Every year, thousands of hopeful individuals from around the world, including Kenya, apply for a chance to win a U.S. Green Card through the Diversity Visa (DV) Lottery Program. The program, popularly known as the Green Card Lottery, offers an opportunity for people from eligible countries to legally live and work in the United States. If you’re planning to apply for the 2024 or 2025 Green Card Lottery, this guide will walk you through the Green Card application requirements, important documents, and more

1. Basic Green Card Application Requirements

To be eligible for the DV Lottery, there are key criteria every applicant must meet:

• Country of Birth:
  You must be born in an eligible country. In 2024 and 2025, Kenya remains an eligible country, meaning Kenyan citizens can participate in the lottery.
• Education or Work Experience:
  Applicants must have at least a high school education or its equivalent. Alternatively, if you lack this, you must have two years of work experience within the last five years in an occupation that requires at least two years of training or experience.
• Photograph
  A recent passport-sized photo meeting specific requirements (size, background, clarity, etc.), taken within the last six months.
• Proof of Marital Status
  If married, provide your spouse’s details and photographs, including proof of marriage.
• Children’s Information
  Details of all children under 21 years, including their names, birth dates, and photographs.

2. Required Documents for Green Card Processing

When applying for the DV Lottery, you will need to provide accurate and updated documents. Here are the essential documents:

• Passport:
  A valid passport is required when applying for the lottery. You will need to provide your passport number, country of issuance, and expiration date. after you have been successfully been selected.
• Recent Passport-Size Photo:
  The photograph must meet specific requirements, including size, clarity, and background specifications. It should be a recent photo taken within the last six months.
• Education Certificates:
  Proof of high school graduation or equivalent, or documentation of your work experience, if applicable after you have been selected
• Birth Certificate:
  This document will verify your age and place of birth, both critical to your eligibility. this will be required after you have been successfully been selected
• Proof of Marital Status and Family Details:
  If you are married, you will need to provide your spouse’s details and any children under the age of 21, including photos and birth certificates (once selected)

3. Green Card Application Receipt and Number

After successfully submitting your Green Card application on the DV Lottery website, you will receive a confirmation receipt number. This number is crucial as it allows you to check the Green Card application results when they are released, typically in May of the following year.

Our Teams Tip: Keep your confirmation number safe, as losing it means you won’t be able to check your results! you can email yourself the confirmation number to keep it safe

4. Green Card Application Results and Checking Status

To check if you’ve been selected for the DV Lottery:

• Visit the official DV Lottery website (https://dvprogram.state.gov) in May of the year following your application. For example, for the 2024 application, results will be available in May 2025.
• Enter your confirmation number to see if you’ve been selected. If selected, you will receive instructions on the next steps, including the preparation of additional documents for your visa interview.

5. Green Card Application Renewal

If you are already a Green Card holder and need to renew your Green Card, the process is different from the DV Lottery. You will need to file Form I-90 (Application to Replace Permanent Resident Card) on the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) website.

• The Green Card renewal process typically takes several months, so plan ahead.
• Your Green Card expires every 10 years, and you must apply for renewal six months before its expiration.

6. Additional Green Card Application Information

Here are a few more essential details for your Green Card application:

• Application on Reddit:
  Many applicants turn to Reddit for advice and support. The r/greencard subreddit is an excellent resource for questions and shared experiences.
• Green Card Application Receipt:
  After applying for the lottery or submitting an application for Green Card renewal, you will receive a receipt number. This number can be used to track the status of your application through the USCIS website.

The Green Card application process, particularly through the DV Lottery, offers an incredible opportunity to live and work in the United States. If you meet the eligibility criteria and have all the necessary documents, applying for the 2024 or 2025 lottery could be your chance at the American Dream.

For Kenyan citizens, our team at Digitali Webbs Services can guide you through every step of the Green Card application process, ensuring your application is complete and submitted correctly. Contact us today to make your Green Card application smooth and hassle-free.