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DV Lottery Process In Nepal: Explained in Detail

Every year thousands of Nepalis apply for the DV Lottery (Diversity Visa) process initiated by the United States Of America. Those who emerge victoriously will have a life in a different, more developed country awaiting them. While some move with their entire families, others fund their families here from abroad. Since the pay is so much higher in the US as compared to Nepal, the demand for DV is ever-growing.

If you are dreaming of a life in the US, this article will explore the procedures related to Diversity Visa and what you have to aware of while applying. We will give a comprehensive guide to the entire process, by the end of which you will be well-prepared to undertake your journey.

Entering The DV Lottery

The first phase for applying is obviously entering the process itself. We will now discuss who is eligible, how to apply, and associated fees.

Eligibility Guidelines for DV Lottery

The US government has a set of eligibility rules that you need to be following in order to qualify for the DV lottery process. While the process itself is purely based on a lottery, these factors will determine whether you are eligible for the lottery in the first place.

You must fall under the list of countries whose citizens are eligible to apply. Nepali citizens can apply for the DV lottery in 2022.
You need a high school diploma, a college degree, or higher.
If you do not have a high school diploma, you should have 2 years of work experience within the last 5 years in a job that requires at least 2 years’ worth of vocational training.

When Should You Apply for DV Lottery?

The application for DV opens in early October and ends within the second week of November. For DV 2022, the dates were October 7- November 10, 2020. Be advised that the application cycle of a year will intake applicants for two years ahead. So in 2021, the DV lottery will open for the 2023 cycle, not 2022. Only one entry can be done per person in one period. If a duplicate entry from the same person is found, the US government will ban you from applying to DV ever again.

You should not push the deadline while applying because websites usually break down during the last week. Since so many people will be trying to apply at the same time, you might be unable to submit your application due to website failure.

How To Apply For DV Lottery?

You will fill out the DS-5501 form of the US government online here. Be aware that there are no costs associated with filling out the form. Agencies frequently try to trick you into paying for personal benefits, we advise you to not hire any agency at all. The DV lottery process is very accessible and as long as you can read English, you will be fine on your own. You should save the confirmation number that you get after applying for use later, and you shouldn’t share it with anyone else. It is best that you print out the screen containing your confirmation number.

DV Lottery: Selection Process and Status Check

After you have applied, you might be curious about what next steps you should take. We have got you covered but be warned that the road is pretty long even if you have been selected.

How are DV lottery applicants selected?

DV lottery is awarded purely based on a lottery, although your nationality will play a factor. As long as you are eligible, no other factor will determine your success, except luck. Each country is allocated a number of DVs based on the current immigration status of the country. After that, a computer will select the required number of applicants on a purely random basis. If you are lucky enough to be picked, you will be awarded a DV lottery.

Tracking your application

You will be using Entrant Status Check to track your DV lottery application throughout the process. This page will be available to you from May of next year to September of the consecutive year. This page will be your only source of knowing whether you were selected. You will not be notified by any other means than the website. To access your status check, visit this site.

Process after Winning DV Lottery

Simply winning the DV lottery is not enough to get access into the US, there are still other procedures that you have to go through. We have laid out all the steps you should take after being selected.

Pre-interview

You will need to confirm that you were qualified for the DV lottery i.e you have the necessary education or work experience. You should also start looking for jobs here and choose one that fits you.
After looking for jobs you will need to fill up the DS-260 form, the form should be filled for all your family members too.
After filling up the DS-260 form, you will now have to submit copies or originals of all required documents to the US embassy. Supporting documents include birth certificates, court/ prison records, military records, police certificates, and a photocopy of your passport.

During the Interview

Preparation for the interview is crucial and there are certain documents that you need to take to it. The documents you will need are Appointment Information, DS-260 confirmation, Passport(s), and Evidence of DV qualifying Education. You will also need to take a medical examination before the interview and take all necessary vaccinations too.

The interview itself is quite lenient in the sense that they are not looking for specific red flags like in a student visa interview. You will have to be presentable, talk coherently, and be well mannered. The consular officer will mostly be judging your character and mannerisms, to see if you will be an exemplary resident in the US. Just stay humble, polite, and answer questions with coherent English. You should not have to worry about much else.

Post-interview

You will be notified by the US consulate after you interview if your visa has been issued. Be aware that you might be denied a visa after the interview if your conduct during the interview is deemed to be inappropriate or if your certifying documents are not up to standard. If everything is fine and you are awarded a visa, you will get your visa attached to your passport as well as a sealed packet that you will need to present while entering the US. You are not allowed to open this packet.

Reasons For Visa Denials

As mentioned above, simply winning the DV lottery does not mean you will get a Diversity Visa, and getting a Visa does not guarantee admission to the US. There are several reasons you might be ineligible for a visa, some of which are given below:

Health Reasons

If you have a communicable disease of public health significance.
Failure to present necessary documents of vaccinizations/ immunization.
If you have a mental/physical disorder that may pose danger to others’ safety.
If you have been determined to be a drug addict.

Criminal and Security Reasons

Someone convicted of a crime involving moral turpitude or substance abuse.
Someone convicted more than twice on any crime whose sentences surpassed 5 years.
Anyone who has been convicted of trafficking drugs or other substances.
Someone involved in human trafficking or the family of someone involved in human trafficking if he/she is determined to be a beneficiary.
If you have been determined to be entering the US to engage in unlawful activity.
Someone who has engaged or been part of a terrorist act, or is determined to possibly involve in terrorism inside the US.

Immigrant Rule Violations

If you have been deported from the US and don’t have the necessary waiver required for deported people.
If you were unlawfully present in the US for more than 180 days, even if you went back voluntarily, you will be inadmissible for 3 years.
If you were unlawfully present for more than a year, will be inadmissible for 10 years.

Final Thoughts!

You have probably realized by now that there is much more to the DV lottery process than just winning the first phase. You need to be vigilant throughout the application process so that stupid mistakes don’t get in the way of your dream to live in the US. Hopefully, you will be granted admission into the United States, hands crossed!

Also read: Tips on Making a US College List (for Nepali Students)

Study In The US: What American Universities Expect

ACE THE US STUDENT VISA INTERVIEW

HOW TO APPLY FOR A US VISA (NEPALI STUDENTS)