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January 17, 2026 at 20:51
Hi Simon, I have a few questions regarding the potential redistribution of visas to Europe:
1. Does Africa need to become current for a period of time before the government realizes the quota won’t be met, or is it enough for them to simply reach a reasonably high case number to trigger redistribution?
2. Is there a specific deadline by which this redistribution must occur to ensure Europe receives the maximum number of visas possible?
3. While we don’t have CEAC data this year to be precise, what is your estimate for how many visas could be redistributed from Africa and Asia? Taking into account selectees affected by travel bans, average non-response rates in those regions, and other relevant factors.
January 18, 2026 at 20:17
1. I don’t know.
2. No
3. I don’t know.
I think you might be placing too much reliance on the redistribution. The government are not *required* to issue the visas. So – they could use redistribution but that will be for them to decide.
January 17, 2026 at 19:27
“Will the Diversity Visa Issuance Updated Guidance (Last Updated: December 23, 2025) and the Immigrant Visa Processing Updates for 75 Nationalities at High Risk of Public Benefits Usage (Last Updated: January 14, 2026) affect winners of the DV-2027 Diversity Visa Lottery or just DV 2026 ?
January 17, 2026 at 19:58
My expectation is that the pauses would be removed before dv2027 starts.
January 17, 2026 at 16:42
Hi Simon,
I have the following question, in previous years I entered DV lottery with a country that is currently paused (Bosnia and Herzegovina, I was born there). When the DV 2027 application starts again, can I change the country of eligibility (it is not on the list of paused countries and I have the citizenship of that country)?
Another question, when entering data for dv 2027 should we use letters such as Š, Đ, Ž or should we use instead S, D, Z?
Thanks in advance for your response.
January 18, 2026 at 20:37
DV lottery eligibility is based on country of birth – so that won’t have changed…
S, D, Z
January 17, 2026 at 15:29
Dear Simon,
I would like to suggest for you maybe to screen record the part of today’s stream (17 Jan) where you talk in details on US branches/ “civics” and post it as a separate video to your channel. I believe it would be incredibly useful and relieving for people (as much as it was for me) to find out that 75 country PAUSE is temporary. I also think that it would have a much grater outreach, peace of mind for people seeking information, and would lead to fewer people asking same question.
Feel free to delete this message after reading it
Sincerely,
“Joe” from Switzerland
January 17, 2026 at 16:49
Thanks Joe for the idea and support. Glad you found it useful – although it is a BIG subject…
January 17, 2026 at 12:54
Hello! On your live, you talked about how visas are reallocated to KCC and have to be requested back from embassies when people are put on 221g. You also mentioned that after the lifting of the pause, there will be a delay of 1-2 weeks before we see visas being issued again. My questions for you are:
1. Why only 1-2 weeks and not a month if KCC only allocates visas at the beginning of each month?
2. For high Case Numbers… wouldn’t this slow down the VB?
3. At what point (length of pause) does this become an issue for the EU23xxx-27xxx range? Ie, can embassies catch up and the VB still move enough for us to be current?
Thanks!
January 17, 2026 at 16:47
1. The original allocation is monthly, but the reallocation process is not on that same timeline.
2. We’ll see.
3. Interviews are taking place during the pause, so as long as that continues, no damage is being done.
January 17, 2026 at 12:45
Hello Simon, I am an Iranian-Canadian citizen. I attended my DV interview with my family in November 2025, but our case was placed under 221(g) administrative processing due to my military service from 28 years ago. Do you think there is still reason to hope that the DV pause will be lifted, considering that I need just visa issuance or should I consider joining one of the lawsuits? Thx
January 17, 2026 at 16:44
Personally I think it is too soon to join a lawsuit now. I would wait a little while and see if the pause is lifted. We should know more within 3 or 4 weeks.
January 17, 2026 at 10:30
Hi Simon, one more question please! What if I continue to go for an interview at Nairobi Embassy on February 19 since my Country South Sudan is on the ban list? I guess they may put my case on 221g. I am dv2026 selectee received 2nl for February interview.
January 17, 2026 at 12:40
You would be refused under 212f because of the travel ban.
