A group of FY 2020 diversity visa lottery winners asks the Washington D.C. federal court to order the immediate processing of their green cards. Over 1,000 families selected for the diversity visa in FY2020 are still awaiting processing. Over two years ago, orders requiring the quick processing of these visas was issued. However, between the global pandemic and the previous administration’s visa ban, lottery winners’ visas were not processed.

Subsequently, the Biden administration asked to delay the required effective date of issuance of these visas. The administration cited the visa backlog, that had grown over the course of the pandemic. Diversity visa lottery winners generally have one year to receive their visas. The FY2020 diversity visa winners are now asking for immediate processing, stating the U.S. Department of State’s visa processing abilities has recovered, with 10.4 million nonimmigrant visas and 563,000 immigration visas issues in FY 2023.

ILBSG actively monitors ongoing updates to U.S. immigration policy. If you have questions about any immigration-related issue, contact us at ILBSG. Our team of experienced attorneys work directly with our clients to ensure they get the right advice for their specific situations.

Diversity Visa