Winning the Green Card Lottery, officially known as the Diversity Visa (DV) Lottery, is a major milestone for anyone hoping to immigrate to the United States. However, winning the lottery is just the beginning of a multi-step process that involves several important tasks before you can receive your green card and move to the U.S. Here’s what happens after you win the Green Card Lottery:
1. Receive the Selection Notification
- Notification via the Official Website: If you’re selected, you’ll receive a notification when you check your status on the official DV Lottery website. This notification includes a case number, which is crucial for the next steps in the process.
- Important Note: Winning the lottery does not guarantee a green card. You still need to meet all eligibility requirements and complete additional steps to obtain your visa.
2. Complete the DS-260 Form
- Submit the DS-260 Online: The first major task after winning is to fill out and submit the DS-260 form, also known as the Online Immigrant Visa and Alien Registration Application. This form is submitted through the Consular Electronic Application Center (CEAC) website.
- Provide Accurate Information: It’s essential to provide accurate information, including details about your personal history, family members, and travel plans. Inconsistent or incorrect information can lead to delays or even disqualification.
3. Collect and Prepare Required Documents
- Essential Documents: After submitting the DS-260 form, you’ll need to gather several important documents that will be required for your visa interview. These include:
- Passport: A valid passport for you and any accompanying family members.
- Birth Certificates: Certified copies of birth certificates for all applicants.
- Marriage Certificate: If applicable, a certified copy of your marriage certificate.
- Police Certificates: Police certificates from every country where you have lived for six months or more since the age of 16.
- Education and Work Documents: Proof of your educational qualifications or work experience.
- Financial Documents: Evidence that you will not become a public charge in the U.S., such as bank statements or an affidavit of support from a U.S. sponsor.
4. Schedule and Attend the Visa Interview
- Monitor the Visa Bulletin: The U.S. Department of State publishes the Visa Bulletin monthly, which shows the case numbers eligible for interview scheduling. Your interview will be scheduled based on your case number, with lower numbers generally being processed earlier.
- Medical Examination: Before the interview, you must complete a medical examination with an approved physician. The results are usually sent directly to the embassy or consulate or provided to you in a sealed envelope.
- Interview Preparation: Prepare for the interview by ensuring all required documents are complete and organized. During the interview, a consular officer will ask questions about your background, verify your documents, and assess your eligibility.
- Interview Outcome: If your visa is approved, you’ll receive an immigrant visa packet, which you must not open. This packet will be presented to Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers when you enter the U.S.
5. Pay the Visa Fee
- Fee Payment: There is a visa application fee that must be paid before your interview. This fee is non-refundable, even if your visa application is denied. Be sure to check the U.S. Department of State’s website for the current fee amount.
6. Receive and Use Your Immigrant Visa
- Visa Issuance: After a successful interview, your immigrant visa will be issued and placed in your passport. The visa typically allows you to enter the U.S. within six months of issuance.
- Travel to the U.S.: You must enter the U.S. before the visa expires. Upon arrival, present your visa packet to the CBP officer at the port of entry.
7. Entry to the U.S. and Temporary Status
- Port of Entry: At the port of entry, a CBP officer will review your visa and documents. If everything is in order, you’ll be admitted to the U.S. as a permanent resident. Your passport will be stamped, serving as temporary evidence of your permanent resident status.
- Social Security Number (SSN): If you requested an SSN on your DS-260 form, it will be mailed to you after your arrival in the U.S. If not, you can apply for one at a Social Security office.
8. Receive Your Green Card
- Mailing of the Green Card: Your physical green card (Permanent Resident Card) will be mailed to the U.S. address you provided. This process typically takes 2 to 4 months.
- Permanent Resident Status: The green card officially grants you permanent resident status, allowing you to live, work, and study in the U.S. indefinitely.
9. Start Your New Life in the U.S.
- Settle In: Once you receive your green card, you can begin your new life in the United States. You’ll have the same rights and responsibilities as other permanent residents, including the right to work and the obligation to pay taxes.
- Understand Your Rights and Responsibilities: It’s important to familiarize yourself with the rights and responsibilities of permanent residents. This includes renewing your green card when it expires and obeying all U.S. laws.