LotteryUSADS-260, appointment & originals
Complete the relevant DS-260 for each visa applicant. Take its confirmation page and the DV appointment information. Present required originals/certified copies, copies and translations at interview.
Travel passport
Bring the original passport and a copy of its biographic page. Interview guidance generally requires validity for six months beyond intended U.S. entry.
Full birth certificate
Official long-form record showing birth date/place and parentage. Use the accepted issuing authority and format for the birth country.
Marriage & termination of prior marriages
Prepare an official marriage record. For each previous marriage, show its legal end through a final divorce decree, death record or annulment.
Police certificates & residence history
For applicants 16+, assess nationality/current-country residence over six months and other past residence over 12 months, with the age conditions. Arrest locations may require records regardless of age/duration. No U.S. police certificate is required for U.S. residence.
Military, court & prison records
Prior military service may require its official record. A conviction requires certified court/prison records even after a pardon or amnesty.
Adoption, custody & relationship evidence
Prepare adoption decrees, relevant custody orders and evidence of residence with adoptive parents. Relationship eligibility has its own legal conditions.
Qualification records
Bring education completion evidence and supporting study records, or genuine evidence establishing the qualifying work route.
Translations, name changes & document formats
Use official issuing authorities. Required translations include the translator’s signed accuracy/competence statement. Language acceptance and legal-name-change evidence depend on the embassy and country.
Panel physician exam & vaccinations
Schedule with the embassy-approved physician and complete the required medical/vaccination process before interview. Bring relevant vaccination and medical records.
Financial support & special case history
Evidence may include personal funds, a genuine job offer or support from a U.S. resident. No universal bank balance guarantees approval. Prior immigration/removal history can need additional case-specific review.
Interview fees, family timing & fiscal-year limit
Selection does not ensure an interview or visa. Cases depend on number availability and processing. The DV fiscal-year deadline applies to visa issuance, including derivatives.