The diversity visa is a program of the Kentucky Consular Center (KCC) within the Department of Homeland Security. The inscription for applying to the visa lottery will be open this year from October 4 to November 7 on the website of Electronic Diversity Visa (EVD). If you are a citizen from one of the eligible countries (you may check the list here), and you fulfill the education requirements, then you should not miss this opportunity.

However, there are some facts that you must know about the process. Firstly, being approved by the visa lottery 2025 does not mean having won the visa itself. This is only the first step in a long way of immigration procedures, in which it is important not to skip or mismanage steps.

In this report you may find out all you need to do after applying, and how works the process in the case that you were the lucky one in 2023 for the visa lottery. 

How many Diversity Immigrant Visas are processed annually?

The program of Diversity Immigrant Visa grants 55 thousand of visas each fiscal year to nationals of countries that are underrepresented in the US population. Every year, 110 thousand people are selected and only half will win the Green Card. The selection of the lucky ones is random.

On May 4, 2024, the information in the Participant Status Verification will be updated. To find out if you have been preselected or not, you must access the website of the Electronic Diversity Visa.

What educational requirements are needed to apply to the Bombo?

To obtain the Diversity Immigrant Visa, you need to prove that you meet the educational requirements: finished high school degree or equivalent to 12th grade in the U.S., or two years of qualified work experience under US law. If you do not meet these unfortunately you are not eligible for the diversity visa. 

In the case of work experience, you need two years in the last five in an occupation that requires at least two years of training or experience, categorized as Job Zone 4 or 5, with a Specific Vocational Preparation (SVP) score of 7.0 or higher.

Important: Only the main applicant must meet this requirement, it does not apply to spouses or children. 

How to check the status of my 2025 visa lottery registration?

After you submit your completed application, you will get a confirmation screen with your name and a unique number. Print it and save it, it is vital. It is key to verify your status and obtain instructions or schedule an interview if you are selected.

You will not receive letters or emails from the Department of State. There will also be no lists in embassies or consulates. Only the E-DV website will notify you if you are selected. Then, you have to follow the steps quickly.

To verify your registration status you must enter your confirmation number. If you have lost your confirmation number you will not be able to check the status as it is not possible to resend the confirmation number to you. If you are in the U.S. and selected, you may be eligible to adjust your status to obtain permanent residency through the DV Program.

What supporting documents does the 2025 Diversity visa require?

After the Kentucky Visa Center (KCC) processes your DS-260 form they will tell you how and what will be the necessary papers to send. If you present any problem in this step, you may communicate via email to KCCDVDocuments@state.gov with your case number in the subject line.

The interview appointment is scheduled after KCC reviews your documents. You must keep in mind that the interview is only scheduled if visas are available. They are assigned according to the Immigration Law and are updated monthly in the Visa Bulletin. You don't need a new application, your DS-260 is enough.

Bring the originals to the interview and don't forget to start this process early!

Do I have to pay if I win the visa lottery?

Yes, you must complete a payment for consular services for your visa. Although registration for the visa lottery is completely free, the consular procedures, if the visa lottery has preselected you, have a cost.

Before being interviewed, each successful applicant must pay a Diversity Visa Lottery Fee of $330 per person. Yet, the payment of this fee DOES NOT guarantee obtaining the visa itself, and it is NOT refundable. 

Payments vary between US embassies and consulates. Also, be aware of other possible fees, such as medical exams or certified copies of your records. 

Stay on top of payment details!

What should I present at the DV visa interview?

What you should bring to your visa interview is:

• Participant Status Verification: Print your appointment information from the Electronic Diversity Visa (E-DV) website.
• DS-260 Confirmation Page: Print this from the Consular Electronic Application Center after completing your DS-260 application.
• Passport: Make sure it is valid for at least six months beyond your date of entry into the United States.
• Photographs: Bring two identical color photographs for each applicant, ensuring they meet the standards specified in the Photograph Requirements.
• Medical Examination Results: If the panel doctor provided you with sealed envelopes containing the results of medical examinations, bring these envelopes unopened. Some doctors send the results directly to the US Embassy or Consulate.
• Original and Supporting Documents: Bring original documents or certified copies of all documents you submitted to KCC for yourself and each family member applying for a visa, except the passport.
• English Translations: If your documents require translation into English, be sure to obtain certified translations and present them on the day of the interview.
• Visa Fees: If you have not paid the visa fees before the interview, you will need to do so before speaking to the consular officer.

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Additionally, be prepared to provide:

• Evidence of your educational or work capabilities that meet the requested requirements.
• USCIS Form I-212: If you have been previously deported or expelled at the expense of the United States government, you will need to obtain Form I-212, Permit to Reapply after Deportation, and follow the instructions included in that form.
• Marriage, divorce, or birth certificates: As appropriate.

Remember to visit the website of the US embassy or consulate where your interview will take place for additional information and to ensure you are fully prepared.

When will I know the approbation of my case?

At the end of your interview At the United States Embassy or Consulate, the consular officer will inform you if your visa application is approved or denied. If approved, you will be informed how and when you have to pick up your passport and visa. Be careful, and review printed information immediately to make sure there are no errors.

Furthermore, the consular officer may have not the necessary information to process your application, or some supporting documents may be missing. Also, you should keep in mind that not everyone qualifies for a United States visa. The law has several requirements and factors that could make someone ineligible. If denied, the officer will tell you the reason.

What should I do if I am approved?

When you get your admission, you will become a legal Permanent Resident, which means you will have a Green Card and you will be able to live and work in the United States permanently. However, to obtain your Green Card you must pay a fee of $220 to USCIS. You will make this payment online on the official USCIS website at www.uscis.gov.

You must enter the United States before the expiration date declared on your visa. Typically, a diversity visa has a validity of up to six months from issuance, unless your medical exam expires sooner, which could shorten its validity.

If you have children, make sure they have the required vaccines before enrolling in a school in the United States. You can check the vaccination requirements by state on the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website.

Remember that when traveling to the United States, the principal applicant must enter before or at the same time as family members who have visas with you. The visa does not guarantee entry, since the officials of CBP have the authority to grant or deny admission. Make sure you know the admission and entry requirements on the CBP website. Get ready for your new life in the United States!

Conclusions

The DV-2025 provides the opportunity to immigrate to the United States and have a Green Card. Online registration will be open until November 7, 2023, although you will not move to the U.S. until 2025. The state where you reside within the country is up to your choice.

However, it is crucial to remember that not all applicants will qualify due to certain requirements and factors established by US law. Those who qualify can take a giant leap toward a new life in the United States. Register now and start your journey!

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