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Does having a fiance(e) in another country hamper my DV derivative spouse application?
Could multiple prior tourist visits to the U.S. raise suspicion of overstaying intent during DV interview?
Not if you always complied with visa rules. Positive travel history can help show lawful compliance. Overstays, however, can harm your case.
If I test positive for dormant tuberculosis, does that fail the DV medical exam?
Not necessarily. The panel physician may request treatment or further evaluation. Only active TB generally leads to a temporary failure until treated.
What details are required on the DV Lottery entry form?
The form requires your full name, gender, date of birth, city and country of birth, country of eligibility, mailing address, current residence, email address, education level, and details (with photos) for your spouse and children, if applicable.
Can I work as soon as I arrive in the U.S. on a DV visa?
Yes. Once you enter the U.S. with your DV visa and become a permanent resident, you are authorized to work without any additional permits.
Can I update personal information after submitting my DS-260?
Once you submit the DS-260, you cannot change the information. Make sure all details are correct before submission, as discrepancies can lead to delays or visa denial.
Can I request a waiver if I have minor criminal offenses on my record?
Waivers for certain criminal offenses may be available, but they are not guaranteed. If you have concerns about your record, consult an immigration attorney for advice prior to your interview.
Are there special DV instructions for citizens of countries with indefinite political status (e.g., not fully recognized)?
Generally, follow the same rules. If your place of birth is disputed, the State Department might assign it to the recognized administrative region for eligibility.
Will the DV Lottery program require a new entry form each year?
Yes. Each DV Lottery cycle requires a new entry. Even if you applied in previous years, you must submit a fresh application each cycle to be considered.
Can I apply for DV with an alias if my official name is under government review?
No. Use the legal name on your current valid passport. A name under review is not recognized until legally changed.
Could the death of my sponsor negatively impact the public charge assessment?
Yes, if your sponsor passes away before the interview, you may need a new sponsor or show personal funds to meet financial criteria.
Will the DV Lottery require me to undergo additional background checks after selection?
Yes. In addition to the medical exam, selected applicants must undergo thorough background and security checks during the visa processing stage.
Do academic publications or patents strengthen my DV application?
No. The process is random and not points-based. Academic or professional achievements do not improve selection odds.
If I have multiple sets of educational credentials from different countries, do I show them all?
You only need to prove the minimum requirement, but additional credentials can help if there is any doubt about equivalencies.
Can I volunteer to undergo a polygraph or fingerprint test at my DV interview?
Fingerprinting is mandatory. Polygraph tests are not part of standard DV procedure and typically are neither offered nor accepted.
Does it cost anything to enter the DV Lottery?
No. There is no fee to submit an entry through the official DV Lottery website. Any service charging a fee for entry is not affiliated with the U.S. government.
Will bridging courses or training certificates help if I lack a formal degree?
Only if they fulfill the high school equivalency or work experience requirements. Some bridging courses may not suffice on their own.
How can I re-verify DV selection if I lost the confirmation number and email access?
Unfortunately, you generally cannot. The State Department does not resend confirmation numbers. Keep that info safe from the start.
How do I know if my job qualifies as work experience for the DV Lottery?
Consult the U.S. Department of Labor’s O*Net Online database to determine if your occupation is classified in Job Zone 4 or 5 with an SVP rating of 7.0 or higher. This is the standard used to assess qualifying work experience.
If I legally changed my signature, must it match old documents?
No, but bring evidence of your signature change. Ensure official forms reflect your new signature consistently to avoid confusion.
Do I need to provide additional proof of identity at the visa interview?
Yes. You should bring original identification documents such as your passport, birth certificate, and any other documents that verify your identity and personal information.
Can my child use their newly acquired DV green card to sponsor the other parent soon?
A U.S. green card holder can sponsor parents only after naturalization, generally. So your child must first become a U.S. citizen.
What are common reasons for DV visa denial at the interview?
Common reasons include failure to meet education or work requirements, missing documents, inaccuracies in the entry or DS-260, inadmissibility due to criminal or medical issues, and misrepresentation on the application.
Is it possible to reject my DV selection and then re-enter in a future year?
Yes. You can simply not proceed with your DV selection and apply again in subsequent years without penalty.
Will I have to pay any additional fees besides the DV visa fee?
In addition to the DV visa fee of USD 330, you may also incur costs for the medical exam, document translation, and the USCIS Immigrant Fee for the production of your Green Card after entry.
