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Before we start, a big thank you to our wonderful contributors: Ahmed, Andreas, Antonia, Bogdan, Christina, Greg, Iasmina, Jesh, and Sara. Your ideas have made this guide even better for our community!

Congratulations on Being Selected in the DV Lottery!

If you’re on the DV-2025/DV-2026 journey, you know how exciting—and sometimes a bit nerve-wracking—it can be to get ready for the U.S. immigrant visa interview. We’re here to help make that process as clear and simple as possible.

In this guide, we’ll take you step-by-step through the DV Lottery visa interview documents checklist. We cover everything you need—from identity papers to translations—based on the latest official guidance as of March 23, 2025. Follow along with us to feel confident that you have every document in hand and are fully ready for your interview. Let’s get started and make this journey as smooth as possible!

Step-by-Step DV Lottery Interview Document Checklist

Preparing for your Diversity Visa (Green Card) interview can feel overwhelming. Below is a comprehensive checklist of all the original documents you need to gather and organize before your interview, along with tips for each item.

DV Lottery Appointment & Confirmation Documents

Appointment Letter:

• This is the letter from the Entrant Status Check confirming your interview date.
• Print the appointment notification page that shows the interview details. You will need to show this to enter the embassy and during your interview.
• (For DV selectees, this serves as your “second letter” – DV cases do not get an NVC letter, so bring the ESC appointment page.)

DS-260 Confirmation Page:

• After submitting the DS-260 Immigrant Visa Application online, you should have a confirmation page.
• Print the DS-260 confirmation page from the Consular Electronic Application Center and bring it along. This proves you completed the immigrant visa application form.

DV Lottery Selection Letter (Printout):

• It’s advisable to bring a printout of your original DV Lottery selection notification (the “first letter” from Entrant Status Check).
• Even if not always requested, this document shows your Case Number and confirms your lottery win.

Payment Receipt (if applicable):

• If you paid the $330 DV visa fee in advance (some embassies allow or require this), bring the receipt.
• Otherwise, note that you will pay the fee on the interview day. (Check your embassy’s instructions on fee payment – most DV applicants pay at the interview.)

Passport and Identity Photos

Passport (Original):

• Each applicant (including any derivative spouse or child) must have a valid passport.
• Ensure your passport is not expired and is valid for at least 6 months beyond the planned entry date into the U.S. Bring your original passport to the interview since the visa will be placed in it if approved.

Photocopy of Passport Biographic Page:

• Make a photocopy of the passport’s biographic data page (the page with your photo and details) for each passport.
• Many embassies collect the copy and later return your original with the visa, so having at least one copy per passport is recommended.

Passport-Size Photographs:

• Bring two (2) recent identical color photographs of each applicant.
• They should be 2 x 2 inches (5cm x 5cm) with a plain white background, meeting U.S. visa photo requirements (frontal view, neutral expression, no eyeglasses, etc.).
• Even if you uploaded a digital photo during the lottery and DS-260 process, physical photos are still required for the interview.
• Print these on high-quality photo paper and store them in a small envelope in your document folder to keep them clean.

Essential Reminder:
A valid passport (with copies) and passport-sized photos are essential identity documents for your DV interview.

Education and Work Experience Documents

One unique requirement of the DV Lottery is proving that you meet the education or work experience criteria. You must have either a qualifying high school education or sufficient work experience.

High School Diploma or Equivalent:

• If you qualified via education, bring your original high school diploma (or graduation certificate). It should reflect completion of a course comparable to a U.S. 12-year high school education.
• Note that equivalency certificates like GEDs are not accepted; you need the actual secondary school completion credential.
• If available, also consider bringing transcripts or mark sheets for the final year as supplementary evidence—but the original diploma is most important.

College or University Degree (optional):

• A college degree is not required for the DV Lottery (only high school is required), but if you have higher education credentials, bring those diplomas as additional supporting evidence.

Work Experience Proof:

• If you do not meet the education requirement, you must prove that you have qualifying work experience (two years within the last five in an occupation that requires at least two years of training or experience).
• Gather documents such as:
  • Letters from employers on company letterhead stating your job title, dates of employment, and duties.
  • Work contracts or pay stubs that demonstrate the nature and duration of your employment.
  • Professional certificates or licenses (if applicable, such as trade certificates).
• These documents help the consular officer verify that your work experience meets the DV program’s criteria.
• You may also research your job’s classification on ONet and be prepared to discuss your duties if asked.

Tip:
Organize your education/work documents together. If they are not in English, remember to have them translated (see Step 6). While the official requirement is a high school education or equivalent, thorough documentation (originals and copies) will cover all bases.