January 17, 2026 at 03:34
Chronology of Events (with Stay and Appeal Scenarios)
March 14, 2026
The complaint is filed against the U.S. government in federal court.
Immediately after filing the complaint (mid-March 2026)
Plaintiffs file a Motion for Preliminary Injunction (PI).
Purpose: to temporarily compel the State Department to lift the DV visa pause while the case is litigated.
⏳ Pre-Decision Phase
March – July 2026 (approx. 2–4 months)
The government files its opposition.
Plaintiffs file replies.
The court reviews briefs and may hold a hearing.
This phase typically lasts up to about 4 months, though it can be faster or slower.
⚖️ Key Moment: Preliminary Injunction Decision
Around July 2026 (estimated)
The court issues a decision on the Motion for Preliminary Injunction.
From here, different scenarios may occur:
✅ Scenario 1: Preliminary Injunction Granted – No Stay
The court orders the State Department to lift the DV visa pause.
The order is immediately binding.
Practical effect:
The State Department must:
Resume DV processing
Schedule interviews
Issue visas
Even if the government appeals, the order remains in effect.
➡️ This is the most likely and most favorable scenario.
⚠️ Scenario 2: Government Requests a Stay
After losing the PI motion, the government may request a Stay of the court’s order.
Two possibilities:
A. Stay is denied (most likely)
The Preliminary Injunction remains in force.
The State Department must continue issuing visas.
B. Stay is granted (less likely)
Implementation of the order is temporarily paused.
The case proceeds to the appellate court.
In this context, courts are unlikely to grant a stay.
🔁 Scenario 3: Appeal
Late 2026
The government files an appeal to a higher court.
Duration of appeal:
Typically 1 to 3 years.
Effect on visa issuance:
An appeal alone does NOT stop implementation.
Only a granted Stay would stop visa issuance.
Without a stay:
DV visas continue to be issued during the appeal.
🗓️ Final Judgment
2027–2029 (approximate)
The court issues a final judgment after full litigation and any appeals.
Impact on issued visas:
Visas issued pursuant to a court order are generally not revoked later.
🧠 Summary
Filing the complaint does not trigger an immediate decision.
The Preliminary Injunction is the most important early ruling.
If granted without a stay:
The State Department must issue visas immediately.
Appeals can take years, but they usually do not stop implementation.
Most beneficiaries receive relief long before a final judgment.
January 17, 2026 at 01:09
Hello Mr. Simon,
I have my Diversity Visa interview scheduled for March 2026, and I would like to ask your advice regarding a U.S. address letter.
Do you think it is necessary to provide a proof-of-address letter (such as a signed statement or utility/lease document) for the interview?
If it is necessary, I am thinking the letter could include that I will stay temporarily at the address and that after receiving my documents I intend to actively seek lawful employment to support myself and become self-sufficient. Do you think these points are appropriate, or would you suggest anything else?
January 17, 2026 at 09:10
No. Proof of address is not needed. But they may ask you about your plans to find work etc.
January 18, 2026 at 22:08
Mr. Simon, since proof of address is not required, do you think it is important to clearly explain our plan to find work during the interview? If so, what level of detail would you recommend to make the explanation strong but appropriate?
January 18, 2026 at 22:50
Take whatever detail you think is needed, but be prepared to summarize it in 30 seconds. These interviews are not a date.
January 16, 2026 at 22:59
Hi Simon,
Is it possible to end the first dv pause while the second one affecting the 75 countries is still in place.
January 17, 2026 at 09:05
Yes
January 16, 2026 at 21:53
Hello Britsimon,
Thanks for all you do for people looking for a new chance in their life. I have a question and need your answer at your most convenient time.
My wise won DV 2026, AF34xxx and is current. She is citizien of Morocco and is in the list of last 75 countries. I am Turkey citizien and not on 75 country list. She is principle. She does not have dual citizen yet. and we have not received interview yet.
What is the bet for us to do.
January 16, 2026 at 22:30
If you can obtain a second citizenship for her, that would be a good precaution. Otherwise just wait for the pauses to end.
