees processing immigrant visas abroad are not affected by this hold. This underscores a growing procedural divergence between domestic adjustment and consular pathways.
This development introduces operational uncertainty for DV-based adjustment applicants. It warrants careful planning and proactive case management until further guidance is issued by USCIS.
