Selected? The months between selection and your interview decide everything. This kit puts every official step in order, for every member of your family, so nothing is missing on interview day.
Walk into your DV interview fully prepared.
The full interactive checklist for your family, printable, with the official source for every step. Included in the $5-a-month membership with every tool. Cancel anytime.
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Before you start the DS-260: gather this
The DS-260 asks for a detailed history, and the online form logs you out after about 20 minutes without saving. Have everything ready first.
- Your DV case number and the principal applicant’s date of birth, to sign in.
- Every address you have lived at since age 16, with the dates.
- …and 7 more steps in the members’ kit
Fill in and submit the DS-260
The principal applicant and every family member who immigrates submit their own DS-260.
- A DS-260 for each person who immigrates. A child’s own DS-260 also counts for their CSPA age protection.
- Answer in English, using English characters only, and press Save on every page.
- …and 5 more steps in the members’ kit
Documents to bring to the interview
Bring originals or certified copies with a photocopy of each; originals are returned. Add a certified English translation for any document not in English.
- The appointment letter from Entrant Status Check.
- The DS-260 confirmation page.
- …and 10 more steps in the members’ kit
Prepare your supporting documents ↗ What to bring to the interview ↗
Medical exam and vaccinations
Each person books their own exam; the embassy will not do it for you. The physician sets the price.
- Book the exam with an authorized panel physician in the country of your interview.
- Bring your vaccination records. The physician checks the vaccines required for your age, such as measles, mumps, rubella, polio, tetanus, diphtheria, hepatitis B and varicella. COVID-19 vaccination is no longer required.
- …and 1 more steps in the members’ kit
Interview day
Read your embassy’s own instructions for the day as well: some details differ by country.
- Everyone immigrating with you attends: you, your spouse and your children.
- The $330 DV fee for each person, if your embassy collects it at the interview. Keep the receipt; it is not refundable.
- …and 3 more steps in the members’ kit
After the visa is issued
A DV visa is usually valid for up to six months, or less if the medical exam expires sooner.
- Pay the $235 USCIS Immigrant Fee online for each person before you travel: the green card is not sent until it is paid.
- Do not open the sealed packet. Carry it, with any X-rays, when you travel.
- …and 1 more steps in the members’ kit
Questions
Who has to fill in the DS-260 in a DV case?
The principal applicant and every family member who immigrates, each on their own form.
Do I send my documents to the Kentucky Consular Center?
No. Since DV-2024 selectees submit only the DS-260; all supporting documents are checked at the interview at the embassy or consulate.
Which documents does each family member need?
Each person needs a passport, two photos, a birth certificate, the DS-260 confirmation page and the medical exam. Everyone aged 16 or over also needs police certificates. Marriage, divorce, court and custody papers are needed when they apply.
How much does the interview cost?
The DV application fee is $330 per person and is not refundable. The medical exam is paid to the physician. After the visa, each person pays the $235 USCIS Immigrant Fee.
What happens if I miss a document?
The officer can refuse the visa under section 221(g) until you provide it. You can still be issued the visa if you send it in time, but DV visas cannot be issued after 30 September.
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