January 16, 2026 at 17:47
Hi Brit, since 75 countries were excluded from the DV program with no end date, will the Visa Bulletin advance faster and favor the case numbers of winners from countries not affected by the pause?
January 16, 2026 at 18:49
I don’t know.
January 16, 2026 at 17:33
I’ve seen rumors that the visa pauses could be used to cancel the DV program entirely and no visas would be issued. Is this a realistic scenario or just speculation?
January 16, 2026 at 18:49
Rumor = speculation.
January 16, 2026 at 16:52
Hi Simon
I wanted to ask: based on your experience, how long do you think the first and second visa pauses might last?
I know it’s only an estimate, but any idea would be helpful.
Thank you.
January 16, 2026 at 18:48
I believed the DV pause would be short – but with the second pause, I don’t know how things will play out. So – let’s wait and see.
January 16, 2026 at 14:29
Hi Brit Simon, Curtis said he was preparing a collective lawsuit, but it didn’t actually happen. Do you think he withdrew it, or are you not aware of this?
January 16, 2026 at 18:47
The prospectus is here:
https://redeaglelaw.com/group-lawsuit-dv2026
January 16, 2026 at 23:39
Hi Brit,
What would happen if I registered for the lawsuit and paid the $2,500, and then they lifted the pause before the lawsuit was submitted?
Will Curtis refund me?
January 17, 2026 at 09:06
Well that is a question for Curtis – I am not his boss!
January 17, 2026 at 00:34
Dear Simon,
If I become current in April and join the lawsuit in February:
1-If the lawsuit succeeds, will the
two DV pauses be lifted?
2-Could the court process go beyond
the DV deadline due to a
government appeal?
3-If the case fails, would I still need
to pay the remaining $2,000?
4-What would you do if you were in
my position?
Thank you and sorry for the many questions.
January 17, 2026 at 09:08
I don’t have a crystal ball, and I am not Curtis. I will interview Curtis at some point to talk about the lawsuit he plans to file.
January 16, 2026 at 11:08
Hi BritSimon, I have my 2nl from Nairobi Embassy received on 13/1/2026, and my interview date is 19/2/2026, but my Country South Sudan is on the travel ban list. What should I do now?
January 16, 2026 at 16:30
Unfortunately you will not be given a visa UNLESS you are exempted from the ban. Realistically, the only way of being exempted is having a second passport from a non banned country.
January 16, 2026 at 10:05
Hello Simon. My son has been studying in the USA for 4 years already on an F1 student visa. He is a citizen of Georgia (Europe) and won the 2026 Green Card lottery. His bulletin number is 8600. He plans to apply for a change of status (The Adjustment of Status) in February. Does he have a chance to get a green card? Does studying in the US for four years increase his chances of getting a green card? He’s also a successful university student. He was elected a member of The National Society of Leadership and Success for his excellent academic performance. He’s also worked in the audio and video department since he started his studies at the university. What is the situation in this case? Please answer.
January 16, 2026 at 16:29
He is already current and could have already filed the I-485. It is important to know the process and make sure he follows it closely. The best source of DV related AOS information is at the link below.
As you may know, DV is on pause at the moment, but he can still process his case during the pause – he just can’t be approved until the pause is removed. There is also another pause for consular processing cases, but as far as I know that has not been extended to AOS cases yet.
His performance etc has nothing to do with his chance of approval.
https://forums.immigration.com/threads/dv-2026-aos-adjustment-of-status-process-only.352867/
January 16, 2026 at 09:17
If a person has dual citizenship (German and Albanian) and was selected for the DV Lottery using Albania (their DS-260 lists both passports, with the Albanian passport entered first), can they avoid the January visa-issuance pause/restriction by switching to or relying on their German citizenship( assuming the general dv visa issuance resumes again soon)? If yes, what exact steps are required (DS-260 update, interview/document changes), and does the country of chargeability/entry remain Albania or can it be treated as Germany?
January 16, 2026 at 16:24
Yes they would be exempt from the new pause (assuming the DV pause is lifted).
The chargeability remains the same.
January 17, 2026 at 02:10
What if the dependends dont have a german passport , only the main applicant does. Can they be exempt also?
January 17, 2026 at 09:12
My understanding is that they will also be exempted.
