On August 5, 2025, the Department of State issued a proposed rule to the Federal Register titled “Visas: Enhancing Vetting and Combatting Fraud in the Diversity Immigrant Visa Program” (90 FR 37437) with a public comment deadline of September 19, 2025.
Commencement
The proposed rule has not taken effect at this time. The government will need to review submitted comments and issue a final rule before any of these changes can take effect. AILA provides this for informational purposes only.
Key Highlights of the Proposed Rule
- Passport Verification Requirement
If finalized, applicants to the Diversity Visa (DV) Program would be required to submit valid, unexpired passport information and upload a scanned copy of the biographic and signature page as part of their electronic entry, unless they claim an exemption. - Regulatory Language Updates
The Department of State proposes several technical changes to 22 CFR Part 42 to clarify regulatory responsibilities:- Insert the word “shall” to strengthen the directive language for consular officers.
- Replace “gender” with “sex.”
- Replace the term “age” with “date of birth” in § 42.33(h)(1)(i).
Stated Objective
DOS notes prior fraud issues with the DV program, including submissions by third parties in an attempt to extort individuals on whose unwitting behalf they apply. These measures aim to enhance identity verification and reduce fraud in the DV Program, addressing historical vulnerabilities to abuse and impersonation.