Does being over 60 lessen chance of winning?

[Karlam 0]

Hi, this is not about me but about somebody else. If they do not have serious health problems but are in early 60s, would that lessen their chance of winning a diversity visa?

[Penguin_ie 5,994]

No

[kzielu 1,149]

Hi, this is not about me but about somebody else. If they do not have serious health problems but are in early 60s, would that lessen their chance of winning a diversity visa?

Should have no impact at all at winning chances, but they likely will be willing to enforce I-134 at the interview if that person wins in a lottery. Being close to retirement age and not being eligible for any benefits in US they may want to see the proof that person will not become a public charge.

[Karlam 0]

How much money do you think they would need to show they are would not be a public charge, minimum? Is there anything from Anerican immigration to say what amount?

[SusieQQQ 11,586]

Agdee with kzielu.

It's difficult to give a number re: savings that will suffice as unlike a younger person they won't have the (obvious) opportunity to find work after the savings run out, and medical costs in the US are expensive. The public charge requirement is always looked at individually. The guideline of around $10k per person for a younger applicant is clearly not going to work in a case like this, one medical issue requiring hospitalization would wipe that out. Their best bet, I would think, would be to show investments that will provide a regular income stream.

They should also acquaint themselves on the rules for withdrawing social security, Medicare benefits etc - I'm no expert but coming in at over 60 I don't think there is much if anything they would be eligible for - so it is not just a case of what they need to show a consular officer, but a case of: can they actually afford to retire in the US on what they already have?

[Karlam 0]

The person in question may have a regular basic state pension by the time of application that could be transferred from the country they currently live in to an American bank account on a regular basis.

The person in question may also receive financial help from me (her daughter). I do not currently live in USA but hopefully will someday.

[Karlam 0]

I am not sure how much I could help, do not presume it would be a large amount.

[SusieQQQ 11,586]

What amount is a "basic state pension"? Is it in hard currency or a currency that might lose its value against the USD over time? How does that amount compare to the cost of living in the US, especially health insurance and health care? Remember that while someone in their early 60s may be in good health that can change rapidly, and what may be a minor issue for a younger person (eg falling and breaking a bone) can be much more significant to an older one.

I'm not sure what you've described is anywhere near enough to meet the public charge requirement for someone of that age, but quite frankly even if they do get a visa it sounds like a risky proposition to me if all the income they can be sure of is a basic state pension from elsewhere. Remember there is no public healthcare in the US and they will be ineligible for most benefits.

[kzielu 1,149]

The person in question may have a regular basic state pension by the time of application that could be transferred from the country they currently live in to an American bank account on a regular basis.

The person in question may also receive financial help from me (her daughter). I do not currently live in USA but hopefully will someday.

Just realize that typical doctor's visit is couple of hundred dollars each. No medicaid, will have to sign up for Obamacare with some deductible.

There's no hard rule on what amount is sufficient and ultimately it's all up to interviewer. But suggest you wait until she wins, then worry about it. Chances aren't high.

[Karlam 0]

If she did not get private insurance would she be able to go to a federally qualified health centre if she had the diversity visa?

[jtaylor 8]

We don't have federal healthcare beyond Medicare (for retired persons eligible for Social Security) and Medicaid (for low income/disabled persons who qualify). Not having established a work history in the US your mom would not qualify for either. She would need private healthcare insurance (it is a requirement under Obamacare unless you want to pay an annual penalty). Obamacare is essentially a combination of extending medicaid coverage to more needy families and private health insurance options that pool previously uninsured persons into new plans to reduce costs.

[Cathi 5,763]

It is a law in this country that no one can be discriminated against because of age

[Cathi 5,763]

If she did not get private insurance would she be able to go to a federally qualified health centre if she had the diversity visa?

Only for Obamacare which she would have to pay for out of her own pocket. There is no such thing as free insurance for a new immigrant

[Karlam 0]

mimolicious - but you do not need to be insured to get health care through a federally qualified health clinic do you? You may have to pay something based on your income but I know they provide health care for low income and uninsured

Edited January 21, 2015 by Karlam

[Gosia & Tito 199]

How much money do you think they would need to show they are would not be a public charge, minimum? Is there anything from Anerican immigration to say what amount?

To start a new life in the US: will depend a lot on what state, some are more expensive than others.

Assuming they are going to rent a smaller house for 2-3 people: in a larger city in the least expensive state I would figure 1500/month

Then they need to eat and have transportation: add another 1500/month, then add utitilies: probably 300-500/month (inclusive to cable TV, internet, phone, electricity, water, gas); then the biggy: health insurance for a minimum of 500-800/month.

This is just very broad figures, I'd add another 1000/month on top at least.

Above costs )except insurance) might be split if a spouse comes along, but then you need to double health care.

The above are just referential and again least expensive state. It might be lower in a smaller town