The Diversity Visa (DV) Lottery, also known as the Green Card Lottery, offers a chance for people from various countries to apply for a U.S. immigrant visa. Once selected, applicants must attend an interview at a U.S. embassy or consulate, where they need to present specific documents. These documents are crucial in demonstrating eligibility and ensuring a smooth process. Here is a comprehensive guide to the required documents for a DV Lottery interview, with a special focus on documents related to the host. This guide also includes general interview requirements to help you prepare adequately.
Understanding the Role of the Host in the DV Lottery Process
After being selected in the DV Lottery, you will need to arrange for a host in the United States. The host is someone who will accommodate you temporarily when you arrive in the U.S. They play a significant role, especially for visa applicants from certain countries where embassy policies mandate proof of a host’s willingness and capability to support the newcomer.
Why Do You Need a Host?
A host is needed to show that you will not become a public charge (someone who depends primarily on government assistance). The U.S. government wants to ensure that new immigrants can support themselves or have someone to help them get started. While filling out the DS-260 form (Immigrant Visa and Alien Registration Application), you will need the host’s address and other basic details. However, additional documentation may be required for the interview, depending on your country’s requirements.
Basic Documents Required for DV Lottery Interview
Before diving into host-specific documents, it’s essential to gather other key documents for your interview. These documents are required for all DV Lottery applicants:
- Appointment Confirmation Letter
- This is the letter or email notifying you of your scheduled interview. It serves as proof that you are on the list for an interview and is issued by the Kentucky Consular Center (KCC).
- DS-260 Confirmation Page
- Once you submit the DS-260 online, you will receive a confirmation page. This document is needed during the interview to show that you have completed your visa application.
- Valid Passport
- You must present a passport that is valid for at least six months beyond your intended date of entry into the United States. Make sure the passport is in good condition, with no damage or missing pages.
- Birth Certificate
- A certified copy of your birth certificate must be provided. This document is used to verify your identity and date of birth. Make sure it is translated into English if it is in a different language.
- Police Clearance Certificates
- You need a police certificate from each country where you have lived for at least six months since turning 16. This shows that you have no criminal record that would disqualify you from obtaining a visa.
- Medical Examination Report
- You must undergo a medical examination by an embassy-approved physician. The results of this examination will be sent directly to the embassy or given to you in a sealed envelope, which you should not open.
- Educational or Work Experience Documents
- You need proof of at least a high school education or its equivalent, or two years of work experience in an occupation requiring at least two years of training. Certificates, diplomas, or transcripts can be used to demonstrate this.
- Two Passport-Sized Photos
- Photos should be in color and meet the U.S. visa photo requirements, including size and background specifications.
Host-Related Documents Needed for the DV Lottery Interview
If you come from a country where host documentation is mandatory, here are the host-related documents you need for the DV Lottery interview:
1. Affidavit of Support (Form I-134)
The Affidavit of Support, also known as Form I-134, is a document that your host fills out to declare their financial responsibility for you once you arrive in the U.S. It serves as a guarantee to the U.S. government that you will not become a public charge. Here’s what you need to know about this form:
- How to Obtain It: Your host can download Form I-134 from the official U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) website. It is available as a PDF, which can be filled out electronically or printed and filled out manually.
- Required Information: The form includes the host’s personal information, financial details, and a statement of willingness to support you financially if needed.
- Submission: Once filled out, the form should be sent to you as a scanned copy via email. You must print it and bring the original signed form to the interview.
2. Tax Transcript or Form 1040
To support the Affidavit of Support, your host should provide evidence of their financial ability to support you. This is usually demonstrated through a tax transcript or a copy of their most recent Form 1040, which is used for filing income taxes in the U.S.
- Obtaining the Document: Your host can request a tax transcript from the IRS (Internal Revenue Service) or use a copy of their filed tax return (Form 1040).
- Significance: The tax transcript or Form 1040 shows the host’s income and tax history, which helps the embassy assess their financial stability.
3. Proof of Host’s Legal Status in the U.S.
The host must provide proof of their legal status in the U.S., which can be done through one of the following documents:
- Green Card Copy: If your host is a permanent resident, they should provide a copy of their Green Card.
- U.S. Passport Copy: For U.S. citizens, a copy of the photo page of their passport is sufficient.
- Naturalization Certificate: If the host became a U.S. citizen through naturalization, they can provide a copy of their naturalization certificate.
- Driver’s License: Alternatively, a copy of the host’s U.S. driver’s license may be accepted, although it is generally considered less authoritative than the other documents listed.
Steps to Follow When Collecting Host Documents
- Communicate Early with Your Host
- As soon as you win the DV Lottery, start looking for a host if you don’t have one. Once you find a host, discuss the necessary documents with them. It’s important to give them enough time to gather and send the required paperwork.
- Provide Detailed Instructions
- Make sure your host understands the exact documents needed, the format required (scanned or original copies), and the deadlines. Sharing the DV interview requirements with them can help avoid misunderstandings.
- Double-Check All Documents
- Review the documents before the interview to ensure that all information is accurate and up-to-date. Verify that names, dates, and addresses match what you provided on your DS-260 form.
- Prepare Physical Copies
- Print all documents and organize them in a folder. Even if the embassy accepts digital copies, having physical copies ready is always a good practice in case the interviewer requests them.
Frequently Asked Questions About Host Documents
Is it Mandatory to Have a Host?
Not all countries require DV Lottery applicants to present host documents. For instance, embassies in some countries may not ask for an Affidavit of Support or proof of a host. However, in countries like Kenya, it is a mandatory requirement. Research your country’s specific requirements to know what is expected.
Can I Have a Separate Host and Sponsor?
Yes, you can have a different person as your host and another person as your sponsor. A host is someone who provides you with accommodation, while a sponsor is the person who provides financial support and fills out the Affidavit of Support (Form I-134). However, it is more convenient if your host can also act as your sponsor.
What Should I Do If My Host Refuses to Provide Documents?
If your host is unwilling to provide the required documents, you should look for a backup host who can fulfill the requirements. Make sure you have a backup plan in case your initial host changes their mind or encounters any challenges in providing the documents.
What If I Can’t Find a Host?
If you have difficulty finding a host, consider reaching out to community organizations, social media groups, or churches in the U.S. where people from your country gather. These networks can often help connect you with potential hosts.
Additional Tips for a Successful DV Lottery Interview
- Research Embassy-Specific Requirements
- Requirements can vary by embassy, so always check the U.S. embassy or consulate’s website in your country to confirm the documents you need for your interview.
- Practice for the Interview
- Be prepared to answer questions about your host, their relationship to you, and your plans upon arrival in the U.S. The interviewer may want to ensure that your host is genuinely willing to support you.
- Be Honest and Transparent
- Provide truthful information about your host and sponsor. Any inconsistencies can raise red flags during the interview.
- Stay Updated on Visa Bulletin
- Keep an eye on the visa bulletin to know when your case number is current, which will determine when your interview is scheduled.
Conclusion
Preparing for the DV Lottery interview requires careful planning, especially when it comes to host-related documents. The key documents include the Affidavit of Support (Form I-134), tax transcripts or Form 1040, and proof of the host’s legal status. Being well-prepared and understanding these requirements will greatly increase your chances of a successful visa interview. Make sure to start early, double-check your documents, and understand the specific requirements of the U.S. embassy in your country. With the right preparation, you can navigate the interview process smoothly and get one step closer to achieving your American dream.