What is a diversity visa?
The Department of State administers the Diversity Visa (DV) immigrant visa program, which is an annual program for immigration to the United States. Up to 55,000 immigrants can enter the United States each year from countries with low rates of immigration to the United States.
10 step by step process
1. Form Submissions
You can only apply for the Diversity Immigrant Visa (DV) Program for a certain amount of time per fiscal year. The Department of State releases comprehensive guidelines for enrolling in the DV Program every year. The dates of the registration period, when you can enter, are included in the instructions.
During the designated registration period, all entries must be made online using the Electronic Diversity Visa (E-DV) website. We do not accept paper entries or late entries. According to the law, each person may only enter once during each registration time. To identify several entries, the Department of State employs cutting-edge technologies. You will be eliminated if you submit more than one entry.
Until the time and date listed on the DV Instructions homepage, this website is not available for entry submission.
Comprehensive instructions for filling out the online entry form are included in the DV Instructions.
After submitting a complete entry, you will receive a confirmation screen with your name and a special confirmation number. For your records, print this confirmation screen. The fact that you keep your confirmation number is crucial. In order to monitor the status of your entrance and, if you are chosen, to book an interview for a visa, you will need your unique confirmation number.
Enrolment in the DV Program is free of charge. It is highly recommended that you fill out the admission form on your own, without the assistance of a “Visa Consultant,” “Visa Agent,” or other facilitator. You should be there when your entry is ready, even if someone else assists you, so you can answer the questions correctly and keep the confirmation sheet and your special confirmation number.
2. Selection Process
The Department of State selects Diversity Immigrant Visa (DV) applicants at random from all registered entries each year, taking into account the number of available visas in each country and region. The Electronic Diversity Visa (E-DV) website’s Entrant Status Check is updated on or around May 4, 2024, to inform all applicants whether or not their online registration was chosen. To check your entry status, you must enter the confirmation number you were given while completing your submission form. You won’t be able to monitor the progress of your entry if you misplace your confirmation number. We will not be able to resend the confirmation.
Important Notice: The U.S. Department of State does not send notification letters or emails to selectees. Additionally, U.S. embassies and consulates will not provide lists of those selected. The only official method to find out if you have been selected is through the Entrant Status Check on the official E-DV website. If you are not selected, this will also be indicated solely through the Entrant Status Check. It is highly recommended that you check your status personally rather than depending on someone else.
Participants in the Diversity Visa 2024 program can access the Entrant Status Check on the E-DV website between May 6, 2023, and September 30, 2024.
Selected applicants are advised to promptly complete the DS-260 online application in order to initiate the scheduling of their visa interview at the appropriate U.S. Embassy or Consulate.
If your entry is chosen, you will be taken to a confirmation page containing further instructions, including details about applicable immigration fees. Entrant Status Check remains the ONLY official method for notifying individuals of their selection.
For more details about the selection process, please refer to the Frequently Asked Questions section at the end of the DV Instructions.
3. If Selected then next process
If your entry is selected, you are strongly encouraged to immediately complete the online DS-260 application to begin the process of scheduling an interview at the appropriate U.S. Embassy or Consulate.
Important: The U.S. Department of State does not send selection notifications by mail or email, and U.S. embassies and consulates will not provide a list of selectees. The only official method to check your status is through the Entrant Status Check on the E-DV website. If selected, you will see a confirmation page with further instructions, including information about immigration-related fees. Be sure to complete all steps provided on that page as soon as possible to move forward with your visa application process.
If you are already physically present in the United States, you may be eligible to adjust your status and apply for permanent residence through the DV Program. For more details, refer to the Adjustment of Status guidelines.
Please note that being selected does not guarantee that you will receive a Diversity Visa. Selectees must still meet all eligibility requirements under U.S. immigration law.
DV-2024 entrants can check the status of their application on the E-DV website from May 6, 2023, until September 30, 2024.
