The U.S. Green Card Lottery, or the Diversity Visa Program, is an initiative by the U.S. government that provides a pathway to permanent residency for individuals from countries with historically low immigration rates to the United States.
Importance of a Green Card
- Legal Permanent Residency: It grants you the status of a legal permanent resident in the United States, allowing you to live and work there indefinitely.
- Access to Benefits: Green Card holders have access to a range of benefits, including healthcare, education, and social security.
- Eligibility for Citizenship: After a certain period of time as a Green Card holder, you may become eligible to apply for U.S. citizenship.
- Opportunity for Family Reunification: Green Card holders can sponsor family members for immigration, providing a pathway for them to join you in the U.S.
Kenyan Applicants and Success Rates
The number of DV Lottery applications from Kenya has steadily increased over the past five years:
| Kenyan Applicants and Success Rates | ||
| Year | Applications | Selected |
| 2022 | 2M | 5500 |
| 2021 | 1.7M | 5000 |
| 2020 | 1.4M | 4700 |
| 2019 | 1.2M | 4200 |
| 2018 | 0.8M | 3500 |
It’s important to note that the selection process is random, and the number of applications submitted significantly impacts the chances of winning. While the number of Kenyans selected has also increased, the competition becomes fiercer with each year’s rising application numbers.
Global Application Statistics
Unfortunately, publicly available data on the total number of applications worldwide for the DV Lottery is not readily available. The U.S. Department of State only announces the total number of visas available (around 55,000) and the geographic regions from which applicants can qualify.
Errors to avoid when applying for the USA Green Card Lottery
The application process is rigorous, and even a minor mistake can lead to disqualification. Here are ten common mistakes you should steer clear of when applying for the US DV Lottery:
- Submitting Incomplete or Inaccurate Information
- Submitting incomplete or inaccurate information can lead to immediate disqualification. Be sure to fill out every section of the application accurately. For example, if you’re married, include details about your spouse and provide accurate contact information.
- Ignoring the Photo Requirements
- One of the most common errors is not adhering to the specific photo requirements. Make sure your photo meets the official criteria, including size, resolution, background color, and facial expression. Failure to do so can result in a rejected application.
- Applying Multiple Times
- Some individuals believe that applying multiple times increases their chances of winning. This is a misconception and can actually lead to disqualification. Only one entry per person is allowed per year.
- Neglecting to Include Dependents
- If you have eligible dependents, such as children, you must include them in your application. Failing to do so will lead to their exclusion from the lottery, even if they are selected.
- Waiting Until the Last Minute to Apply
- Procrastination can be costly in the DV Lottery. The application window is limited, and technical issues or high traffic volume can occur. It’s crucial to apply well before the deadline to avoid any last-minute hiccups.
- Providing False Education or Work Experience Information
- Some applicants may be tempted to embellish their education or work experience to meet the eligibility criteria. This is a grave mistake, as the information provided will be thoroughly vetted. If discrepancies are found, the application will be rejected.
- Not Retaining the Confirmation Number
- After submitting your application, you’ll receive a confirmation number. It’s crucial to keep this number in a safe place, as it’s the only way to check the status of your application. Losing it can result in difficulties down the line.
- Neglecting to Review and Proofread
- Carefully review your application before submission. Typos, grammatical errors, or inaccuracies can lead to problems. Take the time to proofread all sections.
- Ignoring the Entry Period
- The DV Lottery only accepts applications during a specific time frame each year. Failing to apply within this period will result in automatic disqualification. Keep an eye on the official website for the opening dates.
The step-by-step process of applying for the DV Lottery
Check Eligibility Before applying, ensure you meet the eligibility criteria. You must be from a qualifying country and meet the education or work experience requirements.
Access the DV Lottery Application Visit the official DV Lottery website https://dvprogram.state.gov during the application period, which is typically announced annually by the US Department of State.
Complete the DV Lottery Form
Fill out the electronic application form (DS-5501) accurately. Provide all required personal information, including your photograph (as per the specified guidelines), contact details, and educational/work background.
The DV Lottery application process is completely online and doesn’t involve a downloadable form. Here’s a breakdown of the information you’ll need to provide during the application on the official DV Lottery website (https://dvprogram.state.gov):
Part 1: Applicant Information
- Enter your full name (first, middle, last) as it appears in your passport.
- Indicate your date of birth.
- Select your gender.
- Choose your country of birth.
- Enter your country of eligibility (which may be different from your birth country).
- Upload your digital photograph meeting the specifications outlined previously (size, format, background, pose, headwear).
- Provide your mailing address.
- Enter your phone number (optional).
- Enter your email address.
Part 2: Applicant Spouse and Children Information
- If married, include your spouse’s information (name, date of birth, country of birth). Even if your spouse isn’t immigrating with you now, you must still include them.
- List all your unmarried children under the age of 21 (name, date of birth, gender, country of birth).
