Understanding Diversity Lottery Visas

[Spruu 1]

To give some background I'm from Portugal and I'm intending to move to the US (California) to be with my partner.

I already made a post here regarding an EB-3 visa and it was also suggested for me to explore the options of Marriage and a Diversity Lottery Visa.

My main questions are:

• Are Diversity Visas only for married people or can single people apply for them as well?
• Since I'm Portuguese my High-school Diploma is in Portuguese, do I need to get it in English?
• Since I dropped college almost close to finish it, do I need to get any proof of the courses I did, or would they be irrelevant?
• I don't have criminal record, do I need to get one regardless? If yes, do I need to get it in Portuguese?
• How much does all the process costs?
• How long does it take for the process to be done?
• Is there interviews for the DV's? If yes where do they take place?
• Besides the DV do I need to fill any other forms? If yes, which ones?
• If approved, how long does the green card takes to be handed/sent to the applicant?
• What suggestions would you give me to have a successful application and, if applicable, interview?

All the help would be more than welcome since I'm trying to move away from a really bad situation that is slowly killing me. It's either me moving or something worse.

Thank you very much.

[Harpa Timsah 13,258]

The DV takes a long time. FIrst, you enter. Then sometime later (a year?) they do a lottery. You have a very small chance of being picked. Then if picked, you wait some more, and then maybe you can apply for a visa. It's not quick, and it's hard to win.

This year's entry period just ended.

http://travel.state.gov/visa/immigrants/types/types_1318.html

Edited December 6, 2013 by Harpa Timsah

[skysofialila 45]

Can you have your partner petition you as a fiance (K-1) or get married and then file for a CR-1?

[Spruu 1]

The DV takes a long time. FIrst, you enter. Then sometime later (a year?) they do a lottery. You have a very small chance of being picked. Then if picked, you wait some more, and then maybe you can apply for a visa. It's not quick, and it's hard to win.

http://travel.state.gov/visa/immigrants/types/types_1318.html

The DV might take a long time but it's like every Visa I've read about.

I might have a small chance of being picked but a small chance is still a chance.

I just know that I will only lose if I don't try.

I'm in a situation where I need all the encouragement to actually move on with my life. I made those specific questions because I need as much support as possible in getting out of a cage where I got stuck with problems that don't concern to me and, unfortunately, if I don't have help from the outside, I wont be able to get out.

Can you have your partner petition you as a fiance (K-1) or get married and then file for a CR-1?

I will have to talk about that again with him because he fears not be qualified to support me for a K-1 visa due to not meet the requirements needed income-wise.

It was said here also that he can have a join-sponsor to help on that, reason why I want to talk with him about it.

[Harpa Timsah 13,258]

Okay, so read the instructions I linked in your native language and follow them.

[aaron2020 11,651]

DV-2015 is closed. DV-2016 would be the first opportunity to file for the DV. So, it would take 3 years if you are one of the lucky 5% that wins.

Even if you win, you do realize you will need an Affidavit of Support (AOS) right?

This doesn't solve your AOS problem with a K-1 fiancé or spousal visa.

You are better off immigrating through your partner than the DV (a lot better than 5%). The same AOS problem will be there in any choice. The AOS is not something you'll be able to avoid.

Edited December 6, 2013 by aaron2020

[Spruu 1]

DV-2015 is closed. DV-2016 would be the first opportunity to file for the DV. So, it would take 3 years if you are one of the lucky 5% that wins.

Even if you win, you do realize you will need an Affidavit of Support (AOS) right?

This doesn't solve your AOS problem with a K-1 fiancé or spousal visa.

You are better off immigrating through your partner than the DV (a lot better than 5%). The same AOS problem will be there in any choice. The AOS is not something you'll be able to avoid.

I am quite aware yes, I'm simply exploring my options to the max.

I know that most of visas, if not all, require an AOS, however I thought that AOS means Adjustment of Status.

I'm also not trying to avoid AOS, I'm simply exploring my options .

[aaron2020 11,651]

I am quite aware yes, I'm simply exploring my options to the max.

I know that most of visas, if not all, require an AOS, however I thought that AOS means Adjustment of Status.

I'm also not trying to avoid AOS, I'm simply exploring my options .

AOS has two meanings. Adjustment of Status and Affidavit of Support.

Not accusing you of dodging anything.

Just seems incomprehensible why you would choose the DV with a 5% chance of winning versus immigrating through your partner.

I understand your situation with the AOS and your partner not earning enough. However, going a more difficult route through the DV does not help since you still would need an AOS.

You need to address the AOS. Another immigration route like the DV will just bring you back to this issue.

[Spruu 1]

AOS has two meanings. Adjustment of Status and Affidavit of Support.

Not accusing you of dodging anything.

Just seems incomprehensible why you would choose the DV with a 5% chance of winning versus immigrating through your partner.

I understand your situation with the AOS and your partner not earning enough. However, going a more difficult route through the DV does not help since you still would need an AOS.

You need to address the AOS. Another immigration route like the DV will just bring you back to this issue.

I'm not choosing anything yet, on the other hand I am trying to gather as much information as possible to know all my options.

Everything leads to marriage being the best option, if not the only one however my partner is afraid of not earning enough to support me. I will talk to him about having a join-sponsor, since that was mentioned, by the member lost_at_see, on my first post ever made here.

What other suggestions would you give me?

and thank you for your answer.

[aaron2020 11,651]

If you and your partner are ready for marriage, then pursue an immigration visa through your partner. This is really your only reliable option.

A Joint Sponsor would be the way to overcome the I-864 AOS financial reqyirement. Any USC or LPR who makes enough can do it. A friend perhaps.

[Jawaree 718]

Seem if he wants to get marry, that is the best route

if U R both in love

[NigeriaorBust 4,087]

Dv lottery doesn't always require an affidavit of support it is sort of regional and when they ask for one they only ask to the I 134 which isn't legally enforceable