4. Confirm Your Eligibility
To qualify for the Diversity Immigrant Visa (DV) Program, the principal applicant must meet one of the following requirements:
- Have a high school education or its equivalent, OR
- Have at least two years of qualifying work experience within the past five years in a profession that meets U.S. legal standards.
If you do not meet either of these criteria, you are not eligible for a Diversity Visa. Only the principal applicant needs to fulfill this requirement — your spouse and children do not. If you do not qualify, it is advised not to proceed with the application, as visa fees are non-refundable, even if you are later found ineligible.
Educational Requirement
A high school education means successful completion of formal elementary and secondary schooling that is equivalent to 12 years of education in the United States. Informal education or certificates such as the G.E.D. do not meet this requirement.
Work Experience Requirement
If you do not meet the educational criteria, you may still qualify through work experience. To be eligible:
- You must have two years of work experience within the past five years.
- The job must require at least two years of training or experience and be classified under:
- Job Zone 4 or 5 by the U.S. Department of Labor.
- A Specific Vocational Preparation (SVP) rating of 7.0 or higher.
You can check whether your occupation qualifies by visiting the U.S. Department of Labor’s O*Net Online database at: www.onetonline.org
To check if your job qualifies:
- Go to the website and select “Find Occupations” > “Job Family” from the dropdown menu.
- Choose your job field (e.g., Architecture and Engineering) and click “GO”.
- Click on your specific occupation (e.g., Aerospace Engineers).
- Scroll to the Job Zone section at the bottom of the Summary Report.
- If the job is listed in Zone 4 or 5 with an SVP Range of 7.0 or higher, it qualifies.
Using the example above, Aerospace Engineering falls under Job Zone 4 with an SVP Range of 7.0–8.0, meaning it meets the requirement.
If you do not meet the educational or work experience criteria as described above, it is recommended not to continue with the application. Ineligibility will result in the denial of your visa, and any application fees will not be refunded.
For more detailed information, refer to the DV-2024 and DV-2025 Instructions and the Frequently Asked Questions section.
5. Submit Your Immigrant Visa and Alien Registration Application
All principal applicants and eligible family members applying under the Diversity Visa (DV) Program must complete Form DS-260, the online Immigrant Visa and Alien Registration Application. To access and complete the form, you will need to enter your DV case number.
If your family situation has changed since submitting your initial DV entry—such as getting married or having a child—you must add the new family members to your case. (Family members include your legal spouse and/or unmarried children under the age of 21 at the time you entered the DV program.) You will also need to upload proof of your relationship with each new family member added.
⚠️ Important:
Failing to list an existing spouse or child on your original entry form may result in disqualification of your application, as well as that of your family members. Similarly, including someone who was not your legal spouse or child at the time of entry may also lead to disqualification.
If your family status genuinely changed after submission, you are allowed to update your case and submit the necessary documents for all applicants.
Instructions for Completing the DS-260
- On the Sign and Submit page, make sure to enter your DV case number without leading zeros.
For example, if your case number is2023AF0000012345, you should enter it as2023AF12345.
Entering the number with zeros will cause a validation error. - Once submitted, print the confirmation page and bring it with you to your visa interview.
After Submission
The Kentucky Consular Center (KCC) will notify you when your form has been processed.
However, KCC cannot determine your eligibility or that of your family for a diversity visa—only the U.S. consular officer conducting your interview can make the final decision.
Contacting KCC
If you need to reach the KCC for assistance:
- Include your full name, birthdate, and case number exactly as shown in the Entrant Status Check.
- Place your case number in the subject line or upper right corner of your email.
- KCC only accepts inquiries via email—do not mail physical documents, as they will be destroyed.
- Email all DV-related inquiries to: KCCDV@state.gov
6. Prepare Supporting Documents
DV-2024 Update on Document Submission
From Fiscal Year 2024 (DV-2024) onward, Diversity Visa (DV) selectees are no longer required to submit supporting documents to the Kentucky Consular Center (KCC). However, submission of the DS-260 application form remains mandatory. For additional details, please refer to the Diversity Visa 2024 Update.
