U.S. Embassy Belgrade Official Answers DV Visa Lottery-Related Questions.
2:20 PM 8/8/2009bbsnetting.com
Who is eligable for Diversity Immigrant Visa Program?
Nikolas Trendowski:
In general, you must be a high school graduate (equivalent of U.S. high school, that is, a four-year high school, attended continuously). If you have a higher degree, like an undergraduate degree, that also works even if you did not complete continuous high school. Alternatively, you can substitute two years of work experience in a field requiring extensive preparation, that is, greater than what is called Level 7.0 by the Department of Labor.
Also, only nationals of certain countries may apply. Serbia is one of those countries, and so is Montenegro, and so are most of the surrounding countries.
Is it possible to apply for the lottery program and at the same time look for employment options that would enable me to get an employment based immigrant visa?
Nikolas Trendowski:
The Diversity Visa lottery is a great opportunity. But there's no conflict if you want to search for employment too. If you have the good fortune to be petitioned for an employment-based visa and to be chosen in the lottery, it would be your choice which to pursue.
Where could be seen the winers for 2008 [Diversity Visa Lottery] or future viners?
Some information about visas is private, such as the names of those who are issued visas. You can see general information, such as how many people from each country are selected in the lottery for any given year, on our web site, http://travel.state.gov. But everyone who is selected receives a letter. If someone is not selected, he or she will not receive any communication at all.
If somebady is drawn in dvlottery, but currently he is a student and he is in a middle of his studies in Serbia and he wants both: to graduate in Serbia and to keep his green card, what do you suggest what he shoud do.
Nikolas Trendowski:
One fact about the Diversity Visa lottery is that all visas must be issued within one fiscal year. Those who enter this year (October to December, 2007), if chosen, will receive a letter next year (early 2008) and then have interviews from October 2008 to September 2009. All visas to those qualified must be issued by September 30.
It is, however, possible to travel back to Serbia after entering the United States on an immigrant visa, but to retain lawful permanent resident status it's necessary not to remain outside the U.S. longer than one year.
If I get green card in lottery, is there possibility to stay in serbia in next 2 years and not to loose green card?
Nikolas Trendowski:
Actually, if you are selected in the lottery, then the visa must be issued to you (if you are qualified) within that fiscal year. Entries now, though, will be selected in 2008 for interviews from October 2008 to September 2009. So entries now are for visa interviews up to almost two years from now. But if you don't use the visa by the end of the fiscal year, unfortunately, it can't ever be reissued.
I've just seen that not everybody who win in that lottery is eligable for permanent residence and that it depends on the type of job they're qualified to do. Do you think English teachers are in high demand in the U.S.? Do you think one could get a decent job as an English teacher if they're not a native speaker?
Nikolas Trendowski:
As far as qualifications, please read the instructions carefully at www.dvlottery.state.gov. You must have completed at least 12 years continuous education equivalent to ending in a U.S. high school diploma, or two years of work at a certain level. It's hard to say for sure what jobs are in high demand; there are so many regions in the U.S. with different job markets. You might want to research this on the Internet as you do your research about entering the Diversity Visa Lottery.
If i get green card in what time do i need to go , do i need to move to usa rightaway, i am a student and i need 2 more years to finish. I would like to finish my faculty here and then to imigrate in usa. Should i participate in green card lottery or should i wait to finish my faculty here and then participate? What do you suggest me ?
Nikolas Trendowski:
First, you will apply for an immigrant visa, then once you are in the U.S., a green card is issued. It sounds like you're interested in the Diversity Visa Lottery. Entries now are for the Fiscal Year 2009 program, meaning that if you're selected, then your interview would be sometime from October 2008 to September 2009.If that might fit your schedule, then you might consider applying now. If not, you could wait till next year, but really, it's up to you. I'd suggest reading the instructions, too, at www.dvlottery.state.gov.
I want to participate in green card lottery, and i am on my 2nd year of faculty which i want to finish here. Should i applay for this year lottery eventhouh i am not ready to move imidiatly?
Nikolas Trendowski:
We've addressed this comment a little bit in earlier answers. The entries going in now are for interviews that will happen from October 2008 to September 2009 if you're chosen. And even if you are chosen, though you must move to the U.S. within six months, you can return to Serbia for a certain period of time just as long as that doesn't exceed one year. So if you'd be looking to move later, you may choose to wait until next year, but really, the choice is yours. Good luck!
Source: USINFO Webchat October 24 2007.
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