The Diversity Immigrant Visa Program represents a dream for many hoping to build a life in the United States. The Green Card Lottery process can be challenging. This diversity lottery scheme has strict requirements, unpredictable wait times, and unexpected obstacles.
Alina and Ivan started their journey toward permanent residency full of hope after winning the Green Card lottery. Their dreams were suddenly shattered by uncertainty. After nine months of waiting, they finally got help from a green card lawyer in Los Angeles. Continue reading to find out how you can also make your diversity lottery dreams come true!
How Does the Diversity Lottery Work?
If you want to know how the Diversity Visa Lottery works, Alina and Iván’s story is a good example. Their journey shows hopeful anticipation, overcoming administrative processing obstacles, and securing a life-changing opportunity.
Here is a simple guide on how the American Diversity Lottery works. This will help you know what to expect and possibly beat the green card lottery odds:
STEP 1: Check Green Card Lottery Eligibility
Check if you can apply for the Diversity Visa Lottery. Visit the U.S. Department of State DV lottery page. There, you can find the latest eligibility details and the list of countries for the Green Card lottery. You’ll also need to confirm that you meet the educational or work experience requirements for your country. It's important to double-check your eligibility before submitting your application.
STEP 2: Submit Your DV Lottery Application
The green card lottery application process takes place during a designated time each year, usually in the fall. You can apply for the lottery by submitting an online form during this time. It’s crucial to be precise with your details, as any mistakes can disqualify your application.
Alina and Iván applied to the DV lottery with confidence, but like many others, they didn’t expect the long wait ahead.
STEP 3: Wait for the Green Card Lottery Results
After you submit your application, the waiting begins. DV Lottery results are typically announced in the spring following your application. If selected, you’ll be invited to move forward with the next steps.
Alina and Iván’s win was a huge step forward, but as they learned, waiting doesn’t always guarantee an easy path. They had to face unexpected Green Card lottery delays and issues that kept them in limbo.
STEP 4: Complete Your Visa Application
After being selected, you’ll need to fill out the DS-260 form, submit supporting documents, and prepare for your visa interview. For Alina and Iván, the paperwork was just one part of the puzzle; they still had to overcome long delays in their case.
STEP 5: Schedule and Attend an Interview
Once your visa application is processed, you’ll be scheduled for an interview at the U.S. embassy. During this interview, an officer will assess your eligibility for the visa. Alina and Iván had their interview in October 2023. However, their case stayed in administrative processing for more than nine months.
If you have delays like Alina and Iván, you may want to get help from a trusted Boston Writ of Mandamus lawyer. They’ll determine your eligibility for a mandamus lawsuit and help move your case forward.
STEP 6: Receive Your Visa
If approved, you’ll be issued an immigrant visa to travel to the U.S. Be aware of the September 30 green card lottery deadline. If you do not get your visa by then, you will lose your chance to get your Green Card for that year.
Since it’s a lottery, they could simply tell you that your visa expired, and that you can no longer get it. Thankfully, with the help of mandamus petition legal assistance, their visa was issued in time.
STEP 7: Enter the U.S.
Once you get your visa, you must enter the U.S. before September 30. This is how you officially become a permanent resident. Alina and Iván successfully went through the process. They were getting ready to move to the U.S. with their visas.
STEP 8: Become a U.S. Permanent Resident
You get permanent residency once you enter the U.S. with your visa. This means you can live and work in the United States.
A Green Card Lottery Dream Turns into Uncertainty
Alina and Ivan began their journey with incredible news—they had won the USA Diversity Lottery. What seemed like a smooth and straightforward process, however, soon turned into a long and uncertain wait.
Alina recalled:
“So me and Ivan, we moved to Canada one and a half years ago, we realized that we won the green card lottery.”
As time passed with no updates, their worry grew. They were not only afraid of losing their chance at a Green Card. They also worried about facing more obstacles, like many others had. On top of that, their immigration status in Canada remained uncertain, adding to their stress.
Unexpected Green Card Lottery Challenges
Even after completing their Green Card interview in October 2023, Alina and Ivan's case remained stuck in limbo. The reason? Administrative processing that dragged on for more than nine months.
Alina shared their experience:
“We passed the interview in October 2023. But my husband, he got like administration processing that lasted more than 9 months.”
As the months passed, their uncertainty turned into deep concern. They knew the Green Card lottery had a strict deadline. If they didn’t get approval by September 30, they would lose their chance to become permanent residents in the U.S. Alina recalled how difficult it was to feel stuck in Canada, unsure of what would happen with their case.
Alina shared:
"We kept asking ourselves, ‘What do we do?’ Because, you know, we’re from Russia, and with the war, we really didn’t know where to go or what to do."
Determined to find a solution to reach their green card lottery dreams, Alina discovered that filing a lawsuit could help speed up their case. That’s when she came across Goldstein Immigration Lawyers. Once she chose our firm, our experienced attorneys got to work, preparing everything needed to fight for their approval.