Once KCC receives and processes the DS-260 form for both the principal applicant and any accompanying family members, they will issue further instructions regarding the submission of required supporting documents.
Required Document Preparation
Applicants and any accompanying family members intending to immigrate to the United States must collect and prepare original documents or certified copies, along with any required translations. These must be obtained from the appropriate office, authority, or issuing body in your country. You are expected to present the original documents at your visa interview at the U.S. embassy or consulate, together with any applicable translations.
Document Categories
Please review the information below to identify the specific documents you need to obtain. These original documents must be brought to your interview at a U.S. embassy or consulate. Do not send any of these documents to the Kentucky Consular Center (KCC). Any paper documents or correspondence mailed to KCC will be destroyed.
1. Birth Certificates
Each applicant must provide a birth certificate issued by the official custodian of birth records in the country of birth. The certificate must show the date and place of birth and the names of both parents, based on the original birth registration.
Important: A long-form birth certificate is required. Short-form birth certificates will not be accepted.
The birth certificate must include:
- The applicant’s date of birth
- The applicant’s place of birth
- The full names of both parents
- An official annotation indicating it is an extract from the official records made by the appropriate authority
Unobtainable Birth Certificates: In cases where birth records cannot be obtained, for reasons such as:
- The applicant’s birth was never officially recorded,
- The birth records were destroyed,
- The relevant government authority does not issue them,
You must instead obtain a certified statement from the appropriate government authority explaining why the birth certificate is unavailable. Along with this certified statement, the applicant must submit secondary evidence, such as:
- A baptismal certificate showing date/place of birth and both parents’ names (only valid if baptism occurred shortly after birth),
- An adoption decree for adopted individuals,
- An affidavit from a close relative (preferably the mother), including the date/place of birth, names of both parents, and mother’s maiden name. This affidavit must be sworn before an official authorized to administer oaths.
2. Court and Prison Records
Applicants who have been convicted of a crime must present a certified copy of each court and any prison record. This applies even if the applicant was later granted amnesty, a pardon, or another form of clemency.
Court records must include:
- Full details surrounding the criminal offense,
- The final outcome of the case, including the sentence or any penalties or fines imposed.
3. Military Records
Applicants who have served in the armed forces of any country must provide a copy of their military service record.
Note: Military records from certain countries may not be obtainable. Specific information is available on the Reciprocity by Country page.
4. Police Certificates
Who Must Submit a Police Certificate:
All applicants aged 16 or older are required to submit police certificates.
Requirements for Police Certificates:
The police certificate must:
- Cover the entire period of the applicant’s residence in a particular area,
- Be issued by the appropriate police authority,
- Include all arrests, reasons for the arrests, and the final outcome (disposition) of each recorded incident.
How to Obtain a Police Certificate:
- Determine which countries require you to obtain police certificates (see the table below).
- Visit the Reciprocity by Country page for detailed instructions on how to request the police certificate for a specific country.
Important Note: Some countries require the submission of specific police certificate request forms. This requirement will be indicated on the Reciprocity by Country page. Police certificates are not available from some countries—consult the page to verify.
You must submit a police certificate from the following places if the conditions apply:
| From… | And… | Then You Must Submit a Police Certificate From… |
|---|---|---|
| Your country of nationality | If you lived there more than 6 months and you are 16+ years old | The police authority in that country |
| Your current residence (if different) | If you lived there more than 6 months and you were 16+ at the time | The police authority in that location |
| Any previous country of residence | If you lived there more than 12 months and were 16+ at the time | The police authority in that country |
| Any country where you were arrested | At any age | The police authority in the place of arrest |
Note: Individuals who are current or former residents of the United States do NOT need to submit U.S. police certificates.
Police Certificate Expiration Rules:
Police certificates expire after two years, except if:
- They were issued by a country where you no longer live,
- And you have not returned to that country since the certificate was issued.
You must bring a new police certificate to your interview if:
- You are over 16 years old,
- Your police certificate is older than two years, and
- You still reside in the country that issued the certificate.
