Are you considering moving to the US? Do you intend to become a citizen of the United States? Through American Sponsorship Visa, foreign nationals can apply for a certain category of the Immigrant Visa Program. The US government’s immigrant visa program includes the American Sponsorship Visa. You can take advantage of this wonderful opportunity to get a US Green Card Visa and live, study, and work permanently in the United States of America.
Annually, the US Department of State administers the American Sponsorship Visa program. The goal is to increase immigration to the US from countries with low immigration rates. As a result, citizens of qualified countries may apply for an American Sponsorship Visa.
Up to 55,000 Diversity Visas (DVs) would be made available for the fiscal year 2023. Immigration from countries that qualify should apply for this sponsored scheme. Applying for an American Sponsorship Visa is absolutely free and doesn’t cost anything.
Part 1: American Sponsorship Visa Eligibility
When applying for an American Sponsorship Visa, strict eligibility requirements must be met, making it essential for applicants to adhere to all rules to avoid disqualification.
Candidates eligible for the visa must be nationals of countries with historically low levels of immigration to the US. Residents of countries with high US immigration rates are not eligible for the program.
However, there is an alternative route for eligibility. If you are a citizen of a nation with high immigration rates to the United States and wish to apply, you may qualify if your spouse was born in a country with historically low immigration rates. In this case, both your name and your spouse’s name must be listed as participants in the Diversity Visa (DV) program.
Part 2: How to Apply for American Sponsorship Visa
To begin the application process for the 2024 American Sponsorship Visa (DV-2024), remember that it is distinct from the 2022 US Immigrant Visa Sponsorship. Successful applicants will be eligible to enter the US with their new green cards in 2024.
The application process involves several online procedures. To guide you through the process, we will outline the key steps you must take to obtain the American Citizenship Visa. Understanding each step will enable you to navigate the application for the American Sponsorship Visa smoothly and efficiently.
Part 3: Entry Submission
The first step in applying for an American Sponsorship Visa is submitting an entry online through the Electronic DV (E-DV) website. The application is entirely electronic, and no paper applications are accepted.
It is crucial to note that the deadline for submitting all applications for the 2024 American Sponsorship Visa program is typically in 2022. The entry year is 2024, while the registration year is 2022. Late entries beyond the deadline will not be accepted by the Department of State.
Candidates must be vigilant not to submit multiple entries, as doing so will lead to disqualification. The Department of State strictly enforces this rule. To be considered, applicants must complete the entry form accurately and provide all required information. Failure to provide the necessary information will result in disqualification from the Immigrant Visa Sponsorship program.
Part 4: Applicants Selection
The American Sponsorship Visa program’s selection procedure is challenging and highly competitive. The Department of State randomly selects candidates each year based on the number of available visas allocated to their respective countries.
After candidates submit their applications, the Department of State evaluates them before making the final selection. Successful applicants whose applications are verified and meet the eligibility requirements will be chosen.
If your entry is selected, you will receive a confirmation page with additional instructions, including information on immigration fees to the United States. It is crucial to understand that the only way to be notified of your selection is through the Entrant Status Check. The Department of State does not send notification letters or emails to selectees, and US Embassies and Consulates do not provide a list of selectees.
To ensure you are informed of your selection, it is highly recommended to check the Entrant Status Check yourself and not rely on someone else to do so.
Part 5: DV Selectees Residing in the United States
For DV selectees who are already physically present in the United States and receive notification through the E-DV website that they have been selected for further processing in the DV Program, there may be an opportunity to adjust their status to obtain permanent residence through the DV Program.
Part 6: Credentials Verification
To be eligible for sponsorship of a US immigrant visa through the American Sponsorship Visa program, candidates must meet one of the following requirements:
- High School Education: This criterion entails successful completion of a structured primary and secondary education program equivalent to 12 years of education in the US. It is essential to note that equivalent credentials like the G.E.D. are not accepted under this category.
- Work Experience: If candidates meet the requirements for employment-based eligibility through work experience, they must have a minimum of two years of relevant experience within the previous five years. The profession should be one that necessitates at least two years of training or experience and is classified in Job Zones 4 or 5, with a Specific Vocational Preparation (SVP) rating of 7.0 or higher by the US Department of Labor.
Candidates who do not fulfill either of these requirements (education and work experience) may not be eligible for the American Sponsorship Visa program. It is advised to visit the DV Qualifications website to check if you meet the necessary requirements.
Part 7: Alien Registration Application and Immigrant Visa Submission
After selecting the Diversity Visa (DV) selectees, the lead applicant and any other family members listed on the DV entry form must complete Form DS-260. This is a crucial form for green card visa applications, and applicants must provide accurate information, including the DV case number and information about themselves and their family members.
If a DV selectee got married or had a child after applying for a diversity visa, they must include their new family members in the case. In such cases, a document showing the kinship to each additional family member must be attached when adding them to the case.
Part 8: Supporting Documents Submission
In the US Immigrant Visa Sponsorship application process, submitting supporting documents is a critical phase. After sending the DS-260 application form to the Kentucky Consular Center (KCC), applicants will receive instructions on how to submit their supporting documentation.
The KCC requires these supporting documents to process the Immigrant Visa Sponsorship application and schedule an interview. Once DV selectees have met the DV-2023 qualification requirements, they must provide scanned copies of all the required supporting documents.
Examples of acceptable supporting documents include:
- Birth certificate
- Court and prison records
- Military records
- Police certificates
- Photocopy of the biographic data page of a valid passport
The American Sponsorship Visa supporting document website contains additional information on the specific requirements for each document. It is crucial to carefully review the information provided on their supporting documents page to ensure compliance.
Part 9: Interviewing and Preparing for Diversity Immigrant Visas
After evaluating the DS-260 application, the Kentucky Consular Center will send DV selectees an email scheduling an interview at the U.S. Embassy or Consulate they designated in their DS-260 form.
DV selectees must sign in to the Entrant Status Check section of the Electronic Diversity Visa website to note the date, time, and location of the interview. It is essential to bring the interview details with them to the interview site.
To ensure a successful interview, thorough preparation is necessary. Failing to prepare adequately may lead to delays or denials of the visa application. DV selectees are encouraged to visit the Interview Preparation Page to learn more about the interview process and strategize their preparations accordingly.
In conclusion, navigating the American Sponsorship Visa application requires adherence to strict eligibility requirements and a comprehensive understanding of the application process. By following these steps diligently, applicants can increase their chances of obtaining the coveted American Sponsorship Visa, enabling them to pursue new opportunities and dreams in the United States.
