US resumes diversity visa lottery; Indian applicants must act by September

The US State Department has reinstated visa issuance procedures for the 2026 diversity visa programme following a temporary suspension. The lottery system, which provides permanent residency opportunities to individuals from countries with low immigration rates to the United States, is now processing applications from successful candidates.

Indian nationals who have been selected in the lottery draw face a critical deadline of September 30, 2025, to proceed with their visa applications. Winners must complete necessary documentation, medical examinations, and security clearances within this timeframe to maintain their eligibility for the programme.

The diversity visa lottery allocates approximately 50,000 Green Cards annually through a random selection process open to citizens of eligible countries. The programme aims to diversify the immigrant population in the United States by prioritizing applicants from regions with historically lower immigration rates.

Candidates are advised to monitor their application status through the official State Department website and respond promptly to any requests for additional information. Missing the September 30 deadline may result in forfeiture of visa eligibility, as no extensions are typically granted for the programme.

Indian applicants selected in previous lottery rounds who have not yet initiated their visa processing are urged to begin the application process immediately to meet the deadline requirements.