Nov 25, Kathmandu - Last year, during this time, the social media accounts of the US Embassy in Nepal were posting about applications being open, not applying from fake or fake websites, and extending the application deadline. This time, with no news about the DV program even as November approaches, suspicions have grown that the program is about to be closed.

Just a few days ago, the US State Department posted a notice on its website stating that it was considering making some changes to the application process. The notice, published on November 5, stated that the ministry was considering making some changes to the DV entry process, but did not specify what the changes would be.

The ministry has stated that it will open applications for the 2027 DV program as soon as possible. The website also states that the date when the ‘Entry Status Check’ feature will be available will be announced gradually.

The changes the ministry is implementing regarding the DV program will not affect the visa application period of those selected for 2027, the notice states. Stakeholders, including US embassies and consulates in various countries where the DV program is available, including Nepal, are currently awaiting further information and guidance from the Ministry of State.

The delay in opening the application process has raised concerns as some US lawmakers have introduced a bill in the House of Representatives to abolish the DV lottery. In February, Republican lawmaker Mike Collins introduced a bill in the US House of Representatives to abolish the DV lottery.

President Donald Trump has been making changes to immigration regulations since he took office in his second term. Earlier, in June, the US announced that it would end the Temporary Protected Status (TPS) program for citizens of countries including Nepal, Afghanistan, Cameroon, Haiti, Honduras, Nicaragua, and Syria. This program has been terminated for Nepalese since November 21.

The US Department of State, Homeland Security, and the US Citizenship and Immigration Services have made various changes. Provisions including the H1B visa have been changed. The US Embassy in Nepal did not provide any information when contacted for comment on this matter.

The US issues around 3,000 to 8,000 US visas to Nepalese annually through the DV program.