The Interview—And Then, the Big News!
The day of their embassy interview was a turning point for Alina and Ivan. After months of uncertainty, they were finally about to get a definitive answer on their Green Card lottery dreams. Excitement and anxiety filled the air as they prepared for this crucial moment.
Alina recalled how they felt before the interview:
"We knew we had a strong case. So we took this step because we truly needed it."
Then came the moment they had been waiting for—their Green Card was approved. The overwhelming sense of relief and joy was indescribable. After so much effort, patience, and perseverance, it had all been worth it. With their Green Card approved, Alina and Ivan could finally start planning their future in the United States.
A New Beginning in the United States
After months of waiting and uncertainty, Alina and Ivan could finally start planning their future. Winning the Green Card lottery not only helped them overcome bureaucratic hurdles but also opened the door to a new life in the U.S.
Now, with their move set, Alina and Ivan are ready for a fresh start in the U.S. While the journey was long and challenging, their story proves that with the right support and determination, any obstacle can be overcome.
Alina told us:
"We’re moving from Canada on July 28. Right now, we’re packing, getting everything organized, and preparing for this next chapter."
The Effort Paid Off: A Happy Ending
Alina and Ivan’s American Visa Lottery Program story is a true example of perseverance and determination. There are many paths to U.S. residency, and their journey toward permanent residency tested their resilience. Despite the delays, they never stopped seeking solutions after winning the Green Card lottery.
Alina shared:
“And because it's a lottery, they can say our visa is finished. Like, you cannot take it anymore. And then I found out that you can lawsuit them and boost your case. So I was looking for a company who can help.”
Their experience highlights the importance of understanding immigration processes, being prepared for unexpected challenges, and, most importantly, taking timely action.
For those facing similar struggles, their story serves as a powerful reminder that, with patience and the right legal support, the dream of living in the U.S. can become a reality.
We’re Grateful for Their Testimony!
Alina and Ivan spent a year trying to get their Green Card. Their journey had many challenges. We want to thank them for sharing their diversity lottery story with us. Their experience shows the challenges many immigrant couples face in the U.S. This includes long waits for Green Card processing.
We are truly grateful to Alina and Ivan. Their love and perseverance led them to achieve their dream of settling in the United States. Their story inspires many couples facing similar challenges. We’re honored to have been able to help this couple on their journey to the United States.
Don’t Hesitate to Reach Out!
At Goldstein Immigration Lawyers, we understand how stressful Green Card lottery delays can be—but we’re here to help you navigate the process. Our services are designed to provide the support you need and ensure your immigration status is protected.
If you are having similar problems with your DV lottery process, contact our skilled immigration attorneys. Josh’s team is here to answer all your questions and guide you every step of the way. If you’re unsure about any part of the process, we’re here to help.
Share your case with us today and schedule a personalized consultation. We’ll evaluate your situation and provide the right guidance to help you move forward. Your diversity lottery beginning might be just ahead, filled with opportunities and a promising future!
American Diversity Lottery FAQs
The Green Card Lottery offers a chance for people from eligible countries to win a U.S. Green Card, but there are important details to know about the process, costs, and eligibility.
1. What is the Diversity Lottery Program under Trump’s Administration?
The Diversity Visa (DV) Lottery Program gives people from countries with low immigration to the U.S. a chance to apply for a Green Card. During Trump’s time as president, there were talks about changing or stopping the program, but it continues today. Some countries might not be allowed to join, depending on the rules for that year.
2. How Can I Complete a Green Card Lottery Check?
To check if you won the Green Card Lottery, go to the official website. You will need your Confirmation Number, last name, and birth year. Results are usually out in May. Follow the steps on the website to see if you are selected.
3. What Are the Green Card Lottery Statistics?
Many people apply for the Green Card Lottery every year. Around 20 million people may apply, but only about 50,000 Green Cards are given out. This means the chances of winning can be about 1 in 200 or 1 in 400, depending on where you are from.
4. Which Countries Are Eligible for the Diversity Lottery Green Card?
People from countries with low immigration to the U.S. can apply for the Green Card Lottery. Diversity Lottery green card countries like Mexico, India, China, and the Philippines are not allowed. But countries like Albania, Bangladesh, South Africa, and Zambia are usually allowed. The U.S. government shares a list of eligible countries every year.
5. What Are the Important Diversity Lottery Dates?
The Green Card Lottery opens every year in October and closes in November. The exact dates change, so make sure to check the official U.S. government website for the most up-to-date information. You can check if you win in May.
6. How Much Does the Green Card Lottery Cost?
It is free to enter the Green Card Lottery. If you win, you will need to pay for some things. These include the Immigrant Visa Application Fee. You will also need to pay for medical exams and other costs. Be careful of fake websites that ask for money to apply—only use the official U.S. government website.
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