How to Apply for DV 2025 in Nepal: A Complete Guide - TheBipinBlog

The Diversity Visa (DV) program, often referred to as the green card lottery, is a unique opportunity for eligible applicants from countries with historically low immigration rates to the United States. Administered by the U.S. Department of State, this program opens for registration annually, typically in October or November. If you're a Nepali citizen eager to participate in the DV 2025 program, this guide will walk you through the crucial steps and requirements to ensure a successful application process.

Eligibility Criteria for the DV Program 2025

Before diving into the application process, it's essential to confirm your eligibility. The DV program has two main eligibility criteria: your country of birth and your education or work experience.

Country of Birth

The DV program is exclusively available to individuals born in countries that have sent fewer than 50,000 immigrants to the United States in the past five years. For DV 2025, the following countries are excluded from the program:

1. Bangladesh
2. Brazil
3. Canada
4. China (including Hong Kong)
5. Colombia
6. Dominican Republic
7. El Salvador
8. Haiti
9. Honduras
10. India
11. Jamaica
12. Mexico
13. Nigeria
14. Pakistan
15. Philippines
16. South Korea
17. Venezuela
18. Vietnam

However, there are exceptions to this rule. If you were born in an excluded country but neither of your parents was born or legally resident there at the time of your birth, you may claim your parent's country of birth if it's a DV-eligible country. For instance, if you were born in India but your parents were born and legally resident in Nepal at the time of your birth, you may claim Nepal as your country of birth.

Another exception applies if you're married to a person from a DV-eligible country. In this case, you can claim your spouse's country of birth as your country of eligibility, provided both of you are named on the selected entry, found eligible, and issued diversity visas, and enter the United States simultaneously.

Education or Work Experience

The second eligibility criterion for the DV program pertains to your education or work experience. You must have one of the following:

1. At least a high school education or its equivalent, defined as successful completion of a 12-year course of formal elementary and secondary education.
2. Two years of work experience within the past five years in an occupation requiring at least two years of training or experience.
3. To determine if your education or work experience meets these requirements, you can use the Online Education and Work Experience Calculator provided by the U.S. Department of State. You'll need to enter your highest level of education completed and your occupation code according to the Standard Occupational Classification (SOC) System. If you don't meet these criteria, you're ineligible to apply for the DV program.

Application Process and Timeline for the EDV Program 2025

The application process for the EDV program is straightforward and free of charge. However, adhering to the application timeline and following instructions carefully is crucial.

Application Timeline for EDV 2025

The application window for DV 2025 opens at noon Eastern Standard Time (EST) on October 4, 2023 (9:45 pm local time in Nepal; Ashwin 17, 2080 B.S.) and closes at noon EST on November 7, 2023 (10:45 pm local time; Kartik 21, 2080 B.S.). Your application must be submitted within this period.

Early application is highly recommended for several reasons:

1. High demand can slow down or render the website inaccessible.
2. Technical issues may arise, hindering application submission.
3. Time constraints may prevent you from reviewing and correcting mistakes or omissions.
4. Applying early provides ample time to prepare, review, and avoid potential issues or delays.

Application Instructions For EDV 2025

To apply for the DV 2025 program, use the electronic Diversity Visa entry form (E-DV) on dvprogram.state.gov during the registration period. No other website or method is accepted for DV program applications. Follow these steps when accessing the E-DV website:

1. Read and accept the instructions and privacy policy.
2. Complete the E-DV entry form with personal details.
3. Upload recent digital photos of yourself and eligible family members.
4. Review your entry form for accuracy and completeness.
5. Submit the entry form, and keep the confirmation number for status checking.

Each person may submit only one E-DV entry form. If you're married, both you and your spouse can submit separate entries, listing each other as spouses and including all eligible children, increasing your chances of selection.

Documents and Photos for the DV Program 2025

With your E-DV entry form, you only need to submit digital photos of yourself and eligible family members. No other documents are required at this stage, such as birth certificates, passports, diplomas, or work certificates.

However, if selected for the DV program, you'll need to submit specific documents when applying for a diversity visa at a U.S. embassy or consulate. These include:

• Valid passports for all applicants.
• Birth certificates for all applicants.
• Marriage certificate or divorce decree (if applicable).
• Police certificates from countries where you've lived over six months since age 16.
• Court and prison records (if applicable).
• Military records (if applicable).
• Proof of education or work experience.
• Medical examination reports.
• Affidavit of support or evidence of financial means.

Additionally, two printed photos of each applicant are required for the visa interview, meeting the same specifications as the digital photos submitted with your E-DV entry form.

Start gathering these documents promptly after selection, as some may take time to obtain, require translation, or authentication. Ensure document accuracy and consistency with the information in your E-DV entry.