Civil Documents (Birth, Marriage, Divorce, etc.)

Gather the civil documents that establish your identity, family relationships, and personal history. These must be originals or certified copies issued by the appropriate authority.

Birth Certificate:

• Required for every applicant (both the primary selectee and each derivative spouse/child).
• You must present an original “long-form” birth certificate issued by the civil registry that shows your name, date and place of birth, and your parents’ names.
• Short-form birth abstracts or church certificates will not be accepted.
• If your birth certificate is not in English (or the local language of the interview country), include a certified translation.

What if You Cannot Get a Birth Certificate?

• If your birth was never officially registered or if records were destroyed, obtain a certified statement from the authority explaining the unavailability of the record.
• Also, provide secondary evidence such as a baptismal certificate or an affidavit from a parent/relative detailing your birth.

Marriage Certificate:

• If you are married, bring your original marriage certificate for your current marriage.
• It should be issued by the competent government authority. (If you have multiple spouses from past marriages, see the next item.)

Marriage Termination Documents:

• If you have ever been previously married (even if now divorced or widowed), bring evidence of termination for every prior marriage.
• This means original divorce decrees for all divorces or a death certificate if a spouse passed away.
• The consular officer must verify that every previous marriage has been legally ended before a visa is issued to your current family.
• Ensure these documents are official copies and, if not in English, have them translated.
• For derivative spouses: The primary applicant’s spouse should also bring any prior marriage/divorce documents along with the current marriage certificate.

Children’s Birth Certificates:

• If you have children immigrating with you, you will need each child’s birth certificate showing the parents’ names.
• For step-children or adopted children, include legal documentation of the relationship (e.g., an adoption decree).
• Even if a child is not immigrating, it is wise to have their birth certificate copies listed in your DS-260 in case the officer asks.

Adoption Papers (if applicable):

• If an immigrating child was adopted, include the adoption decree and any legal custody documents from before the adoption.
• These prove that the adoption is legally recognized.

Custody or Permission Documents (for minors):

• If you have a minor child emigrating without the other parent, some embassies require evidence of permission or legal custody to take the child to the U.S. (especially if the other biological parent is not accompanying).
• This could be a notarized letter of consent or a court custody order.
• Check your local U.S. Embassy instructions, as this requirement isn’t explicitly listed in general DV guidance but falls under “custody documentation.” Better to have it ready than risk delay.

Remember:

• All civil documents must be originals or certified copies (plain photocopies are not acceptable).
• The consular officer will review these and return the originals after the interview, keeping only photocopies on file.
• Therefore, make photocopies of each document to submit while keeping the originals safe.

Police Certificates and Court/Military Records

To ensure applicants do not have serious criminal or security issues, you must obtain police clearances and certain judicial/military records.

Police Certificates:

• Every DV applicant aged 16 or older must obtain police certificates from the appropriate authorities.
• Generally, you need a police clearance from each country where you have lived for a significant period since age 16.
• According to official rules:
  • If you lived in your country of nationality for more than 6 months after turning 16, you need a police certificate from that country.
  • If you lived in any other country for more than 12 months since age 16, you need one from each such country.
  • If you currently live in a different country than your nationality for more than 6 months, you need one from there as well.
• Additionally, any country where you were arrested or convicted (regardless of how long you lived there or your age) requires a police certificate that lists any record of arrests, charges, and outcomes.
• If there is no record, the certificate will typically indicate a clear history.

Example:
Imagine you are a DV selectee from Country A. You studied abroad in Country B for 2 years and later worked in Country C for 1 year. You also had a minor court case in Country D. In this situation, you must obtain:

• A police certificate from Country A (your home country, since you’re over 16).
• A police certificate from Country B (lived there for 2 years).
• No certificate from Country C (only 1 year, which is less than 12 months after turning 16).
• A police certificate from Country D (due to the arrest).
  Follow the official criteria for your situation.

Reciprocity Lookup:

• Check the State Department’s Reciprocity by Country lookup to find out how to obtain each country’s police certificate and whether any are unavailable.
• (Some countries may refer to it as a Police Clearance or Good Conduct Certificate. The lookup will also note if a country does not issue police records at all, in which case the requirement may be waived.)

Validity:

• Police certificates are generally considered valid for 24 months.
• If your certificate is older than 2 years by the interview date and you still reside in that country, obtain an updated one.

Court and Prison Records:

• If you have ever been convicted of a crime, you must bring certified court records for each case.
• This includes the indictment or charges and the final disposition (verdict, sentence, etc.), even if you were later pardoned or if the charges were expunged.
• If you served time in prison, include any prison records or release documents.
• The consular officer needs the official paperwork for every criminal case—do not assume that an older conviction will be ignored.

