US Embassy Nairobi Continues DV Interviews Despite Program Suspension

The United States Embassy in Nairobi has confirmed that it is continuing to interview diversity visa applicants, even as the Green Card Lottery programme remains suspended.

Consul General Nathan Flock stated in a recent interview that, although no new visas are being issued, the embassy is still processing cases for individuals who had already been selected. He said applicants are being interviewed and their cases reviewed while awaiting further direction.

The programme was paused on 18 December 2025 following an executive order by President Donald Trump during his second term. The directive, implemented by Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem, came after a shooting at Brown University involving a Portuguese national who had obtained permanent residency through the lottery in 2017. 

The suspension has no defined end date, leaving many applicants uncertain about their prospects. Kenya remains one of the most active participants in the diversity visa scheme. 

Data from the US State Department shows that 4,459 Kenyans were selected in the DV-2025 round, ranking the country sixth worldwide. This continues an upward trend from 3,400 selections in DV-2023 and 3,760 in DV-2024, reflecting sustained interest in the programme.

Flock noted that the embassy is maintaining communication with applicants and advised them to rely on official sources for updates. He added that any decision on resuming the programme will be announced publicly once it is made.