The preparation of the Interview for Diversity Visa, commonly known as the "Bombo" or Visa Lottery, is a crucial step for those aspiring to immigrate to the United States.
If this year you are among the lucky Cubans who earned the hype, look at these details that we tell you below, in order to maximize the chances of success and avoid delays or denials, in this important process that begins before having your interview scheduled.
The first thing is that confirm your qualifications. This Diversity Immigrant Visa (DV) Program requires the primary applicant to have a high school education, its equivalent, or two years of qualified work experience.
If you have no way to demonstrate the required educational level or qualified work experience, you are not eligible. It is very important that you have these documents in order because their application in educational centers in Cuba and their subsequent legalization can take several months.
The main applicant and family members must complete form DS-260. Doing so requires entering your DV case number into the online form and updating the information.
If your family circumstances changed after entering the program, you have to add the new family members. This case refers to a spouse, or newborn children, single children who had not turned 21 before entering the program. If you are in one of those cases, you must upload a document to prove your relationship with the family.
The United States government website keeps all information on this topic updated. Applicants must follow the instructions step by step until they receive the email informing them that the interview has been scheduled at the Embassy or Consulate they selected on their DS-260 form.
1. Check the interview schedule
Before any other step, it is essential to carefully review your appointment information on the website. Write down all relevant details such as the date, time, and location of the immigrant visa interview.
2. The instructions of the Embassy or Consulate
Check the specific interview instructions at the U.S. embassy or consulate where you will apply. They may include additional requirements not applicable to other types of visas.
To access this information, the ideal is to previously review the List of US Embassies and Consulates and select where you will be interviewed. It is available in the list, the US diplomatic headquarters in Havana.
3. Medical Examination
It is mandatory that the applicant and his or her family members complete a medical examination, which must be performed by a licensed professional in the country where the interview takes place, before the scheduled date.
Remember to bring the medical examination envelope sealed, unless instructed that it will be sent directly by the doctor to the embassy or consulate.
4. Required Documentation
You must gather all documents necessary for the interview, including:
- Two identical photographs, following specific photograph requirements.
- The DS-260 confirmation page, which you can obtain from the Consular Electronic Application Center after completing your application.
- Valid passports for you and your family, valid for at least six months beyond your planned date of entry to the US.
- Original documents or certified copies of civil documents, and any other relevant documentation, such as marriage or termination certificates, and evidence of education or work experience.
5. Additional Information and Payment of Fees
Visit the embassy or consulate website as many times as necessary, until you obtain all the information that may be relevant.
Be prepared to pay the Diversity Visa fee, which amounts to $330 per applicant and is non-refundable regardless of the outcome of the visa application. Procedures for paying fees vary by embassy or consulate.
Remember that preparation is the key to success, it is vital to avoid complications during your diversity visa application process.
By following these steps meticulously, you will be closer to achieving the American dream. Don't forget to review every detail and meet all the requirements for this interview that can change your life.
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