Military Records:

• If you have served in the military of any country, provide your military service record (often called discharge papers or a military booklet).
• This should be an official copy of your service record or discharge certificate.
• Some countries have specific forms for military records; check the Reciprocity by Country to see if your country’s military records are available.
• If the country does not release military records, be prepared to explain that with a written statement.

General Reminder for These Documents:

• For police, court, and military documents, always obtain official originals (with stamps, seals, etc.) and prepare translations if they are not in English.
• Make photocopies as well since the embassy will retain copies.
• If a required police certificate is officially unavailable as per guidelines, the officer may waive it. However, if it’s supposed to be available and you simply couldn’t obtain it in time, bring evidence of your attempts (receipts, request letters) along with a written explanation.
• (See Step 8 for handling missing documents.)

Translating and Certifying Documents

Since the U.S. interview will be conducted in English (or the local language with translation), any document not in English must be translated. The rule is: all documents not in English—or not in the official language of the interview country—must have a certified English translation.

Who Can Translate?

• You may use a professional translator or a translation service. It does not have to be an expensive sworn translator (unless your local U.S. Embassy specifically requires notarized translations—check their instructions).
• Usually, any competent person fluent in both languages can translate, as long as they are not the applicant or a close family member (to avoid bias).
• Many use certified translators or reputable agencies for safety.

Certification Format:

• The translator must provide a short signed statement certifying that the translation is accurate and that they are competent to translate from the original language to English.
• For example, at the end of the translated document, they can write:
  “I [Name], certify that I am fluent in [original language] and English, and that the above translation of [document name] is complete and accurate to the best of my ability.”
• Include the date, translator’s signature, and contact information. This signed certification makes the translation official.

Do Translations Need to Be Notarized?

• Not usually—unless required by the embassy or local practice. The U.S. rule only requires a signed certification. However, some applicants opt to have the translator’s signature notarized for extra authenticity.
• For example, some U.S. Embassy posts (such as the one in Latvia) explicitly ask for notary-certified translations. If not specified, a signed statement by the translator suffices.

Organize Originals with Translations:

• Staple or clip the English translation together with a copy of the original foreign-language document.
• This ensures that you can easily hand both to the consular officer, who will review the original (or certified copy) alongside the English translation.

Which Documents Need Translation?

• Any non-English civil documents, police clearances, court records, etc., must be translated.
• If your documents are in the official language of the interview country and are accepted by the consulate, you might not need to translate them.
• (For example, if your interview is in a Spanish-speaking country and your birth certificate is in Spanish, many embassies accept it without translation—but double-check the embassy’s policy.)
• When in doubt, translating everything into English is the safest route.

Certification Tip:

• The translation’s certification statement is crucial. U.S. State Department instructions explicitly state that the translation must include a statement signed by the translator attesting to accuracy and competency.
• Do not forget this statement, or the translation may be considered invalid.

Organizing Your Document File for the Interview

Now that you have all the required documents (and their copies and translations), organize them for a smooth interview day. Being well-prepared not only helps you ensure nothing is missing but also makes a great impression on the consular officers.

Use a Folder or Binder:

• Choose a sturdy folder or binder with clear sleeves or tabs to hold your documents.
• Many applicants use an accordion file or a binder with sections for each category so that you can quickly locate any document when needed.

Sort by Category:
Arrange your documents in the order they might be requested. A logical order might be:

• Appointment letter & DS-260 confirmation
• Passports & photos
• Education/work proof
• Civil documents (birth/marriage certificates, etc.)
• Police certificates
• Court/military records (if any)
• Translations (if not attached to the originals)
• You can use divider tabs or labels (for example, “Birth Certs,” “Police Certs,” etc.) to keep things organized.

Originals + Copies:

• Keep each original document together with its photocopy.
• One method is to place the original and its copy back-to-back in a single plastic sleeve.
• This way, when the officer asks for a document (for example, your birth certificate), you can easily hand over the entire sleeve.
• Remember, all originals (except your passport) are returned after the interview, so attaching copies is helpful.

Label Your Documents:

• Label each document clearly. For instance, attach a small sticky note on each original with a label such as “Jane Doe – Birth Certificate (Original)” and on its copy “Birth Certificate (Copy).”
• This helps both you and the consular assistant during the review process, especially when dealing with multiple documents in a family packet.

Prepare Evidence of Address/Communication (Optional):

• Some applicants include a printout of their appointment email or appointment confirmation from the scheduling system as backup proof of the interview date and time.
• Keep this at the front of your file in case embassy security requests it.

