Diversity Visas: Interviews

[billystevenson 0]

Hi all,

I have a question about the Diversity Visa interview.

I know that a significant part of the interview is devoted to submitting and checking documentation.

However, I was wondering how formal the other part of the interview is, and what it involves. For example, can you only be granted the Diversity Visa if you provide evidence of a) significant assets, b) an offer of employment or c) an affidavit of support from an American citizen? Or do the interviewers just ask general questions about your plans, motivations, intentions etc?

Thanks!

Billy

[SusieQQQ 11,586]

The financial questions seem to vary greatly depending on both the individual and the country. Some countries (I believe mainly FSU) actually require an affidavit of support from a US resident, others look for assets/savings or job offer as a means to prove you won't be a public charge. In my country, I have heard reports that range from telling people to save more to meet the poverty guideline before the visa is issued, to a simple "you have a good degree you'll be fine" and the visa being granted. Basically you need to convince them you won't become a public charge, but how you convince them seems to vary greatly....

[billystevenson 0]

Hi SusieQQQ,

Thanks - that's very helpful.

Just to give a bit of background information, my assets are not astounding. However, I have a job at a top Sydney private school, and I will have a PhD among my qualifications: would that increase my employability in the eyes of the interviewers?

An additional factor is that I have been in a relationship with an American for three years. It has been a same-sex relationship - I'm gay - meaning that we haven't been able to immigrate on a Spousal Visa. He's living with me in Australia, and will be returning to the United States shortly before me to live with his parents. For various reasons, his parents are not signing an affidavit for me, but would he be able to? He is an American citizen, but may not be employed immediately when he returns.

Thanks

Billy

[SusieQQQ 11,586]

Hi SusieQQQ,

Thanks - that's very helpful.

Just to give a bit of background information, my assets are not astounding. However, I have a job at a top Sydney private school, and I will have a PhD among my qualifications: would that increase my employability in the eyes of the interviewers?

An additional factor is that I have been in a relationship with an American for three years. It has been a same-sex relationship - I'm gay - meaning that we haven't been able to immigrate on a Spousal Visa. He's living with me in Australia, and will be returning to the United States shortly before me to live with his parents. For various reasons, his parents are not signing an affidavit for me, but would he be able to? He is an American citizen, but may not be employed immediately when he returns.

Thanks

Billy

You may want to browse forums for posts from past Australian applicants. I haven't paid them an awful lot of attention, but I seem to recollect they're quite easy on the financial proof in Australia, and your qualifications will certainly help. I'm afraid I don't know enough about how the affidavit of support works to be able to answer that question though.

How lucky that you won a DV given your domestic situation! I'm sure that at some point they will allow gay marriages to qualify for spousal visas, but lucky for you that you won't have to wait for that.