DV Lottery Results and Next Steps for Alhambra Residents
Complete guide to checking DV lottery results, DS-260 filing, and interview preparation for green card lottery winners
Quick Answer
For Alhambra residents who entered the Diversity Visa (DV) lottery, checking your results and understanding the next steps is crucial to successfully obtaining your green card. Being selected in the DV lottery is just the first step - you must complete extensive documentation, file your DS-260 application, and prepare for your immigrant visa interview. SoCal Immigration Services guides Alhambra lottery winners through every step of this exciting but complex process.
Reviewed for accuracy by
Maria Santos
DOJ Accredited Representative • 15+ years experience
For Alhambra residents who entered the Diversity Visa (DV) lottery, checking your results and understanding the next steps is crucial to successfully obtaining your green card. Being selected in the DV lottery is just the first step - you must complete extensive documentation, file your DS-260 application, and prepare for your immigrant visa interview. SoCal Immigration Services guides Alhambra lottery winners through every step of this exciting but complex process.
How to Check Your DV Lottery Results
Official Status Check Website:
The only legitimate way to check your DV lottery results is through the official Entrant Status Check at dvprogram.state.gov. No other website or service can provide your official selection status.
Required Information:
To check your status, you need your confirmation number from when you submitted your entry. If you lost this number, there is no way to retrieve it - the State Department cannot provide confirmation numbers.
Results Timeline:
Results for each lottery year typically become available on May 1st following the October-November registration period. For example, DV-2027 lottery entries submitted in October-November 2025 have results available starting May 1, 2026.
Understanding Your Selection Notification
- •Confirmation that you have been selected
- •Your case number (important for scheduling priority)
- •Instructions for the next steps
- •Link to the DS-260 immigrant visa application
- •Contact information for the Kentucky Consular Center
What Your Case Number Means
Case Number Format:
Case numbers follow the format: Region + Year + Number. For example, AF2027xxxxx indicates Africa region for fiscal year 2027.
Regions:
AF = Africa, AS = Asia (including Middle East), EU = Europe, NA = North America (Bahamas only), OC = Oceania, SA = South America and Caribbean.
Processing Priority:
Lower case numbers are processed first. The State Department publishes monthly Visa Bulletin updates showing which case numbers are current and can proceed to interviews. Higher numbers may not become current until late in the fiscal year - or may never become current if visa numbers run out.
Regional Allocation for Arab Lottery Winners
| Region | Countries Included | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Africa (AF) | Algeria, Egypt, Libya, Morocco, Sudan, Tunisia | Largest regional allocation |
| Asia (AS) | Bahrain, Iraq, Jordan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Oman, Palestine, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Syria, UAE, Yemen | Includes Middle East countries |
| Europe (EU) | None of the Arab countries | Some applicants may qualify through spouse's birth country |
The DS-260 Immigrant Visa Application
Application Sections:
The DS-260 covers personal information, family history, work and education history, security questions, and addresses for the past five years. Take your time completing each section accurately.
Separate Applications for Each Person:
Each family member immigrating needs their own DS-260 application. This includes your spouse and unmarried children under 21.
Accuracy is Critical:
Information on your DS-260 must match your other documents exactly. Discrepancies between your DS-260 and supporting documents can cause delays or visa denials.
Submission Deadline:
You must submit your DS-260 by September 30 of your fiscal year. However, submitting early is strongly recommended to ensure adequate processing time.
DS-260 Preparation Tips for Alhambra Residents
- 1Gather All Documents First
Before starting your DS-260, collect all required documents including passports, birth certificates, marriage certificates, police certificates, and educational credentials.
- 2Verify Name Consistency
Ensure your name appears exactly the same across all documents. Arabic name transliterations often vary - use your passport spelling as the standard.
- 3Document Your Address History
List all addresses where you have lived for the past five years. Include complete addresses with cities, regions, and postal codes.
- 4Employment and Education Records
Prepare complete employment history for the past 10 years and education history including names and addresses of all schools attended.
- 5Review Before Submission
Review every entry carefully before final submission. Once submitted, changes require additional steps and may cause delays.
- 6Print Confirmation Page
After submission, print and save your DS-260 confirmation page. You will need this for your interview.
