Many people apply for US visas for jobs, education, and travel purposes. Other types of US visas can also lead to the issuance of US green card.
However, the diversity visa program provides a novel means of obtaining a green card. It is a form of government-sponsored lottery in which the winner receives a green card.
The Green Card Lottery Program, also called the Diversity Visa Program, is run by the US Department of State. It gives up to 55,000 green cards to people from countries with very low immigration rates.
The registration period for the year 2024 (DV-2024) ran from Tuesday, October 5 to Tuesday, November 8. People who get the Diversity Visa have always had difficulty finding a new place to live in the United States.
What is Next After Winning Green Card Lottery?
Winning the green card lottery is not the end of one’s tasks. It doesn’t mean the person has won the visa; it’s just a random drawing.
1. OBTAIN THE VISA
The next step after winning the lottery is to act as quickly as possible to obtain the visa. This is because the visa must be obtained in the same year as the lottery win.
The reason is that there are fewer visas than lottery winners. Hence the individual should apply for a visa before being left behind. This indicates that it is competitive.
2. IMMIGRANT’S CURRENT LOCATION
The following stage after obtaining a visa depends on the immigrant’s current location. If someone is outside the United States, the person can apply at his or her own country’s embassy.
The individual will submit Form DS-260 to the national visa center. After processing the form, the US Consular Office will receive the visa application and schedule an interview to determine visa eligibility.
However, if the applicant is in the United States, he/she will file Form I-485 to the USCIS. Applicants must begin working on the application after being advised that a visa is available.
Afterward, applicants selected in the lottery must submit an application for a green card as quickly as feasible. This will take an additional 14 months to process the application. The applicant is then provided with an interview date.
How to Find a Host in the USA After Winning the Green Card Lottery?
1. Social Media
Create a message or post announcing that you have been selected as a DV winner but are having trouble finding a host. Many Ghanaians are always helpful; they will engage in idle conversation and offer to host you.
Facebook contains numerous groups and pages for Ghanaians in Diaspora, including Ghanaians in the United States, the United Kingdom, and others.
2. Relatives
Even though it seems like the easiest option, relatives often take advantage of immigrants who don’t know any better when they stay with them. This is why many people begin their search for family members by contacting their friends.
3. Friends and Friends of Friends
Asking your friends to introduce you to their acquaintances in the United States is the finest alternative.
4. Networking
Connect with foreigners you meet at conferences and other locations to network and find a host. Learn more about their own nation and be extroverted.
Before you can get permanent residency in the United States, you must follow several rules set by the federal government. The following are:
1. A petition from an employer
When you apply for a green card based on your job, you can choose from five preference groups. Each preference category may contain several subcategories.
2. Marriage to a U.S. citizen
Sponsorship by a U.S. citizen or legal permanent resident close relative. The Department of State’s program for promoting diversity through a lottery.
RELATED POSTS
- SHS PLACEMENT PORTAL – CSSPS.GOV.GH
- 2023 FREE USA HIGH SCHOOL ADMISSIONS FOR INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS
- ASHFORD UNIVERSITY STUDENT PORTAL – UAGC.EDU
- AIB COLLEGE OF BUSINESS STUDENT PORTAL – AIB.EDU
- UNIVERSITY OF KANSAS STUDENT PORTAL – MY.KU.EDU