Congratulations if you have received a letter updating you that you were selected for the 2025 Diversity Visa (DV) Program! Nothing has passed the Senate yet, however. But now it’s time for the next crucial step — the visa interview.
This step is where you can be made or broken in getting your green card, so you want to prepare the right way. Let’s review everything you need to know to prepare and feel confident when you enter your interview.
First, Check Your Interview Appointment and Location
After the U.S. Department of State schedules your interview, the information will be available on your entrant status check on the website. You won’t get an email or a letter to have this. You must log in to see the date and location. Interviews are at U.S. embassies or consulates in your home country.
Additionally, if you are already living in the U.S., you might qualify for an adjustment of status through USCIS. If you have doubts about where you want to be or wonder whether you are on the right path, the Law Office of Olena Manilich is here to help you. We can assist clients in guiding all steps in the Diversity Visa process.
What to Bring With You to an Interview
At your interview, you will need to bring original documents and translations (if the documents are not in English). They include your passport, birth certificate, police certificates, marriage or divorce certificates, and education or work documents that show you are eligible. And don’t forget your confirmation page for the DS-260 immigrant visa application — you’ll need to fill out that form online before your interview.
A lot of individuals end up getting delayed, simply because they are bringing the wrong form or the wrong paperwork. Eliminate stress by reading through the U.S. Embassy guidance for your country, and have everything ready ahead of time. If you want assistance with reviewing your documentation or forming a to-do list, check our green card lawyer services.
Schedule Your Medical Test Before the Interview
The DV lottery entrants need to undergo the medical exam conducted by the US embassy or consulates’ panel physicians. This examination must be scheduled, and the results must be brought to the interview in a sealed envelope. Do not open the envelope, no matter how inquisitive you are about the results.
These tests typically run between $200 to $400, depending on the country and clinic. Some charge additional fees for mandatory vaccines or blood tests. So, for example, if you’re having your exam done in Mexico City, you might pay about $280. To ensure you don’t run into any last-minute hurdles, schedule your exam as soon as you receive your scheduled interview. Contact us today if you need help with your case.
Prepare Yourself with the Questions to be Asked
Here, the consular officer will inquire about your background, education, and work history to provide evidence of your eligibility. (They might also inquire about your family, particularly if you are applying with a spouse or with children. Some of the questions may feel intrusive, but they allow the officer to verify that your case is genuine and complies with all the criteria.
Answer honestly and clearly. If your paperwork corroborates what you are saying, you will breeze through this part. So, for example, if you have claimed on your FA form that you completed high school, take the high school certificate and transcripts. We’ve worked with lots of candidates to practice and prepare. Schedule your consultation today if you want us to help you get ready for the big day.
Your Actual Interview Day Plan in Advance
On the day of the interview, turn up on time, dress smart, and keep cool. The officer might grant you the visa on the spot, or may need further information. If you are approved, they will usually keep your passport to put the visa in and then return it to you later.
If you receive a request for additional documents, act fast. Sometimes, even a tiny mistake or an omitted piece of paper can put the brakes on your green card. Don’t worry — our immigration team can support you in addressing any issues that arise after your interview.
After the Interview, What Happens Then?
If the officer approves your visa, you will be given specific guidelines for how to collect your passport with the visa and your documents. You’ll also have to pay a USCIS immigrant fee, which is currently $220, before entering the U.S. Once you are in the U.S., your green card will be sent to you by mail by USCIS.
The entire process, from lottery selection to green card, can cost from $1,000 to $1,500, including the visa fee ($330), medical examination, translations of documents, and a fee to the USCIS. It’s not free, of course, but a small price to pay for the privilege to live and work in the United States. If you would like help with the steps or an estimate of your out-of-pocket costs for your family, we’re here to help.
Need Help Preparing? We’ve Got You Covered
It is not necessary to be intimidated by the Diversity Visa interview. With the right preparation, you can walk in despondent and ready. We’ve guided numerous clients through this very process at The Law Office of Olena Manilich, with much of their success, including preparing documents, the interview, and follow-ups.
If you prefer professional help, schedule your consultation. We are here to help you along the way.