Required Documents for DV Lottery Winners
- •Valid passport with at least six months validity beyond planned entry date
- •Birth certificate for each applicant (with certified English translation)
- •Marriage certificate if married (with certified English translation)
- •Divorce or death certificates for previous marriages
- •Police certificates from all countries where you lived for 12+ months after age 16
- •High school diploma or equivalent educational credential
- •Transcripts if qualifying through work experience
- •Military records if applicable
- •Court records if you have criminal history
- •Adoption papers if applicable
- •Two passport-style photographs per applicant (U.S. specifications)
- •DS-260 confirmation page
- •DV lottery selection letter printout
Police Certificates for Arab Applicants
Countries with Standard Procedures:
Most Arab countries have established procedures for issuing police certificates. Contact your local embassy or consulate for specific instructions.
Countries with Difficult Access:
For countries like Syria, Iraq, or Yemen where security situations make obtaining certificates difficult, the U.S. embassy may waive this requirement or accept alternative evidence.
Multiple Countries:
If you lived in multiple countries for 12+ months after age 16, you need police certificates from each country. Start obtaining these early as some take months to process.
Validity Period:
Most police certificates must be issued within one year of your interview date. Some embassies have stricter requirements.
Medical Examination Requirements
Finding a Panel Physician:
The U.S. embassy website lists authorized panel physicians in your country. Examinations by other doctors are not accepted.
Examination Components:
The medical exam includes physical examination, blood tests, chest X-ray, and verification of required vaccinations.
Required Vaccinations:
You must show proof of vaccination against mumps, measles, rubella, polio, tetanus, diphtheria, pertussis, hepatitis A, hepatitis B, rotavirus, varicella, influenza, and COVID-19.
Validity Period:
Medical examination results are valid for one year from the examination date. Schedule your exam close enough to your interview that results remain valid.
Costs:
Medical examinations are paid directly to the panel physician. Costs vary by country but typically range from $200-500.
Affidavit of Support Requirements
Self-Sufficiency:
If you have job skills, education, or assets that demonstrate you can support yourself, you may not need a financial sponsor.
Employment Offer:
A job offer letter from a U.S. employer strengthens your case significantly. The letter should include salary, position, and start date.
U.S. Sponsor:
If you cannot demonstrate self-sufficiency, a U.S. citizen or permanent resident can provide an Affidavit of Support (Form I-134). The sponsor must meet income requirements.
Alhambra Connections:
If you have family members, friends, or community connections in Alhambra or Southern California willing to sponsor you, their support can be valuable for your application.
Interview Preparation for DV Winners
Interview Scheduling:
The Kentucky Consular Center schedules interviews based on case numbers and Visa Bulletin cutoff dates. You will receive an interview appointment letter with your date, time, and location.
What to Bring:
Bring all original documents, translations, photos, medical examination results, and payment for visa fees. Organize documents in the order listed in your appointment letter.
Interview Process:
The consular officer will verify your identity, review your documents, ask questions about your background, and determine your eligibility. Be honest and direct in your responses.
Common Questions:
Expect questions about your education, work history, family relationships, and plans in the United States. The officer may ask why you want to immigrate and how you will support yourself.
Interview Tips for Alhambra-Bound Applicants
- •Arrive early to your interview appointment
- •Dress professionally and conservatively
- •Bring original documents plus copies organized clearly
- •Answer questions directly without volunteering unnecessary information
- •If you do not understand a question, politely ask for clarification
- •Speak English if you are comfortable; interpreters are available if needed
- •Remain calm and confident throughout the interview
- •Do not bring unauthorized electronic devices into the embassy
- •Provide truthful answers - inconsistencies with your application cause problems
Critical Deadlines for DV Lottery Winners
| Deadline | Requirement | Consequence of Missing |
|---|---|---|
| September 30 | All visa processing must complete by this date | Selection expires, no visa issued |
| Early DS-260 submission | Submit as soon as possible after selection | Delays may prevent interview scheduling |
| Document submission | Submit all documents before interview | Interview canceled or visa denied |
| Interview attendance | Attend scheduled interview | Must reschedule, risking missing fiscal year deadline |
| Visa validation | Enter U.S. before visa expires (usually 6 months) | Must apply for new visa if missed |
What Happens After Visa Approval
Visa Issuance:
The embassy will return your passport with your immigrant visa attached. This typically takes a few days after approval.