January 16, 2026 at 08:59
Hi Brit, I’m having trouble accessing Entrant Status Check from Albania—it doesn’t seem to work.
January 16, 2026 at 10:14
Everything is fine now, it was just temporary.
January 16, 2026 at 16:23
It was broken, but should be working now.
January 16, 2026 at 07:44
Hello again Mr. Simon,
Related also to my previous message, we have our DV visas stamped in our passports, along with the sealed immigration packets issued by the embassy for each family member and the X-rays.
1. Do you recommend that we also carry the civil documents we previously submitted to the embassy (such as birth certificates, marriage certificate, proof of financial means etc.) in case CBP officers request them at the Port of Entry or it is not really necessary?
2. We intend to settle in the New York area; however, we are considering entering the U.S. through Atlanta as our Port of Entry, stay there for a few days and then to come back to our country to arrange some loose things. We will come back again to U.S before 6 months. Would this present any issues? Can we frankly say this to the CBP’s officials in case they ask about our plans?
Thank you
January 16, 2026 at 08:15
1. No need. It is not an interview.
2. No problem.
January 16, 2026 at 07:38
Subject: Impact of Current “Pause” on Green Card Issuance and Delivery (DV2026)
Hello Mr. Simon,
I hope this message finds you well.
We are a family of four (Spain) and will be traveling to the United States in next week to activate our permanent resident status under the DV2026 program.
Following the guidance provided by the embassy, we have already paid the USCIS immigrant fee for a total of 230$ each (Green Card fee) prior to our travel.
According to USCIS information, the physical Green Cards are typically issued and delivered within 120 days of entry into the United States.
Given the current pause, I would appreciate your opinion on whether this situation may delay the production and delivery of Green Cards for diversity visas obtained through consular processing, or whether the pause affects ONLY the issuance of visas themselves.
Thank you
January 16, 2026 at 08:14
There might be a delay on GC delivery – but that doesn’t matter at all, so no need to worry about it. YOur visas will be endorsed upon entry and show your status.
January 16, 2026 at 06:53
Regarding the current pause on Diversity Visa issuance, is there a maximum duration for this pause, or any estimated timeframe for when the Department of State plans to lift or remove it?
30 days
60 days
90 days
180 days
1 year
Thank you very much for your time
January 16, 2026 at 08:13
No there is no timeframe commitment.
January 16, 2026 at 06:46
Hi Britsimon,
I live in Japan with my family. Our interview is in February 2026, I have a host in the US but do not have a sponsor, however I have about 40,000$ in my account for a family of 6.
Do I need the form I-134?
January 16, 2026 at 08:12
Probably not – but every CO can see things differently.
January 16, 2026 at 06:32
Now that we already have two pauses, when our case number becomes current, will we receive the 2NL email — meaning an interview date — or not?
January 16, 2026 at 08:11
Interviews are still being scheduled.
January 16, 2026 at 05:26
Hello Simon
I have a question on why the US State department is not releasing the following statistics regretted Diversity Visa Lottery for the years 2022 to 2024, specifically
Diversity Visa Program Statistics
Number of Online Entries Received During Each Registration Period for years 2022 to 2024
Please see link below on the State Department website
https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/us-visas/immigrate/diversity-visa-program-entry/diversity-visa-program-statistics.html
January 16, 2026 at 08:11
I don’t know.
January 15, 2026 at 19:25
There is something important that will be in our favor. These days, the European Union voted unanimously to impose a tax on American companies such as Google, Facebook, etc. Trump did not like this and threatened to impose 25% tariffs, but the European Union told Trump that the decision was voted on unanimously and will not be reversed.
Trump, like a small child, felt angry and gave orders to ban a French politician from entering the United States. His name is Thierry Breton European Commissioner for the Internal Market
(He was a member of the European Commission, responsible for the EU internal market, including industry, digital policy, defense, and space.) . To this day, there is still tension and back-and-forth between the European Union and Trump, and the EU is determined to impose taxes on GAFA.
