NAIROBI — Every year, thousands of Kenyans take a chance on a life-changing opportunity: the United States Diversity Visa (DV) Lottery. Often called the Green Card lottery, it offers a legal path to permanent residency in the US.
But what does winning really mean—and what comes next?
First, What Is the Diversity Visa Lottery?
The DV programme was created by the US government to encourage immigration from countries with historically low numbers of migrants to the United States. Kenya qualifies.
Each year, around 55,000 applicants globally are selected through a computerised draw. The programme is free to enter, and applicants are chosen at random.
Winning Isn’t the Same as Getting a Visa
Being selected is not a guarantee of a US visa. Rather, it gives you the chance to apply for one. In simple terms, it’s the start of a long and detailed process.
Once selected, you must fill in a DS-260 form online. This form collects your personal, educational, and work history.
You will also need to gather and submit several documents. These usually include:
- A valid passport
- Birth certificate
- Police clearance
- Academic or work qualifications
- Passport-size photos
All the information must be accurate. Mistakes or missing details can lead to disqualification.
The Interview at the US Embassy
After submitting your documents, you will be scheduled for an interview at the US Embassy in Nairobi. This is a crucial step. A consular officer will ask questions about your background and review your documents.
To qualify, you must meet basic requirements. These include:
- Completion of at least a high school education, or
- Two years of work experience in an eligible occupation within the past five years
If your answers or documents don’t satisfy the officer, your application may be denied.
What Happens If You’re Approved?
If your visa is approved, you’ll receive a sealed packet and an immigrant visa in your passport. Once you travel to the US and present these at a port of entry, you officially become a lawful permanent resident.
You’ll later receive your Green Card by post, usually within a few weeks.
As a Green Card holder, you’ll have the right to:
- Live and work in the US
- Travel freely in and out of the country (within limits)
- Apply for citizenship after five years
- Sponsor certain family members for visas
Time and Numbers Matter
It’s important to act quickly. DV visas are issued on a first-come, first-served basis. Each winner is assigned a case number, and only a limited number of visas are given out before the deadline.
If your case is not processed in time—even if you were selected—you may lose your chance entirely.
Watch Out for Scams
The DV lottery is free. The US government does not send winning notifications by email or ask for money. All applicants must check their status through the official website: dvprogram.state.gov.
If you receive a message demanding payment or making big promises, it’s likely a scam.
A Chance, Not a Promise
The Green Card lottery remains one of the few legal pathways to US permanent residency for many Kenyans. But it is not a shortcut. The process requires attention to detail, patience, and careful preparation.
Winning gives you a chance. What you do with it is up to you.
