The US Department of State has announced an update to the Diversity Visa (DV) Program, stating that due to the quota being filled, no more visas will be issued to the remaining lucky applicants. This means that individuals who applied for the ‘Green Card’ but couldn’t secure an appointment have missed out on their chance.
Selin YILDIRIM – abdpost.com / USA (IGFA) – The United States has made an update to the 2023 Diversity Visa (DV) Program.
In a statement issued by the US Department of State, it was reminded that 55,000 visas were granted under the program, and it was noted that the department was making progress towards reaching the annual DV issuance limit for 2023 before the fiscal year ends.
The announcement mentioned that as of September 5th, more than 54,000 out of 54,833 DVs worldwide had been issued or adjusted in status. It also emphasized that due to nearing the cap in some countries, certain measures needed to be taken, including the cancellation of visa interview appointments.
Journalist Anıl Sural, who shared the information about the decision on social media, stated that the rights of individuals who applied for the ‘Green Card’ but couldn’t secure an appointment had been forfeited.
The statement from the department included the following:
“The Diversity Visa (DV) program annually grants up to 55,000 immigrant visas and offers a chance for individuals from countries with low immigration rates to apply for US immigrant visas. Since its inception in 1990, the program continues to prioritize the ongoing policy goal of promoting and sustaining diversity in the United States. This year, the Department of State is progressing towards reaching the annual DV issuance limit for 2023 before the fiscal year ends. As of September 5, 2023, more than 54,000 out of 54,833 available DVs have been issued or adjusted in status worldwide. Additionally, no country can receive more than seven percent of the available DVs in any fiscal year, in accordance with US immigration law. As we approach these limits in some countries like Algeria and Nepal, steps may need to be taken to prevent exceeding country-specific numerical limits, including the cancellation of visa interview appointments.
We are aware that the early closure of the 2023 program may disappoint those who couldn’t obtain visas. The entry period for the 2025 Diversity Visa program will open in early October of this year, and we encourage everyone eligible to apply. As previously noted in the DV-2023 program instructions, the DV program is limited to approximately 55,000 visas issued each fiscal year. Selection does not guarantee a visa interview or visa issuance. Selection merely means that an applicant may be eligible to apply for the DV program and potentially apply for a visa, but it does not guarantee a visa. Due to the possibility that some of the first 55,000 selected individuals may not qualify for visas or may choose not to participate in the program, more people are selected to participate in the program than the number of visas available in any given year. This is done to ensure that we are able to issue the maximum number of visas available under the DV program in any given year. The Department of State remains committed to facilitating the travel of DV recipients and acknowledges the significant contributions these individuals make to our communities.”