Congratulations! If you entered the Diversity Visa (DV) Lottery between October 2 and November 5, 2024, and are selected starting May 3, 2025, you’re one big step closer to U.S. permanent residency. But selection doesn’t mean you automatically get a visa. You must act fast and follow these steps carefully.
✅ Step 1: Confirm Your Selection
Check your status at dvprogram.state.gov
- Use the confirmation number you received at the time of entry.
- No emails or letters will be sent—beware of scams.
- If selected, you’ll get a message with your case number and further instructions.
✅ Step 2: Understand the Timeline
Selection does not guarantee a visa. You must complete everything within the fiscal year: October 1, 2025 – September 30, 2026.
More people are selected than visas available (about 55,000), so act quickly.
✅ Step 3: Submit Form DS-260
- Go to ceac.state.gov
- Complete and submit Form DS-260 (Immigrant Visa Application)
- You’ll need details about:
- Personal and family history
- Education and work experience
- Travel documents
- Spouse and children (if applicable)
⚠️ You cannot edit the form after submission unless the KCC allows it.
✅ Step 4: Prepare Your Documents
You’ll need to bring original (and translated, if needed) documents to your interview:
- Valid passport
- Birth certificate
- Police certificate (if over 16)
- Marriage/divorce records (if applicable)
- Court/military records (if applicable)
- Proof of education or work experience
- 2 recent passport-sized photos
✅ Step 5: Wait for Your Interview
Interviews are based on case number order.
- The KCC will email you with your scheduled interview date.
- Track visa bulletin updates at: Visa Bulletin
✅ Step 6: Complete Your Medical Exam
- Schedule a medical exam with an embassy-approved doctor after getting your interview notice.
- Follow instructions carefully.
- Results will either be given to you in a sealed envelope or sent directly to the embassy.
✅ Step 7: Attend Your Interview
At the U.S. embassy/consulate:
- Bring your interview letter, DS-260 confirmation, original documents, and sealed medical results
- Pay the $330 visa fee (per person)
- Answer questions about your background
- If approved, your visa is placed in your passport
✅ Step 8: Pay the USCIS Immigrant Fee
After receiving your visa and before traveling to the U.S., pay the $220 fee at:
🔗 uscis.gov/forms/uscis-immigrant-fee
This covers processing your green card after arrival.
✅ Step 9: Travel Before Visa Expires
- Your visa is usually valid for 6 months from your medical exam date
- Enter the U.S. before it expires
- At the port of entry, your passport will be stamped and your green card mailed to your U.S. address
✅ Step 10: Start Your New Life in the U.S.
Once in the U.S.:
- Apply for a Social Security Number (often done automatically if requested during DS-260)
- Settle housing, employment, and healthcare
- You are now a lawful permanent resident
⚠️ Final Warnings
- The lottery is free and random—don’t pay anyone to “increase your chances”
- Only trust official government websites (.gov)
- Missed deadlines = missed opportunity
