The DV lottery is a program that was created by the U.S. Congress in 1990 to diversify the immigrant population in the United States. The program is administered by the U.S. Department of State and selects 55,000 applicants randomly every year from eligible countries. The DV lottery is a great opportunity for Kenyans who want to live and work in the United States, but it also has some requirements and challenges that you need to be aware of. In this article, we will explain what the DV lottery is, who can apply, how to apply, and how to increase your chances of getting selected.
What is DV Lottery?
The DV lottery is a program that was created by the U.S. Congress in 1990 to diversify the immigrant population in the United States. The program is administered by the U.S. Department of State and selects 55,000 applicants randomly every year from eligible countries. The DV lottery is a great opportunity for Kenyans who want to live and work in the United States, but it also has some requirements and challenges that you need to be aware of. In this article, we will explain what the DV lottery is, who can apply, how to apply, and how to increase your chances of getting selected.
Who Can Apply?
To be eligible for the DV lottery, you must be a native of an eligible country. Kenya is one of the eligible countries for the DV lottery, so Kenyan citizens can apply for the program. However, being a native of an eligible country is not the only requirement. You must also meet the education or work experience requirement. You must have either a high school education or its equivalent, defined as successful completion of a 12-year course of elementary and secondary education, OR two years of work experience within the past five years in an occupation that requires at least two years of training or experience to perform. If you do not meet these requirements, you will not be eligible for the DV lottery.
How to Apply?
The application process for the DV lottery is free and simple. You can apply online through the U.S. Department of State’s website during the registration period, which usually starts in October and ends in November. The exact dates of the registration period may vary from year to year, so you should check the Department of State’s website for the latest information. During the registration process, you will need to provide your biodata and photo requirements. You can also apply for the DV lottery using your phone.
Biodata Requirements
The biodata requirements for the DV lottery include your full name, date of birth, gender, city/town of birth, country of birth, country of eligibility, mailing address, phone number, email address, highest level of education, marital status, number of children, and a recent photograph of yourself, your spouse, and all your children under 21 years of age. The photograph must meet certain requirements, such as being taken within the last six months, being in color, and being taken against a white background.
Photo Requirements
The photo requirements for the DV lottery are very specific. The photograph must be in color, taken within the last six months, and taken against a white background. The photograph must be a full-face view of the applicant, with the head centered in the frame. The applicant must be looking directly at the camera, with a neutral facial expression and both eyes open. Hats or head coverings are only allowed if they are worn for religious reasons, and even then, the face must be visible.
They are very strict on what dimensions and the size they need for passport photos. The size should be at least 58 Kb, and should not exceed 160Kb. The aspect ratio should also be a maximum of 600 X 600 px, or 2” by 2”.
Finally, upload your photo in JPEG format, which usually has the extension “.jpg”.
Can You Apply for a DV Lottery Using Your Phone?
Yes, you can apply for the DV lottery using your phone. The U.S. Department of State’s website is mobile-friendly, so you can access it from your smartphone or tablet. However, you should make sure that you have a stable internet connection and that your phone’s browser is up to date to avoid any technical issues.
How Will I Know I Won the DV Lottery?
If you are selected for the DV lottery, you will receive a notification letter by mail from the U.S. Department of State’s Kentucky Consular Center (KCC). The notification letter will provide instructions on how to proceed with your application. You can also check the status of your application online through the Entrant Status Check on the Department of State’s website.
How to Increase My Chances of Getting Selected
The DV lottery is a random selection process, so there is no guaranteed way to increase your chances of getting selected. However, there are some things that you can do to maximize your chances:
- Make sure that you meet the eligibility requirements.
- Submit your application as early as possible during the registration period.
- Double-check your application for errors or omissions before submitting it.
- Apply every year if you are eligible.
How long does it take to know I won the DV lottery?
You will need to wait until May 4, 2024, to check it for the DV-2025 program.
I hope that this article has provided you with a better understanding of the DV lottery and how to apply for it. Good luck!