Part 3: Education and Work Experience
- Indicate your highest level of education attained from a list of options (high school, some college, bachelor’s degree, etc.).
- Select your two years of work experience in the past five years that require at least two years of training or experience to qualify. You can choose from a provided list of occupations or enter your own if not listed.
Part 4: Review and Submit
- Carefully review all the information you’ve entered for accuracy.
- Once confirmed, submit your application electronically.
- Remember to keep your confirmation number for future reference to check your application status.
Important Reminders
- The application is only available in English.
- You can only submit one application per year. Applying multiple times will disqualify you.
- There is no application fee, so beware of scams requesting payment.
- All information must be truthful and accurate.
Submit Supporting Documents
Along with your application, you’ll need to submit a recent digital photograph that meets the following specifications:
- Size: 600 pixels x 600 pixels
- File format: JPEG
- Background: Plain white or off-white background
- Pose: Full face, front view with eyes open and neutral expression
- Headwear: No glasses, hats, or head coverings (except for religious or medical reasons with proper documentation)
- Pay the Application Fee
There is no application fee to participate in the DV Lottery. Beware of fraudulent websites or agents claiming otherwise.
Receive and Keep the Confirmation Number
After submitting your application, you will receive a unique confirmation number. Keep this number safe and confidential, as it’s the only way to check your application status later.
While the application process is straightforward, careful preparation and adherence to guidelines are crucial. This blog provides a comprehensive overview of the program, application steps, and Kenyan applicant trends. Remember, winning is based on a random selection process, so applying early and meeting all requirements is essential.
US DV Lottery Guide: Results, Recovery, and Relocation
Congratulations! You applied for the US DV Lottery and now eagerly await the results. This blog serves as your guide for Kenyans on everything from checking results and recovering lost confirmation numbers to the exciting yet intricate process of settling in the US if selected.
Checking Your US DV Lottery Results
The results for the DV Lottery are typically announced in early May the following year, after the application window closes. Here’s how to navigate the official website to check your status:
- Visit:The US DV Lottery Official Website.
- Click on the blue “Check Entrant Status” button.
- Enter your confirmation number and year of birth exactly as submitted in your application.
- Click “Submit.”
The website will display your selection status. If selected, you’ll receive further instructions about the next steps.
Have you lost your confirmation number?
If you misplaced your confirmation number, fret not! You can retrieve it using the following method:
- Go to the DV Lottery website.
- Click on the blue “Check Entrant Status” button.
- Below the entry fields, click on “Forgot Confirmation Number?”
- Enter your year of birth, full name (first, middle, last), and email address used during application.
- Click “Submit.”
The system will send your confirmation number to the registered email address if it matches the information provided.
Selected for the US?
Being selected is just the beginning of your US immigration journey. Here’s a breakdown of the following steps:
- Online Case Creation (OLC): The Kentucky Consular Center (KCC) will send you instructions to create an online case file through the US Department of State’s Consular Electronic Application Center (CEAC) website. This portal allows you to submit the required documents and track your case’s progress.
- Medical Examination: You’ll need to undergo a medical examination by a US Department of State-approved physician in Kenya. The KCC will provide a list of authorized doctors.
- Complete Required Documents: Gather all necessary documents, including your passport, birth certificate, marriage certificate (if applicable), educational diplomas, military records (if applicable), proof of sufficient funds to support yourself in the US, and police certificates from all countries you’ve resided in for more than six months during the past five years.
- Schedule and Attend Your Interview: Once the KCC receives your documents, they will schedule an interview at the US Embassy in Nairobi, Kenya. Be prepared to answer questions about your application and immigration plans.
- Visa Issuance (if successful): If your interview is successful, you’ll receive a Diversity Visa (DV) stamped in your passport. This visa allows you to enter the US and apply for permanent residency.
Settling in the US
Upon arrival in the US, you’ll need to:
- Obtain a Social Security Number: This essential number allows you to work legally and access various benefits.
- Find Housing: Secure a place to live – apartments, houses, or shared accommodations are options.
- Open a Bank Account: This facilitates financial transactions and helps build credit history.
- Explore Employment Opportunities: With a green card, you can legally work for any US employer. Utilize job boards and networking to find suitable positions.
- Acclimatize to US Culture: The US has a diverse and dynamic culture. Embrace new experiences and integrate while staying connected to your Kenyan roots.
Additional Resources for Kenyans
- US Department of State DV Lottery Website: https://dvprogram.state.gov
- US Embassy in Nairobi, Kenya: https://ke.usembassy.gov/
- Kenyan Community Organizations in the US (find online directories)
This blog equips you with the knowledge to navigate the US DV Lottery results, recover lost confirmation numbers, and understand the relocation process. With careful planning and resourcefulness
We help Kenyans apply at an affordable fee Contact us for more information.
For the latest information and official updates, always refer to the U.S. Department of State’s DV Lottery website: https://dvprogram.state.gov.
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