Unavailable Police Certificates:
If the Reciprocity page confirms that police certificates are not available from a specific country, you are not required to submit one.
If you are unable to obtain a certificate for another reason (e.g., personal or administrative issues), you must provide a written explanation when you submit your other documents.
5. Photocopy of Passport Biographic Data Page
Each applicant, including all accompanying family members, must provide a photocopy of the biographic data page of their currently valid passport. This page includes the applicant’s photo, name, date of birth, and place of birth.
- Send a photocopy (not the original) of the biographic data page to the Kentucky Consular Center (KCC).
- Bring the original passport and one photocopy of the biographic page to your visa interview at the U.S. Embassy or Consulate.
Important: Do not mail your original passport to KCC. You will need your original passport for travel purposes.
Embassy or Consulate-Specific Instructions
Civil and personal documents may vary between countries, depending on what is available. There may also be extra instructions or additional document requirements depending on the specific U.S. embassy or consulate where you are applying.
Please check the embassy or consulate where you will apply for specific local requirements. Some instructions may relate to immigrant visa types other than diversity visas, so if you have any confusion, you should contact the embassy or consulate directly.
To find details, visit the List of U.S. Embassies and Consulates and locate your local U.S. mission’s visa page.
7. Interview
Interview Process for Diversity Visa Applicants
Once the Kentucky Consular Center (KCC) has reviewed and processed your completed DS-260 application, you may receive an email notification informing you that your interview has been scheduled at the U.S. Embassy or Consulate you selected on your DS-260 form.
This email will instruct you to log in to the Entrant Status Check on the Electronic Diversity Visa (E-DV) website, using your DV confirmation number, to access your interview details — specifically the date, time, and location of your appointment. You should print this information and bring it with you to your interview.
All individuals listed in your DV application — including you, your spouse, and your children (if applicable) — must attend the interview, or be interviewed at a later time, in order to receive a diversity immigrant visa.
Important Note on Interview Scheduling
Your interview will only be scheduled when a visa number becomes available for you. Visa number availability is governed by the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA), which specifies how many diversity visas may be issued annually. These visas are allocated by visa category and global region, and released on a monthly basis as they become available.
The U.S. Department of State publishes a monthly document known as the Visa Bulletin, which contains current and upcoming visa availability by category and region. This resource is essential for checking the probability of a visa number being available for your case. You can access the most up-to-date information anytime by visiting the Visa Bulletin page.
Your submitted DS-260 form will be forwarded to the U.S. Embassy or Consulate where your interview is scheduled — there is no need to submit a new application.
Important Notice for Applicants
Please be aware that under U.S. immigration law, not all individuals who apply for a visa are guaranteed to be approved for travel to the United States. Each applicant’s eligibility is determined based on their unique circumstances, and there are multiple reasons someone may be found ineligible for a visa.
Additionally, in most cases, approved visas are not issued immediately at the conclusion of the interview.
Caution Before Making Life Changes
It is strongly recommended that you do not take irreversible steps until you have actually received your immigrant visa. This includes:
- Selling your home, vehicle, or other property,
- Quitting your job,
- Or purchasing non-refundable flight tickets or travel packages.
You should only make such commitments after your immigrant visa has been issued and is physically in your possession.
8. Prepare for the Interview
⚠️ Important Notice
Presidential Proclamation on Healthcare
Read Carefully Before Your Interview
All applicants must read the following information thoroughly. If you fail to bring all the necessary documents to your visa interview, your case may face significant delays. You could be required to return to the U.S. Embassy or Consulate on a different date, and your visa could be delayed or denied.
Make sure to prepare completely and carefully for your visa interview at the U.S. Embassy or Consulate. Inadequate preparation may result in delays or denial of your visa application.
Steps to Follow After Interview Notification
Once you receive your official notification of the interview schedule, take the following actions before your interview date:
1. Verify Your Interview Information
Go to the Entrant Status Check on the E-DV website and carefully review the details of your scheduled interview, including the date, time, and location.