I am certain that Trump, like a small child, will give orders to the State Department to add European Union countries to the list and ban them from entering U.S. territory and from obtaining immigration visas. This will be in our favor, because the American media and the Democrats will notice this, and lawsuits will begin massively in the courts. Trump is stupid, and I encourage him to continue being stupid.
January 15, 2026 at 22:44
Interesting perspective. Not convinced of the outcome you suggest.
January 15, 2026 at 16:41
Do you think these two DV-2026 pauses could last longer than six months?
January 15, 2026 at 16:44
In my opinion, no.
January 15, 2026 at 15:50
Hi Brit, we got selected for bulletin of February. Can we start with the process (document, interview)? Is it paused as well? Other question, we are ok. USA already, do we need to fill out form 260 o can we apply for adjustment status?
January 15, 2026 at 16:32
Processing continues during the pause so you can file, you can interview and so on.
If you are doing AOS – best use the link below and use the guides that Sm1smom has linked from the first message in that thread.
https://forums.immigration.com/threads/dv-2026-aos-adjustment-of-status-process-only.352867/
January 15, 2026 at 14:55
I wanted to share a useful (in my opinion) link that was kindly provided by Jim Hacking which has structured list of ban types on different countries:
https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1Qll-FpfB5CKAjMihJwM7hEhOznGfhCa0xBFYhYrxsks/htmlview
Hopefully it will be useful to you. If not, please delete my post, Simon.
Sincerely,
“Joe” from Switzerland
January 15, 2026 at 16:21
Joe – thanks – I’ll leave it up – but it is a little mispleading (for a DV audience). The partial bans are full bans for DV, and it misses the DV pause.
January 15, 2026 at 14:48
.After the recent decision to pause immigrant visa issuances for nationals of 75 countries (announced around January 14, 2026, and effective January 21, 2026), I believe this mainly affects family-sponsored and immediate relative immigrant visas (such as IR1/CR1 for spouses of U.S. citizens, K-1 fiancé visas, IR2/CR2 for children, IR5 for parents, F1/F3/F4, F2A/F2B, etc.), as well as employment-based categories (EB-1 to EB-5, including priority workers, advanced degree professionals, skilled workers, investors, special immigrants, religious workers, etc.).This new pause is tied to concerns over the “public charge” rule — meaning officials are reviewing whether applicants might rely on public benefits/welfare in the U.S. It does not directly impact the Diversity Visa (DV) program.The DV program (the green card lottery/visa diversity) was already paused separately back on December 23, 2025 (effective immediately), due to national security concerns following a specific incident (a shooting linked to someone who entered via DV). Under that pause:Applicants can still submit DS-260 forms and attend scheduled interviews.
But no DV visas are being issued until the Department of State completes a full security and vetting review.
There is no fixed end date announced yet.
Note: The public charge requirement has already been applied in practice in some consulates for years (for example, in Algeria, DV winners are often required to provide an Affidavit of Support from a financial sponsor in the U.S. — without it, the visa is denied). So that’s not new for DV cases.In summary:The January 2026 pause for the 75 countries targets other immigrant visa categories (family-based, employment-based, etc.), mainly over public charge/welfare concerns.
The DV pause is a separate, earlier action focused on security/vetting issues.
The best thing to do right now is wait. The State Department said the DV pause is temporary for review. If after about 60 days (roughly late February 2026) they haven’t lifted it or provided a clear update, we may need to consider legal options, such as filing a lawsuit (mandamus action) against the Department to compel them to resume processing/issuance, especially if cases are stuck without reason
January 15, 2026 at 14:42
Hi Brit,
Based on the current indicators, do you believe the second DV-2026 pause is likely to last longer than the first one?
Thank you,
January 15, 2026 at 16:19
I don’t know.
January 15, 2026 at 13:56
I hope this message finds you well. I wanted to ask if there has ever been a case where immigration attorneys successfully pursued a class action lawsuit concerning issues related to the DV Lottery.
If such cases exist, I would like to explore whether you could assist us in addressing these two unfair pauses that are currently affecting applicants. Your expertise in immigration law and experience with cases like these would be extremely valuable in helping ensure that applicants’ rights are protected.
Thank you very much for your time and consideration. I look forward to your guidance.