Have Everything in Your Carry-On:

• On the day of the interview, carry your organized file in a backpack or briefcase (avoid large suitcases if possible).
• Note that many embassies restrict electronics, so having printed, hard-copy documents is essential.

What If a Document Is Missing or Delayed?

Sometimes, despite your best efforts, a document might not arrive in time or may be difficult to obtain. Here’s how to handle missing or delayed documents in good faith:

Identify the Issue Early:

• As you review the checklist, note any document that may be missing.
• For instance, your police certificate from a former country might not have arrived yet, or a civil document might be delayed in reissuance.
• Take action as soon as you realize a document might not be ready by the interview.

Contact the Embassy (if appropriate):

• Some embassies have a visa inquiry email. You can inform them in advance that, for example:
  • “I have been unable to obtain [XYZ document] in time for my interview on [date] because of [reason]. I will bring proof of my efforts.”
• They may advise you to come to the interview and explain the situation to the consular officer.
• (Generally, do not pre-emptively reschedule your interview unless instructed, as DV visas are time-sensitive.)

Bring Proof of Attempts:

• On interview day, if a document is missing, bring evidence of your attempt to obtain it.
• For example, if a police certificate is delayed, include the application receipt, tracking numbers, or emails sent to authorities.
• If a new birth certificate is being reissued, bring any official letter or receipt from the registry.
• This demonstrates that you did not neglect the document.

Provide a Written Explanation:

• Write a short letter explaining any missing document.
• Address it “To U.S. Consulate [City] – Immigrant Visa Unit” and state, for example:
  • “I, [Name], case number XXXX, could not obtain [document] because [reason]. The [authority] informed me [explanation]. Enclosed are proofs of my attempts. I will submit the document as soon as it becomes available.”
• Sign and date the letter. This letter creates a formal record explaining why the document is missing.

During the Interview – Be Proactive and Honest:

• When you meet the consular officer or when you initially submit your documents, immediately mention the missing document and provide your explanation letter and any proof.
• For example: “I need to inform you that I was unable to obtain my police certificate from [Country] in time. Here is a letter explaining the steps I took and confirmation that it’s in process.”
• Honesty and transparency go a long way.

Likely Outcome:

• Often, if everything else is in order, the officer may issue a 221(g) refusal for administrative processing—a temporary hold.
• They will instruct you on how to submit the missing document (via email or drop-off at the embassy).
• Your case will remain open until the end of the fiscal year (September 30) or until you provide the document, whichever comes first.
• It’s important to submit the missing document as soon as possible.

Unobtainable Documents:

• If a document truly cannot be obtained (for example, if a country does not issue police certificates at all or records were lost in a disaster), provide a written explanation.
• The consular officer will then decide if you are exempt from that requirement.
• If you have any correspondence from the authorities regarding the unavailability, bring that as well.

Key Point:

• Always show a good-faith effort. Consular officers understand that not everything is within your control.
• However, neglecting any required document may delay your case, and if a document is never submitted, the visa will not be issued.

Be Prepared and Confident

Gathering all these documents might seem like a huge task, but you can do it step by step. Start early and use this checklist to assemble your complete “Green Card interview document kit.” Many in the DV community have gone through this process, and walking into your interview with everything neatly organized in a folder feels incredibly empowering. You are demonstrating to the consulate that you’re ready to begin your new life in the U.S. responsibly.

Additional Community Tips:

• Make duplicate copies of everything (one set to submit and one set for your records).
• Keep digital scans of your documents as backup.
• Double-check your embassy’s specific instructions a week before your interview in case there are additional country-specific requirements (sometimes posted on the embassy website).
• Some embassies may have slight variations in document requirements, so always follow the embassy’s guidance if it differs from these general instructions.

By focusing on document gathering and preparation now, you’ll reduce your stress on the interview day. You’ll be able to confidently say, “Here are my documents,” allowing you to concentrate on the interview questions, knowing your paperwork is all set.

Good luck at your interview—you’ve got this! Completing this DV Lottery interview documents checklist is a major accomplishment on your road to becoming a permanent resident. Stay organized, stay calm, and soon you could be celebrating your visa approval!

Disclaimer

The information presented in this guide is for informational purposes only and does not constitute an official statement or representation by any government agency. The content is based on our research and is not verified by any official or governmental source. We make no guarantees regarding the accuracy or completeness of the information provided. Users should independently verify all details with official sources—such as travel.state.gov—before making any decisions based on this guide. By using this information, you agree that we are not liable for any errors or omissions, and that it should not be relied upon as legal or official guidance.