U.S. Embassy Nairobi Says Green Card Lottery Interviews Are Ongoing Ahead of Visa Program Reopening

U.S. Embassy Nairobi Says Green Card Lottery Interviews Are Ongoing Ahead of Visa Program Reopening

The U.S. Embassy Nairobi has clarified that interviews for the Diversity Visa (DV) Lottery programme are still ongoing, even as the issuance of new visas remains temporarily suspended.

The update was provided by Consul General Nathan Flock in a statement published on Wednesday, addressing growing concerns among Kenyan applicants following reports that some lottery winners had not received visas.

“The diversity visa programme is currently on pause; that’s on our website, information about that pause,” Flock said, confirming that the suspension remains in effect.

Despite the pause, the diplomat emphasized that the embassy continues to process applications through interviews and case evaluations, offering reassurance to those who had already been selected under the programme.

“We are continuing to interview applicants. We are continuing to consider their cases,” he added.

The DV Lottery, popularly known as the Green Card Lottery, is a U.S. government initiative administered by the U.S. Department of State that grants permanent residency to individuals from countries with historically low immigration rates to the United States.

However, the programme was placed on indefinite pause on December 18, 2025, following a directive issued under the administration of President Donald Trump. The suspension was implemented by Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem in response to security concerns linked to a high-profile shooting incident in the United States.

According to U.S. authorities, the incident involved a suspect who had previously obtained permanent residency through the DV Lottery, prompting a review of the programme’s vetting processes. The move sparked widespread uncertainty among applicants globally, including thousands of Kenyans who participate in the lottery each year.

Flock noted that while interviews are proceeding, there is currently no clear timeline for when the visa issuance process will resume.

“At this time, we do not have a specific date for when the pause will be lifted, but any updates will be communicated publicly through official channels,” he explained.

The DV Lottery programme remains highly competitive, attracting over 10 million applicants worldwide annually. Kenya has consistently ranked among the top participating countries, reflecting strong interest in opportunities for migration and economic advancement.

Recent data from the U.S. Department of State shows that Kenya ranked sixth globally in the DV-2025 programme, with 4,459 applicants selected from submissions made in late 2023. This marks a steady increase from previous years, with over 3,400 Kenyans selected in DV-2023 and 3,760 in DV-2024.

Immigration experts note that while selection in the lottery is a significant milestone, it does not guarantee issuance of a visa, as applicants must still undergo rigorous background checks, interviews, and eligibility verification.

The embassy has urged applicants to remain patient and rely only on verified information, cautioning against misinformation circulating on social media regarding the programme’s status.

Flock reiterated that the U.S. Department of State will formally announce any changes to the programme, including the lifting of the suspension.

For many Kenyan applicants, the continuation of interviews offers a measure of hope that their applications remain under consideration despite the current pause. However, uncertainty persists as stakeholders await a definitive decision from U.S. authorities.

As the situation evolves, the embassy’s message remains clear: while the programme is temporarily halted, the processing of cases continues, keeping the prospects of successful applicants alive pending further policy direction.

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U.S. Embassy Nairobi Says Green Card Lottery Interviews Are Ongoing Ahead of Visa Program Reopening