If you are planning to travel to Australia and the US, here is a guide on how to apply for an America Visa Lottery. When it comes to the Visa Lottery or Immigration program, getting the right information about your desired country can be tedious work.
And chances are you’ll run into scammers who are only after your money, giving you false hope of a better life in the country. The internet is a big place, you’re always advised to do some research by yourself before listening to anybody. Most foreign countries have immigration programs for foreigners. These programs are completely legal and the application process is completely free.
If you have been planning to move to the US, welcome and congratulations because, in this article, we will be taking through everything you need to know about the American Visa lottery program.
“Visa Lottery” also known as the Diversity Visa (DV) Lottery program, is the official Diversity Immigrant Visa Program. This program is administered by the U.S. Department of State and provides an opportunity for individuals from countries with historically low rates of immigration to the United States to apply for a chance to obtain a U.S. immigrant visa (green card).
Read Also: Top Secrets to Winning American, Canadian & Australia Visa Lottery
How to Apply for America Visa Lottery
The U.S. Department of State has five specific immigrant visa programs right now. These visa programs are;
Family-Based Visa
This visa as the name implies is for the immigration of individuals who have a U.S. citizen family member or lawful permanent resident.
Intercountry Adoption Visa
This visa program is for adopting orphans across the world. The process of adopting a child from another country and bringing it to the United States requires special immigration procedures. The commonly used visa for this purpose is IR-3 or IR-4 Visa depending on the type of adoption.
IR-3 Visa: This is an immigrant visa for children adopted abroad by a U.S. citizen through full and final adoption in the country of birth. If the child enters the U.S. on her IR-3 visa, the child will be considered a U.S. citizen and will have her IR-3 stamp on the thesis indicating that the adoption is complete.
IR-4 Visa: This is an immigrant visa for children adopted abroad by a U.S. citizen as part of the guardianship or provisional adoption process. This means that the adoption has not been fully completed in the child’s country of birth. The child will enter the United States on an IR-4 visa and the final adoption process will be completed in the United States. Once the adoption is complete, the child will be able to apply for U.S. citizenship.
The adoption process and related visas can be complex and involve various legal, immigration, and document requirements. It is important that prospective adoptive parents work closely with adoption agencies, legal experts, and the U.S. Department of State’s Consular Service to ensure a smooth process and compliance with all necessary regulations.
Immigration and adoption policies can change over time, so for the most up-to-date and accurate information about cross-country adoption and related visas, check the official website of the U.S. Department of State or consult your local laws and regulations.
Employment-Based Visa
This visa program is based on investment by the entrepreneur or permanent employment. The program is divided into three sub-groups; Persons with extraordinary ability, Outstanding professors & researchers, and Multinational managers or executives.
Investor Visa
This program is for foreigners who are ready to invest in the country without borrowing. The foreigner must be ready to invest a minimum of $1,000,000 or $500,000 in a high-unemployment or rural area, which is considered a targeted employment area.
Special Immigrant Visa
This program is based on special categories which include former employees of the U.S. government. To apply for any of these programs visit the immigration page of the Department of State website https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/us-visas/immigrate.html Note: Application is completely free!!!
Here are the general steps to apply for the Diversity Visa Lottery:
Check Eligibility:
The first thing to do is to check if you are eligible to apply as the program is open to individuals from countries that have low rates of immigration to the U.S. Each year, the list of eligible countries may change, so it is important to check the official DV Lottery instructions to see if your country is eligible.
Application Period:
The DV Lottery is usually open for a specific period of time, typically in the early fall (around October). You need to apply within this window.
Complete the Online Application:
To enter the DV Lottery, you need to complete the online application form available on the official DV Lottery website. The application is free. Be sure to provide accurate information, and follow the instructions carefully.
Submit Required Photos:
You’ll need to upload digital photos of yourself. If your spouse (if applicable), and any eligible children as part of the application. The photo requirements are specific, so make sure you follow them closely.
Confirmation Number:
After submitting your application, you will receive a confirmation number. This number is important, as it allows you to check the status of your application later.
Keep Your Confirmation Number:
It’s extremely important to keep your confirmation number safe, as it’s the only way to check whether you’ve been selected.
Check the Results:
The results of the DV Lottery are usually announced the following year. You can use your confirmation number to check whether you’ve been selected on the official DV Lottery website. If you’re selected, you will be provided with further instructions.
Follow the Instructions:
If you are selected, you will need to follow the instructions provided by the U.S. Department of State. This usually includes submitting additional forms, paying fees, and attending an interview at a U.S. embassy or consulate.
Interview and Visa Processing:
If your application is approved, you will be scheduled for an interview at a U.S. embassy or consulate. During the interview, you will need to provide the required documents and undergo a medical examination. If everything goes well, you will be issued an immigrant visa.
Enter the U.S.:
Once you receive your immigrant visa, you can enter the U.S. and become a permanent resident (green card holder. It’s important to note that the DV Lottery is highly competitive, and winning the lottery does not guarantee that you will receive a visa. Additionally, there are many scams and fraudulent websites claiming to assist with DV Lottery applications. Always use the official U.S. Department of State website for information and application submission. Please verify the current process and requirements on the official DV Lottery website or through the U.S. Department of State to ensure that you have the most accurate and up-to-date information.
Application Period and Deadlines:
The application period for the DV Lottery typically opens in early October and closes in early November of each year. It’s crucial to submit your application within this specific timeframe. Late entries are not accepted.
Selection and Notification:
After the application period closes, the U.S. Department of State conducts a random computerized drawing to select a certain number of individuals from the pool of eligible applicants. If you’re selected, you will be notified through the Entrant Status Check on the official DV Lottery website. You will need to enter your confirmation number to check your status.
Additional Forms and Documentation:
If you’re selected, you’ll need to complete additional forms and provide documentation about your eligibility, education, work experience, and other relevant information. This information is used during the visa interview process.
Visa Interview:
If your application progresses, you will be scheduled for a visa interview at a U.S. embassy or consulate in your home country. The interview is an opportunity for consular officers to verify your eligibility and determine whether you qualify for an immigrant visa.
Medical Examination:
As part of the visa application process, you and your eligible family members will need to undergo a medical examination by an approved panel physician. This is to ensure that you meet the health requirements for entry into the U.S.
Visa Processing Fee:
There are fees associated with the DV Lottery process, including the visa application fee and the fee for obtaining the required medical examination.
Affidavit of Support:
In most cases, DV Lottery winners will need to demonstrate that they will not become a public burden in the U.S. This is usually done by having a sponsor in the U.S. complete an Affidavit of Support (Form I-864) to show they are financially capable of supporting you if needed.
Green Card and Arrival in the U.S.:
If your visa is approved and you enter the U.S., you will be granted lawful permanent resident status, commonly known as a green card. This allows you to live and work permanently in the United States. You’ll receive more information about what to do after arriving in the U.S. as a green card holder.
It’s important to note that the DV Lottery program can change from year to year, including eligible countries, application procedures, and requirements. Always refer to the official U.S. Department of State’s DV Lottery website for the most accurate and current information. Also, beware of scams and unauthorized services that claim to increase your chances of winning or offer assistance for a fee. The DV Lottery application is free, and you should only use the official U.S. government website for submitting your application and checking your status.