The US Department of State (DoS) has confirmed the conclusion of the 2025 Diversity Visa (DV) Program, which officially ended on September 30, 2025, marking the close of the fiscal year. Under US immigration law, DV selectees are only eligible to receive a visa during the fiscal year for which they were selected: October 1, 2024 through September 30, 2025.
What DV-2025 Selectees Should Know
- Visa Issuance Deadline: DV visas must be issued within the designated fiscal year. No extensions or exceptions are permitted.
- Selection Does Not Guarantee a Visa: Being selected in the DV lottery means the applicant may be eligible to apply, but it does not guarantee a visa interview or approval.
- Annual Visa Cap: The DV program is limited to 55,000 visas per year, adjusted under the Nicaraguan and Central American Relief Act (NACARA) and the National Defense Authorization Act for FY 2024.
- Oversubscription Strategy: More individuals are selected than visas available to account for applicants who may not qualify or choose not to proceed.
About the DV Program
The Diversity Visa Program provides a pathway to US permanent residency for individuals from countries with historically low immigration rates to the United States. Applicants must meet strict eligibility criteria, including education or work experience requirements.
Erickson Insights & Analysis
Erickson Immigration Group will continue monitoring developments and sharing updates as more news is available. Please contact your employer or EIG attorney if you have questions about anything we’re reporting above or if you have case-specific questions.