January 15, 2026 at 15:35
Yes I have been involved in some large lawsuits before for DV lottery.
I plan to discuss a possible lawsuit on my YouTube channel shortly.
January 15, 2026 at 13:12
Dear Simon,
Thank you for your service to the DV community.
I have a question regarding the new pause affecting applicants from the 75 listed countries. For some selectees, such as those from Nepal, this creates a double blockage. Do you believe this pause will be softer or more temporary than the former travel bans for some countries?
During the travel ban, you advised affected applicants not to attend their interview (unless they held a second passport from an unaffected country), because refusals were certain. What is your view of this situation? Should DV selectees from Nepal attend their interviews during the pause, or is it better not to attend?
Although difficult to predict, which pause: DV pause vs 75 countries pause for immigration visa, which likely remove first in your view?
January 15, 2026 at 15:34
Not only “difficult to predict” – but also kind of pointless to predict. Let’s wait and see what happens.
For both pauses the government is saying for people to attend their interviews. Each person must decide for themselves.
January 15, 2026 at 13:02
I think whenever Trump says temporary, he actually means until the end of the term, he loses a lawsuit or he gets pressure from big tech, whichever happens first. He only uses the words “temporary pause” just to make it sound more legal.
but It doesn’t make sense for him to unpause on his own accord, when has he ever done that?
January 15, 2026 at 11:29
Hi Simon,
As always I found your knowledge and experience on this newly applied pause, 75 country, is far better than ChatGPT; and I’m not saying this to please you, it’s a fact.
Now my question is, what is the effect of this new pause on duel citizens like me, Iranian/canadian. If they remove the DV pause, can I getaway with the second one using my Canadian citizenship?
Would appreciate your reply!
Thanks
January 15, 2026 at 13:09
this is answered in the official government website faq: “ Are there any exceptions?
Dual nationals applying with a valid passport of a country that is not listed above are exempt from this pause. “
January 15, 2026 at 14:48
Yes – you would be exempt from the 75 country pause, AND also exempt from the travel ban by travelling on your Canadian passport (with chargeability still of Iran).
January 15, 2026 at 09:45
Hi Simon,
First of all thank you for your time and advice . I have some questions regarding the dv lottery 2026.
1.My wife got selected for dv with case number 2026EU18xxx do you think the number will go current this year ? ( not affected from the latest pause because she is german citizien ) .
2. When we submitted the ds260 in may i had just one citizenship ( from a country listed in the latest pause from the europe region) but now i have the german citizenship too, and obviously i didnt put in my ds 260 because like i said i got it after we submitted the ds 260. Do i need to unlock the ds260 for the update or i just can show that in the interview if we are lucky enough to get one?!
Thank you
January 15, 2026 at 10:50
1. Yes
2. Yes
January 15, 2026 at 09:42
Hi Brit, given the two consecutive pauses in DV processing and the lack of transparency, do you think a class action lawsuit could realistically help force the resumption of interviews or protect applicants’ chances? Especially for low case numbers in Europe — is there still any reasonable hope in your opinion?
January 15, 2026 at 10:50
Possibly. I actually think the pauses will both be temporary, but I understand that some may choose to be in group lawsuits to try and speed that up.
January 15, 2026 at 07:42
Good Day Simon.
I want to ask this,What do you think about getting married after submitting my DS-260.Do you think there will be a sort of disadvantage at the interview as of why I get married after winning? I am not intending to add my partner as a derivative but I filled out my DS260 being single at the time it.Especially as I’ll be going for interview with an I-134?
January 15, 2026 at 09:50
People get married during this process and get approved – as long as the relationship is genuine. It doesn’t much change the public charge aspect.
January 15, 2026 at 05:20
Hi Simon, in times like these, your presence makes a huge difference, and I really appreciate your help. As you explained in your video, this new pause doesn’t affect DV cases as much, since visa issuance has already been paused since December 23rd. However, I have some questions regarding my situation as an EU selectee with a 35k+ case number:
1. I calculated that ~63% of selectees are from affected countries in the EU alone. Does this mean that for the VB numbers to move significantly, the DV pause must end while the 75 country pause stays in place?
