DOS announced that as of 09/07/2023, all available diversity visas were issued for FY2023. The Diversity Visa (DV) program awards up to 55,000 immigrant visas per year and allows those from countries with low immigration rates to the United States to enter for a chance to apply for a U.S immigrant visa. Since its launch in 1990, the program has continued the ongoing policy priority to promote and maintain diversity in the United States. This year, the Department of State is on track to reach the annual DV issuance limit for 2023 before the end of the fiscal year. As of September 5, 2023, there have been more than 54,000 issuances/adjustments of status worldwide out of the 54,833 DVs available for FY 2023. Additionally, under U.S. immigration law, no single country can receive more than seven percent of the available DVs in any one fiscal year. As USCIS is approaching these caps in some countries, such as Algeria and Nepal, it may become necessary to take steps to avoid exceeding the country-specific numerical limits. This includes potentially canceling visa interview appointments.

USCIS acknowledges that the early conclusion of the 2023 program may be disappointing to selectees who were unable to receive a visa. The 2025 Diversity Visa program entry period will open in early October of this year, and USCIS encourages all who are eligible to apply.  As previously stated in the DV-2023 program instructions, the DV program is limited to the issuance of approximately 55,000 visas each fiscal year. Selection does not guarantee that an applicant will receive a visa interview or a visa. Selection merely means the person may be eligible to participate in the DV program and may potentially apply for a visa, but it is not a guarantee. Due to the probability that some of the first 55,000 persons selected will not qualify for visas or ultimately choose not to participate in the program, more individuals are selected to participate in the program each year than the number of visas which are available. This is done to ensure 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 travel for DV recipients and recognizes the important contributions these individuals bring to our communities.

Furthermore, on August 31, 2023, USCIS released its Affirmative Asylum Procedures Manual, which provides information on how to process an affirmative asylum application within an asylum office. Unless specifically indicated, an asylum office director determines which personnel (e.g., asylum officer, asylum clerk) perform certain procedures outlined in this manual.

We regularly update our blog section to acquaint the community with the latest changes in Immigration policies. Please note the information in this blog is for informational purposes only and is not intended to be nor should it be construed as legal advice. We can promptly and efficiently represent clients located anywhere in the US or abroad on US Immigration Policies. If you seek further clarification, don't hesitate to contact SanSha Law Office at [email protected] or call us at 469-777-6161.