Selection and Notification Process for the DV Program 2025

The selection process for the DV program is random and equitable. The U.S. Department of State employs a computerized system to randomly select entries by geographic region, ensuring no single country receives more than 7% of available diversity visas in a year.

The number of selected entries may exceed the number of diversity visas available because not all entrants qualify or pursue their visa applications. Thus, selection does not guarantee you'll receive a diversity visa.

Notification of selection is a self-initiated online process. You won't receive emails or letters from the U.S. Department of State regarding your selection or status. You are responsible for checking your status online using your confirmation number.

To check your status, visit the Entrant Status Check website at dvprogram.state.gov starting from May 8, 2024 (Baisakh 25, 2081 B.S.). Enter your confirmation number, last name, and year of birth to access your status information. Continue checking until the DV 2025 program's end on September 30, 2025 (Ashwin 13, 2082 B.S.).

If selected, you'll see a notification with details about your visa interview appointment and the option to download the DS-260 form, the online immigrant visa application form. Follow the provided instructions to prepare for your visa interview.

If not selected, a message will indicate your entry was not chosen. Don't be disheartened; you can try again the following year with updated information and photos during the next registration period.

Visa Interview and Medical Examination Process for the DV Program 2025

Selected applicants must attend a visa interview at a U.S. embassy or consulate in their region, a crucial step in the DV program. Before the interview, complete the DS-260 form online, provide personal, educational, work, and travel history information, and upload scanned documents such as passports and birth certificates.

Additionally, pay the diversity visa fee of $330 per person, either online with a credit card or at a designated bank in your country. Keep the payment receipt for your interview.

Schedule and undergo a medical examination with an authorized physician in your country, including a physical exam, chest x-ray, blood tests, and vaccinations. Bring required documents like your passport, visa appointment letter, medical history form, and vaccination records. Complete the examination at least one week before your interview.

Collect all necessary documents, including:

• Passport
• Visa appointment letter
• DS-260 confirmation page
• Diversity visa fee receipt
• Medical examination report and sealed envelope
• Two printed photos of yourself
• Birth certificate
• Marriage certificate or divorce decree (if applicable)
• Police certificates
• Court and prison records (if applicable)
• Military records (if applicable)
• Proof of education or work experience
• Affidavit of support or evidence of financial means

Ensure documents are original or certified copies, and translate them into English if in another language.

On the interview day:

• Arrive at least 30 minutes before your appointment.
• Bring all required documents and photos.
• Follow embassy or consulate staff instructions.
• Answer the consular officer's questions honestly and politely.
• Await the consular officer's decision.

The officer will review your documents, application, and ask questions about your background, intentions, and U.S. plans. They will then decide to approve or deny your visa application.

If approved, you'll receive a diversity visa stamp on your passport and a sealed packet with documents. Do not open this packet until arriving in the United States. Also, pay the USCIS immigrant fee of $220 per person online before or after your U.S. arrival.

If denied, you'll receive a written explanation. Depending on the reason, you might apply for a waiver or appeal, though approval is not guaranteed.

Plan to travel to the United States soon after receiving your diversity visa, as it's valid for six months from the issuance date, and you must enter before it expires. Prepare for settlement, including finding housing and employment, and familiarize yourself with your rights and responsibilities as a U.S. permanent resident.

Common Mistakes and Scams to Avoid When Applying for the DV Program 2025

While the DV program is a legitimate pathway to U.S. immigration, there are common mistakes and scams to be cautious of:

1. Submitting Multiple Entries:Avoid disqualification by submitting only one E-DV entry form per person.
2. Using Agents or Consultants: Applying for the DV program is straightforward and free; you do not need assistance or representation.
3. Paying Fees or Bribes: No one can influence or guarantee selection by paying fees or bribes. The selection process is random and fair.
4. Responding to Unsolicited Emails or Letters: The U.S. Department of State does not send emails or letters about selection. Check your status only on the official DV program website.
5. Sharing Personal or Financial Information: Do not provide such information to anyone claiming to be from the U.S. Department of State or the DV program. Share it only on official websites or at the U.S. embassy/consulate during your interview.
6. Sending Money or Documents: Do not send money or documents to anyone claiming to represent the U.S. Department of State or the DV program. Pay fees online or at designated banks, and bring documents to your interview.

By avoiding these pitfalls and staying informed through official sources, you can protect yourself from fraud and increase your chances of successfully applying for the DV 2025 program.

We trust that this article has furnished you with valuable information and guidance on how to apply for DV 2025 in Nepal.We wish you the best of luck in your journey to the United States!

You must keep your confirmation page and your unique confirmation number safe because without it you will not be able to check the status of your application online.