2. How could this new pause potentially affect the next VB? Will we see a significant increase in the numbers, or will they stay relatively flat because DV issuance is paused anyway? As I mentioned before, they took down the February VB for about an hour, and I noticed it happen 2 or 3 more times for brief 5 minute intervals.
3. If the DV pause or this new pause stays in place for a significant amount of time and is then lifted with only 2–3 VBs remaining, how likely is that the government would make regions current or implement a huge jump similar to DV 2024 to at least show they are attempting to issue the 52,000 visas?
January 15, 2026 at 09:48
1. Well yes and no. I’m not 100% sure the VB numbers would move fast because the pauses are pauses – and interviews still are scheduled. It is MORE work for the embassies, not less. But yes, if those stars aligned, and a couple more stars as well, the chaos could become a ladder.
2. I’ve been doing this for many years, and seen all sorts of odd situations, but I still can’t be sure what will happen to the next VB…
3. They might. They could. They have done similar before. But they have also just let visas go to waste.
January 15, 2026 at 05:06
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs published a decision banning the processing of visas for citizens of 75 countries. This affects the U.S. Diversity Visa (lottery) and also cases where, for example, a U.S. citizen wants to bring his wife from outside the United States. What is this chaos? How can the United States prevent an American citizen who married, for example, a woman from Brazil and wants to bring his wife, only to be blocked by this decision?
I believe the courts will stop this decision, but how long does it take for the judiciary to issue its ruling? Also, the Trump administration has not said whether this measure is temporary or permanent, and how long we are supposed to wait. Do you have any idea how long it might take for things to return to normal?
January 15, 2026 at 09:41
https://britsimonsays.com/government-has-added-a-new-pause-to-all-immigration-from-75-countries/
January 15, 2026 at 04:47
Hi Simon, from U.K. with a high case number (EU127k) for 2026 DV. Didn’t hold much hope in getting any further. With these additional countries being banned, will there be a redistribution of their allocation for 2026 DV lottery, so I may now be in with a chance?
January 15, 2026 at 09:41
Well these pauses are pauses, not bans, so it is by no means certain to help. You would need the DV pause to be removed, and the 75 country one to stay in place, and then the VB to go current for Europe and the embassy to give lots of free capacity.
According to Lord Baelish, yes.
January 15, 2026 at 04:18
Do you think the visa pause for the 75 countries has effectively blocked DV-2026 winners from having any chance to get a permanent visa?
January 15, 2026 at 09:34
The pauses are temporary, so hopefully people will still get DV2026 issuances.
January 15, 2026 at 03:27
Hi Simon,
Just wondering have you ever experienced a DV year as chaotic as this one!? It seems every month there’s some new issue/delay. Firstly I got told I wasn’t a successful entry (uk) until your lawsuit but was given a high case number and then the travel ban took effect, then we had a global DV lottery pause and now on top of this 75 countries have been paused yet whats even the point of this right now when we have a global DV lottery pause anyway. I know they are all different mechanisms being used by the government but this whole DV year feels like you are completely screwed if your a high case number within EU especially as the VB is moving at a snails pace for this region and then all these visa processing delays and pauses I am sure are not helping matters.
January 15, 2026 at 08:52
This year DV lottery is so chaotic and frustrating especially for us Cameroonians .
This recent update just made me lost all the hope that was still remaining
January 15, 2026 at 09:33
This one certainly seems “special”. DV2012 was a doozy. And in DV2020 and DV2021 we also had massive challenges and had to file numerous lawsuits. But this year feels like whack-a-mole.
One thing I would say, is this. Sometime chaos can indeed be a ladder – and we have seen that before in DV….
January 15, 2026 at 03:14
I am just done with my interview and they asked me to submit plans for employment later through bank.
So how’s my chances? Am i on clear?
January 15, 2026 at 03:31
Can you tell me what i should do next?
January 15, 2026 at 08:33
Plans for employment can you explain more please ?
January 15, 2026 at 09:26
Well you are affected by the pauses, but follow their instructions and hope that the pauses are lifted soon.
January 15, 2026 at 11:46
do i need to create Visa Application account on traveldocs before i submit the Document Submission Letter at CIG?
