Knowing how to prepare for the Diversity Visa interview is harder than you might think. While the interview itself is relatively straightforward, there are a few steps you must complete before you even reach the US embassy or consulate.

Below are some tips to help you when attending the Green Card interview. Of course, if you use the Green Card Lottery application service from US Green Card Office, we’ll talk you through the interview process in much greater detail.

How to Prepare for the Diversity Visa Interview

To make things easier to understand, we’ll break our tips down into 2 sections. The first are things you must do well in advance of the Green Card interview, such as completing your DS-260 form. The second section will discuss preparing for the interview itself.

Before Attending the Interview

The most obvious place to start is by filling out your DS-260 form. This is the immigrant visa application form, specifically for people applying from outside of the US. You can do this online and should submit all the relevant documentation with it.

Of course, ensure you don’t make any mistakes, as this could lead to your application being rejected. Applying for the Diversity Visa Lottery through our value-added service means we’ll check any forms you send off to catch any mistakes or errors.

Providing your application is accepted, you’ll need to schedule and attend a medical exam. This must be done with an authorized doctor in your country of application. Every person applying for a Green Card must attend an exam and get the required vaccinations.

You’ll be notified of a time and date to attend your Green Card interview. It’ll be conducted at the US embassy or consulate you selected on your application form. Depending on the type of Green Card you applied for, you could be waiting a while for your interview date. Similarly, if you won a spot on the Green Card Lottery, you’ll still need to go through with the interview.

Before your Green Card interview date, you’ll need to gather the relevant documents to take with you. This includes:

A valid passport is required for the Visa interview
2 passport-style photos
The confirmation page from your DS-260 form
Any further supporting information, such as a marriage certificate, work experience information, or something else.

Finally, you’ll need to pay any relevant fees. For the current Diversity Visa interview, this is $330. It’s non-refundable and you generally need to pay it, electronically, before your interview date. Check the specific details of your chosen consulate or embassy, as it might be different. However, if you have applied via US Green Card Office the Visa interview fees are paid by US Green Card Office.

Please be aware that a passport is mandatory when you attend the Visa Interview and should not be confused with the passport rule for the diversity visa application where a passport is not required.

Attending the Interview

So, that’s everything you must do to prepare for the Diversity Visa interview. But what about attending the interview itself? Here are some tips for what to do, say, and wear.

Dress Professional

This should be fairly obvious, but dress as you would for any formal interview. A smart shirt or blouse is a must, as are smart trousers or a skirt. Women can wear dresses, providing they’re appropriately formal.

Practice Your Answers

It’ll really help to practice your answers well in advance of your Green Card interview. There’s nothing wrong with doing this, as it’ll help you stay on track and remember the information you need to provide. US Green Card Office can provide you with a list of questions as part of our value-added service.

Arrive Early

There’s no set time at which you should arrive for your Green Card interview, but 30 minutes before is generally acceptable. Depending on the embassy or consulate, you might find you’re not allowed in too early. Either way, make sure you’ve got enough time to gather your documents and relax before walking into the interview.

Be Honest

One of the best tips for how to prepare for the Diversity Visa interview is to just be honest. The interviewer will have a copy of your DS-260 form in front of them, so they’ve already got plenty of information. Most of their questions revolve around supporting details or further explanations of what you’ve put on the form.

Make sure you tell the truth when asked, even if you don’t think they’ll like the answer. It’s much better to explain yourself clearly when given the chance than to lie and hope they won’t find out.

Although there are probably no major issues with your application form, consider speaking to a lawyer in advance if you’re worried. For example, if you have criminal convictions, a lawyer can give you advice.

Final Thoughts

As long as you prepare for the Diversity Visa interview, it should go smoothly. Remember, if you apply for the Green Card Lottery using the value-added service from US Green Card Office, we’ll also help you prepare for the interview. Don’t underestimate the benefit of this – start your application today.

When you have received your Green Card in the American embassy have a look at our essential tips for living in the USA

If you did not apply or failed to attend the Diversity Visa Interview you can apply again.

Suppose you got your Diversity Visa Interview rejected or simply haven’t applied yet. In that case, we recommend you submit your application as soon as possible for the upcoming Diversity Visa Immigrant Program.