US Federal Court Orders Green Card Lottery to Be Held Again
Amul Info ·
A US federal court has issued requirements to the State Department concerning the Green Card lottery. Under a revised agreement, applications must begin to be accepted no later than November 1, 2026, and lottery results must be announced by December 3.
On October 14, 2026, the US District Court for the Southern District of California ordered the US Department of State to conduct the Green Card lottery. Courthouse News Service reported this, citing the court’s ruling.
The Green Card program, which offers an opportunity to obtain permanent resident status in the United States, was established in 1990. Under the program, 50,000 immigrant visas were distributed annually among citizens of various countries. Lottery winners may become eligible to live and work permanently in the United States, engage in business activities and access relevant social benefits. Green Card holders may apply for US citizenship after five years, subject to meeting the applicable requirements.
In December 2025, US Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem announced that the program had been suspended at the direction of President Donald Trump.
The lawsuit was filed by the law firm Red Eagle Law against US Secretary of State Marco Rubio. Initially, the court ordered the registration dates to be announced by October 15, 2026, applications to begin being accepted no later than October 18, and the application period to continue for 30 days.
The parties subsequently reached an agreement to revise the deadlines. Under the new agreement, applications must begin to be accepted no later than November 1, 2026, and the lottery results must be announced by December 3.
Nevertheless, the court’s ruling does not mean that the Green Card lottery will necessarily resume. The US administration retains the option to appeal the decision. Therefore, prospective applicants are advised to follow official announcements regarding application dates and the future status of the program.