2. Review the Interview Instructions for Your U.S. Embassy or Consulate
The U.S. Embassy or Consulate where you will attend your interview may have additional specific instructions. Please read these instructions carefully.
To find this information:
- Select the U.S. Embassy or Consulate where your interview is scheduled.
- Please be aware that some of the listed instructions may apply to visa categories other than the Diversity Visa (DV).
- If you have questions about any country-specific guidelines, contact the Embassy or Consulate where you plan to apply.
🔗 You can find this information at the List of U.S. Embassies and Consulates.
3. Schedule and Complete Your Medical Examination
All applicants (including each family member applying for a visa) must schedule a medical exam with an approved panel physician in the country where the interview will be held.
You must finish the medical examination—and any required vaccinations—before your visa interview. If you’re given a sealed envelope with your results, do not open it. Bring the sealed envelope to your visa interview. In some cases, doctors may send your medical results directly to the U.S. Embassy or Consulate.
You will find a list of authorized physicians for each U.S. Embassy or Consulate in a dropdown list. It is your responsibility to contact one and book an appointment.
Important:
- Tell the doctor that the medical is for a U.S. immigrant visa application.
- Provide the physician with your interview appointment date.
- The doctor will inform you about the cost of the medical exam and tests.
Please note: Some medical exam instructions may be general and not only for Diversity Visa applicants. If unsure, reach out to the U.S. Embassy or Consulate.
4. Collect Required Photos and Documents
🖼️ Photographs
Each DV applicant must bring two (2) identical photos to the interview. Make sure your photos meet the official U.S. visa photo requirements.
📑 Required Documents
Each applicant must bring the following to the visa interview:
- Appointment Confirmation printed from the Entrant Status Check page on the E-DV website.
- DS-260 Confirmation Page (downloadable anytime after completing your DS-260 form on the Consular Electronic Application Center).
- Valid Passport for each applicant, which must be valid at least six months beyond your intended date of U.S. entry.
- Original or Certified Copies of Civil Documents as required.
Educational or Work Experience Proof
The main DV applicant must meet one of the following:
- A high school education (or equivalent), or
- At least two years of qualifying work experience in the past five years.
Education Requirements:
- Submit a diploma, official school transcript, or certified evidence showing completion of a 12-year primary and secondary school course equivalent to U.S. high school.
- Not accepted: GED certificates or vocational diplomas not considered for college admission in the U.S.
Work Experience Requirements:
- Provide documentation showing that you have two years of experience in a job listed in the U.S. Department of Labor O*Net Online Database, which requires at least two years of training and is classified in Job Zone 4 or 5 with an SVP rating of 7.0 or higher.
- Refer to the Confirm Your Qualifications section for using O*Net Online.
Deportation Records
If you have previously been deported or removed from the United States at government expense, you must file Form I-212 (Permission to Reapply After Deportation) with USCIS. Follow the instructions on that form.
Marriage Certificate
If you are married, you must submit an original or certified copy of your marriage certificate with the official seal or stamp of the issuing authority.
🔎 Note: Some countries do not issue marriage certificates. For details, visit the Reciprocity by Country webpage.
Previous Marriages
If you were previously married, submit official proof of termination for each past marriage. Acceptable documents include:
- Divorce decrees
- Death certificates
- Annulment judgments
These must be originals or certified copies with an official seal or stamp.
Custody and Adoption Documents (if applicable)
If you are applying with an adopted child, provide:
- A certified copy of the adoption decree
- The legal custody order (if custody was granted before adoption)
- A statement showing where and when the child lived with the parents
- If the child was adopted at age 16 or 17, proof that they were adopted along with or after a natural sibling under age 16, by the same adoptive parents
5. Check for Any Additional Instructions
Visit the website of the U.S. Embassy or Consulate where you’ll be interviewed for any country-specific information or updates.
💰 Paying Fees
Each DV applicant must pay a non-refundable fee of $330 before the interview. Whether you are approved or denied a visa, this fee will not be refunded.
