The results of the United States Diversity Immigrant Visa (DV) Program (Green Card Lottery) are out and the US Department of State published names on its portal on May 4, 2024. The DV-2025 applicants can check their statuses from the portal.
Now that you’ve won the Green Card Lottery, what is next? It means you have been shortlisted for an immigrant Visa interview. It doesn’t mean you will go to the USA immediately as there is a vetting process. What follows is to prepare for the interview by getting the requisite documents like a passport, ID, good conduct, marriage, and academic certificates.
Although the process is free, save for visa-related costs such as photographs. Beware of scammers promising quick fixes at this point. Stories abound of applicants losing this life-changing opportunity due to misleading information.
You need a plan and get a host. A host is a person who’s willing to accommodate you until you get your footing in America. The host will be your contact person when you step onto US soil. The host determines your success or failure as they are crucial in exposing you to networking.
Highrise building in Newyork city
You will also play a critical role by following the host’s instructions. The host expects you to behave, present a good attitude, be flexible, and be respectful. Maintaining a healthy self-care routine is paramount for your, mental, spiritual, and emotional health.
The DV lottery program gives you all the rights an American citizen has including medical, education, DL, and business opportunities, except voting.
Preparation to Transition After Getting the Immigrant Visa
Before you migrate to the land of opportunity, craft a well-researched plan. Get the facts right and dispel hearsay. You are responsible for creating your opportunities, so organize your credentials.
Get all your certifications no matter how small because you will need them to excel in the US. As you wait for your Visa, acquire some plumbing, electrical, haircut, masonry, or carpentry skills.
They pay handsomely. You will put in hard work and dig deep into your talent to realize your dreams as you don’t have to know anyone with connections to excel in America.
White building and US flag
It helps to follow your dreams by customizing your credentials to the American system. Tailor your CV to suit the expectations of the American employer.
Your interpersonal skills often manifest more than your academic qualifications in the American job market. A mentor you admire and understand can help you here, as they understand the American culture. Appreciate and participate in the American culture by indulging in its norms for a sense of belonging.
As you push your passion, create a trajectory toward your vision and network through religious, local, or recreational gatherings. The church, club, or hobbies are the networks that are critical for personal, spiritual, and professional growth. There is a rich potential for opportunity in your networks.
Finally, it is paramount to Invest in yourself and back home in projects with guaranteed returns. Don’t just send money, but research on credible projects.