If yes then what do i select for post visa category? IV/Dv reschedule or Document Delivery Registration or any others? Or i can make an account with Document Delivery Registration category after submitting the document? If you have a blog with these information then can you refer it to me?
January 15, 2026 at 15:32
I don’t know the specifics at each embassy – so follow their instructions.
January 15, 2026 at 02:54
I am from Albania with CN 1500X. Is there still hope left after the new suspension, or not?
January 15, 2026 at 09:17
There are two pauses in place – and I don’t expect either to last until the end of the year – but I cannot be certain of course.
January 15, 2026 at 01:25
Good morning Simon
I came across this news I don’t know how true it is
Can u pls explain it better for me
Does it mean finally finally Cameroonians lottery winners might not even get the chance
Dom Lucre | Breaker of Narratives
•• 3h
BREAKING NEWS: The U.S. State
Department will freeze all visa processing for 75 countries indefinitely starting January 21, 2026, including: Somalia, Afghanistan, Albania, Algeria, Antigua and Barbuda, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Bahamas, Bangladesh, Barbados, Belarus, Belize, Bhutan, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Brazil, Burma (Myanmar), Cambodia,
Cameroon, Cape Verde, Colombia, Cote d’Ivoire, Cuba, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Dominica, Egypt, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Fiji, Gambia, Georgia, Ghana, Grenada, Guatemala, Guinea, Haiti, Iran, Iraq, Jamaica, Jordan, Kazakhstan, Kosovo, Kuwait, Kyrgyzstan, Laos, Lebanon, Liberia, Libya, North Macedonia, Moldova, Mongolia, Montenegro, Morocco, Nepal,
Nicaragua, Nigeria, Pakistan, Republic of the Congo, Russia, Rwanda, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Senegal, Sierra Leone, South Sudan, Sudan, Syria, Tanzania, Thailand, Togo, Tunisia, Uganda, Uruguay, Uzbekistan, and Yemen.
January 15, 2026 at 09:16
https://britsimonsays.com/government-has-added-a-new-pause-to-all-immigration-from-75-countries/
January 15, 2026 at 00:49
Hi Simon,
Hope you are doing well.
Do you think Oceania will go current next month considering Fiji which is largest pool of winners is added to travel ban list of 75 countries today?
January 15, 2026 at 09:10
I don’t know.
January 15, 2026 at 00:08
Hi Simon, I’m from Western Europe (Netherlands) and planning to enter the DV-2027 lottery. Since the new immigrant visa processing pause starting January 21 affects only the 75 listed countries, and Western European countries like mine are not on that list, does this suspension fully exempt applicants from non-listed countries like the Netherlands? In other words, will DV-2027 processing for Western Europeans remain completely unaffected by this 75-country pause? You previously said the earlier DV-related pause wouldn’t last long – does that outlook still apply here? Thanks so much for any insight!
January 15, 2026 at 09:03
It is extremely unlikely that either of the pauses would be in place when DV-2027 interviews start (October 2026). Neither the pause nor the current travel ban on 39 countries stop people from entering the lottery during the registration. However, I do think entries will be lower because of the current uncertainties. So – everyone should register and see what the landscape looks like if they are selected.
January 14, 2026 at 23:35
Is there a risk of edv 2027 being permanently ban amid these pauses?
January 14, 2026 at 23:43
No
January 14, 2026 at 22:51
https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=1299207735573711&set=a.270825475078614
Not sure if this is already known, but the PM of Antigua and Barbuda posted on Facebook about the new pause saying:
“I was advised by senior officials of the Department of State that this matter arises from a new requirement under direction of the White House. However, contrary to some media reports, the measure under consideration does not apply to all visa categories. It relates only to applications for immigrant visas (commonly referred to as “green cards”), which are subject to a temporary pause of up to sixty (60) days while vetting and screening procedures are reviewed.”
So this particular pause will be short — just 60 days.
This is obviously not the same as the DV pause, but it would be fair to infer that the DV pause will be similarly short, like Simon has been saying all along.
January 14, 2026 at 22:54
Thanks for that – although I want to see them actually deliver on these rumors.