The Diversity Visa (DV‑2027) registration window that normally opens in early October has not materialised, leaving the programme closed for the year.

The State Department confirmed that entries are not being accepted, following a suspension of the programme in December 2025.

A California federal court had ordered the Department to open a 30‑day registration period by 1 November, but the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals blocked that order, ruling the challenger lacked standing.

Republican Representative Keith Self introduced legislation on 22 October 2026 to permanently eliminate the diversity visa category, arguing that immigration policy should be set by Congress rather than the courts.

If the DV programme eventually reopens, prospective entrants will need to pay a $1 registration fee and present a valid passport at the time of entry.

The EB‑5 immigrant investor visa will see filing fees rise sharply from 30 November 2026, with the I‑526 form for standalone investors increasing from $3,675 to $7,615.

The I‑829 form for removing conditions will climb to $5,000, while a new I‑527 form for pre‑2022 regional‑centre investors carries a $10,330 fee.

The Department of Homeland Security estimates the revised fee schedule will affect roughly 16,600 EB‑5 filings each year, representing an average increase of about 70.7% or $2,946 per filing.

The November 2026 Visa Bulletin shows mixed movement: employment‑based EB‑2 dates advanced three months to 1 April 2025 for most countries, EB‑3 moved forward one month to 15 June 2024, while Indian applicants saw minimal gains.

Family‑sponsored categories F1, F2B and F3 each advanced by one year for most countries, but applicants must use the 09/18/26 edition of Form I‑485, which now requires disclosure of any prior use of means‑tested public benefits.