How Long Does it Take After Winning the US Green Card Lottery to Receive the Green Card?

Winning the US Green Card Lottery, also known as the Diversity Visa (DV) lottery, is an exciting milestone, but the journey from winning to obtaining your Green Card involves several steps, typically spanning two years. Here’s a detailed outline of the entire process.

Notification and Application

Once the DV lottery results are announced in May, winners are notified. The next step is to gather all necessary documents and fill out Form DS-260, Immigrant Visa Application. This process can take several weeks to a few months, depending on individual circumstances.

Interview Process

After completing the application, applicants are scheduled for an interview at a U.S. embassy or consulate. The timing for this interview can vary widely based on the embassy’s workload and typically takes a few months.

Visa Issuance

If the interview is successful, the applicant receives an immigrant visa. This usually occurs within a few weeks after the interview. The immigrant visa enables the holder to enter the U.S. and start the process of becoming a lawful permanent resident.

Entry into the U.S.

Once the immigrant visa is issued, the applicant must enter the U.S. within the validity period of the visa, typically six months. Upon entry, they are granted lawful permanent resident status and receive their Green Card in the mail, usually within a few weeks to a few months after arriving in the U.S.

Additional Considerations

After winning the lottery, there are several other important considerations to keep in mind:

Immediate Action Required: You must follow the steps outlined on the website promptly to secure your place in the queue. If your number is too high, you might miss out on the 50,000 visas allocated through the lottery, as the initial 100,000 applicants are selected but only half receive visas. Prioritization of Family Members: The 50,000 visas are allocated first to the winning individual, then to their spouse, and finally to any minor children. If you have a large family, acting quickly is crucial to avoid missing the window. Gateway to Visa and Green Card Application: Winning the lottery gives you the opportunity to apply for a visa and Green Card without a sponsor and without waiting for a priority date to become current. However, there are other requirements, such as passing a physical exam and passing an interview. Financial Provisions: To receive a Green Card, you must demonstrate a plan for finding a job and housing in the U.S. and the means to support yourself until you start working. The DV lottery does not provide financial assistance, so you must be prepared to support yourself.

The entire process from winning the lottery to receiving the Green Card can take several months to over a year, depending on various factors such as application processing times, interview scheduling, and individual circumstances.

In conclusion, while winning the US Green Card Lottery is a significant step towards achieving lawful permanent residency in the U.S., it’s important to be aware of the additional steps involved and to act promptly to ensure you don’t miss out on the opportunity.