Fee payment methods vary by U.S. Embassy or Consulate. In some locations, you may have to pay before your interview by following the instructions provided by your Embassy/Consulate. In most cases, the fee will be collected on the day of your interview at the consular office.
Other possible costs may include:
- Medical exam fees
- Local government fees for obtaining certified documents
9. Applicant Interview
Before Your Interview
Make sure to follow all the interview preparation instructions provided by the U.S. Embassy or Consulate. On the day and time of your scheduled interview, go to the respective U.S. Embassy or Consulate. During the interview, a consular officer will assess your eligibility (and that of any family members attending with you) for an immigrant visa. As part of the procedure, you will undergo ink-free digital fingerprint scanning.
Who Needs to Attend the Interview?
You, your spouse, and any unmarried children who are also immigrating must attend the interview. If your spouse or unmarried children are immigrating separately at a later time, they do not need to attend your interview. In such cases, separate interview appointments will be arranged for them. If this applies to you, contact the appropriate U.S. Embassy or Consulate to schedule interviews for your family members.
Items to Bring to the Interview
- Appointment Letter: This includes your appointment details retrieved from the Entrant Status Check on the Electronic Diversity Visa (E-DV) website.
- DS-260 Confirmation Page: Print this confirmation page from the Consular Electronic Application Center once you have completed your DS-260 application.
- Passport: An unexpired passport valid for at least six months beyond your intended entry date into the U.S. is required for each applicant.
- Photographs: Provide two identical color passport photos for each applicant, which must comply with the Photograph Requirements.
- Medical Examination Results: Bring the sealed medical exam reports provided by the panel physician for each applicant, if applicable. Some doctors may send results directly to the Embassy or Consulate. See the “Prepare for the Interview” section for more information.
- Original and Supporting Documents: Present original or certified copies of civil documents for yourself and each family member applying for a visa, except passports. You may need to show documents proving work experience, education, marriage, divorce, or child custody. Originals will be returned after the interview; photocopies will be kept. Refer to “Prepare Your Supporting Documents” for details.
- English Translations: Documents not in English must be translated by a certified translator. You must bring the translations to your interview.
- Visa Fees: If you haven’t paid your visa fees in advance, be prepared to pay them before your interview with the consular officer. Refer to “Prepare for the Interview” for more information.
Important Reminder
Do not make irreversible financial or personal decisions like selling your property, quitting your job, or booking non-refundable travel until you have received your immigrant visa.
Additional Information
Child Turning 21 Soon: To qualify as a derivative applicant, your child must be under 21 and unmarried. They must also enter the U.S. using their visa before turning 21. If your child is nearing 21, contact the U.S. Embassy or Consulate where the interview is scheduled right away to see if an earlier appointment is possible. If your child becomes ineligible due to age, you’ll need to file a new petition for them, which may involve a long wait before they can immigrate.
Rescheduling Your Interview: If you’re unable to attend your scheduled appointment, contact the U.S. Embassy or Consulate immediately. By law, all diversity visas for the fiscal year must be issued by September 30. In some cases, the visa allotment for certain countries or regions may be exhausted before that date. If the diversity visa limit is reached, the program ends for the year. Rescheduling might result in losing your chance to receive a visa through the DV program.
Having Family Join Later: Your spouse and/or children may immigrate after you, but they must be issued their diversity visas before the September 30 deadline. Delaying could result in them losing eligibility, especially if the visa allocation is already exhausted. If that happens, you’ll have to file a new petition for them to join you later, which could take years.
Spouse or Children Not on Original Entry: If you got married or had a child after submitting your DV entry, you can include them now, and they may still qualify for diversity visas.
However, if you were already married or had children when you applied and did not list them, your entry could be disqualified, and any fees paid will not be refunded.
10. After the Interview
Outcome of Your Immigrant Visa Interview
After your immigrant visa interview at a U.S. Embassy or Consulate, the consular officer will notify you of the decision regarding your visa application — whether it has been approved or denied.
