Recently, one of the most talked-about topics on social media and various forums has been this: “Has the Green Card lottery been canceled?”

The answer is clear: No, the Green Card lottery has not been canceled. However, the U.S. administration is heading toward major changes in the application process. With the new regulations, the application system is being tied to stricter identity verification rules, and some common practices are changing completely.

The new regulation published by the U.S. Department of State shows that the Diversity Visa (DV) program will continue, but the application process will move to a more controlled structure. The new rules introduced especially to prevent fraudulent applications are critically important for everyone planning to apply for a Green Card.

The Green Card Lottery Continues, But the Rules Are Changing

The Green Card lottery, officially called the Diversity Visa Program,is an immigration program through which millions of people from different countries apply each year to gain the right to live and work in the United States.

In recent years, many rumors have emerged claiming that the program would be canceled. But the U.S. administration did not choose that path. Instead, some new steps were taken to increase the security of the system.

The new regulations focus especially on strengthening identity verification processes. This is intended to reduce both fraud attempts and unauthorized applications.

A Passport Requirement Is Coming in the New Period

The most notable change in the new system is the passport requirement..

People who want to apply for the Green Card lottery will now need to have a valid, unexpired passport at the time of application.

In previous years, this approach was often seen in some applications:

“Let me apply first, and if I win the lottery, I’ll get a passport.”

With the new rules, this approach is largely losing its validity.

Providing passport information during the application is no longer optional; it is becoming one of the basic conditions of the process.

A Passport Scan Will Also Be Uploaded

The new regulation includes not only entering the passport number, but also uploading a digital copy of the passport to the system.

During the application, applicants will specifically be asked to upload:

• The photo identity page of the passport
• The biographical information section containing personal details

This is intended to make it easier for the system to verify real applicants.

Why Is the U.S. Tightening the Rules?

The main reason U.S. authorities are making this change is the increase in fraudulent and unauthorized applications..

In some cases, intermediary institutions may:

• submit applications without people’s knowledge
• send multiple applications under the same person’s name using different information
• create bulk applications through automated systems

With the new passport verification system, the aim is to greatly reduce such attempts.

What Does This Mean for Genuine Applicants?

At first glance, the new system may seem more difficult. However, according to some experts, this change may actually provide an advantage for genuine applicants.

Because:

• fraudulent applications may decrease
• duplicate entries in the system may decline
• the selection chances of real candidates may become more balanced

So the lottery is continuing, but the process will now move forward in a more controlled way.

What Should People Planning to Apply for the Green Card Do?

For those planning to participate in the Green Card lottery, the most important preparation for the new period is quite clear:

• Obtain a valid passport
• Prepare a digital scan of the passport
• Follow the application process through official channels

Making these preparations in advance may help prevent problems during the application period.

Conclusion

The Green Card lottery has not ended. However, the system will now have stricter identity verification rules.

In the new period, the message from the U.S. is quite clear:
Everyone who wants to apply must be able to verify their identity and documents from the very beginning.

For that reason, the most important step for those dreaming of a Green Card is no longer luck, but being prepared..