If Your Visa Is Approved:
If your visa is granted, the officer will explain how and when you will receive your passport with the visa included.
If Your Visa Is Denied:
If your visa application is declined, the officer will inform you of the reason you were found ineligible for a visa. For detailed reasons regarding visa ineligibility, scroll to the bottom of this page or refer to the Visa Denials webpage for more information.
Note: Certain cases may be temporarily refused due to the need for additional administrative processing. If this applies to your case, the officer will notify you at the end of your interview. The length of this processing varies depending on the specific circumstances of each application.
After Visa Approval – What Happens Next
Passport Containing the Visa:
Your immigrant visa for the Diversity Visa (DV) program will be placed inside your passport. As soon as you receive it, carefully review the visa to ensure that all personal details are correct. If you find any spelling or factual mistakes, promptly contact the U.S. Embassy or Consulate that issued the visa.
Sealed Immigration Packet:
You will also be given a sealed packet containing important documents. You are required to present this unopened packet to the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officials at your port of entry (commonly an airport) in the United States. Do not open the sealed packet under any circumstances.
Timing of Travel:
You must enter the United States and seek admission before the expiration date printed on your visa. Typically, a DV visa is valid for up to six months from the date it is issued. However, if your medical examination expires sooner, your visa may be valid for less than six months.
USCIS Immigrant Fee:
After obtaining your immigrant visa and before entering the United States, you must pay the USCIS Immigrant Fee to U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). Some visa holders are exempt from this fee, including:
- Children entering under Orphan or Hague adoption programs
- Iraqi and Afghan special immigrants
- Returning residents (SB-1 visas)
- Individuals with K visas
To learn more, visit the USCIS Immigrant Fee section on the USCIS website.
Important: USCIS will not issue your Permanent Resident Card (Green Card) until this fee is paid.
Vaccination Records for Children:
Children immigrating to the U.S. must have certain vaccinations in order to enroll in school. It’s strongly recommended to bring complete vaccination documentation for your child. You can check vaccination requirements by U.S. state on the CDC’s website under State Vaccination Requirements.
Carrying X-rays:
Do not pack your X-rays in your checked luggage. You must carry them with you by hand during your travel to the United States.
Entering the United States
When traveling, the principal applicant (main lottery winner) must arrive before or at the same time as any accompanying family members holding diversity visas.
With your valid DV visa and the sealed immigration packet, you will go to a U.S. port of entry (often an international airport) and ask CBP officials for permission to enter the country.
Please note: A visa does not automatically guarantee entry into the United States. Final admission is at the discretion of U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers. You can learn more about these procedures on the CBP Travel section of their website.
Once Admitted:
Upon successful entry, you will be considered a Lawful Permanent Resident (also known as a green card holder). This status grants you the legal right to live and work permanently in the United States.
After Becoming a Permanent Resident
As a new immigrant, it is important to understand your rights and responsibilities. You can access helpful information through the USCIS publication called “Welcome to the United States: A Guide for New Immigrants”, available on the USCIS website.
Social Security Number:
To find out about benefits provided by the Social Security Administration and how to apply for a Social Security Number (SSN), visit the official SSA website. This number is essential for employment, taxation, and many other legal and financial processes in the U.S.
About Visa Denials
In some cases, the consular officer may lack sufficient information to make a final decision, or your application might be missing supporting documents. If that’s the case, the officer will inform you about what is missing and how to provide the necessary documentation.
As mentioned, some applications may undergo further administrative processing before a final decision is made. The consular officer will let you know if this is necessary.
It’s important to understand that not every applicant qualifies for a U.S. visa. U.S. immigration law outlines numerous grounds of ineligibility. You can view the full list of visa ineligibilities on the U.S. Department of State’s website under Ineligibilities for U.S. Visas.
In some situations, you may be allowed to apply for a waiver to overcome your ineligibility. If that option is available in your case, the consular officer will explain the steps you need to follow.