Visa Validity:
Your immigrant visa is valid for six months from issuance or until your medical examination expires, whichever is sooner. You must enter the U.S. before expiration.
Entry to United States:
At the U.S. port of entry, present your immigrant visa and sealed packet to the CBP officer. They will process your entry and you become a lawful permanent resident.
Green Card Delivery:
Your physical green card will be mailed to your U.S. address within a few weeks of entry. Ensure you have a valid address in Alhambra or elsewhere where you can receive mail.
Social Security:
If you elected to receive a Social Security number on your DS-260, your card will arrive separately by mail.
How SoCal Immigration Services Helps Alhambra DV Winners
Results Verification:
We help you understand your selection notification and what your case number means for processing timeline.
DS-260 Assistance:
We guide you through completing the DS-260 accurately, ensuring consistency with your supporting documents.
Document Preparation:
We help organize and review all required documents, identify any missing items, and coordinate certified translations.
Interview Preparation:
We conduct mock interviews to prepare you for questions and help you present your case effectively.
Arabic Language Support:
Our staff provides guidance in Arabic, ensuring clear understanding of all requirements and processes.
Call (714) 421-8872 to schedule a consultation with our DV lottery specialists serving Alhambra and Los Angeles County.
FAQFrequently Asked Questions
Q:How do I check if I won the DV lottery?
A: Check your DV lottery status only at dvprogram.state.gov using your confirmation number. Results are available starting May 1 each year. The State Department does not notify winners by email or mail - you must check yourself online.
Q:I lost my DV lottery confirmation number. Can I still check my results?
A: Unfortunately, there is no way to recover a lost confirmation number. The State Department cannot provide this information. Without your confirmation number, you cannot check your selection status.
Q:What does my DV lottery case number mean?
A: Your case number indicates your region and determines your processing priority. Lower numbers are processed first. The monthly Visa Bulletin shows which case numbers are current and can schedule interviews. Higher numbers may not become current before the September 30 deadline.
Q:When should I submit my DS-260 after DV lottery selection?
A: Submit your DS-260 as soon as possible after selection. While the deadline is September 30, early submission allows more time for processing and interview scheduling. Delays in DS-260 submission can result in missing interview slots.
Q:Do I need a U.S. sponsor for the DV lottery green card?
A: Not necessarily. If you can demonstrate self-sufficiency through education, skills, or a job offer, you may not need a sponsor. However, if you cannot show financial capability, a U.S. citizen or permanent resident can provide an Affidavit of Support.
Q:What happens if I miss the September 30 deadline?
A: The September 30 deadline is absolute. If your visa is not issued by this date, your DV lottery selection expires permanently. There are no extensions, rollovers, or exceptions. This is why early action is critical.
Q:Can my spouse and children also get green cards through my DV lottery selection?
A: Yes, your spouse and unmarried children under 21 can receive derivative visas based on your selection. Each family member must submit their own DS-260 and attend their own interview. They must be listed on your original lottery entry.
Q:How long is the DV lottery immigrant visa valid after approval?
A: Your immigrant visa is typically valid for six months from issuance. You must enter the United States before the visa expires. If you cannot travel within this window, you would need to apply for a new visa.
Won the DV Lottery? Get Expert Help in Alhambra
Our team guides lottery winners through DS-260 filing, document preparation, and interview success with Arabic language support.
Related Articles
DACA Renewal Services in Pomona: Trusted Help for Arab Dreamers and DACA Recipients
Expert DACA renewal assistance in Pomona for Arab Dreamers including eligibility requirements, application process, costs, and common mistakes to avoid.
Voluntary Departure and Alternatives in Glendale: Options for Arab Immigrants Facing Removal
Understanding voluntary departure vs deportation for Arab immigrants in Glendale. Eligibility requirements, alternatives, and Arabic-speaking assistance with removal proceedings.
U Visa Services for Crime Victims in Anaheim: Arabic-Speaking Immigration Help
U visa application services in Anaheim for Arab crime victims. Expert help with U visa petitions, law enforcement certification, work permits, and family derivative benefits.
Family Preference Wait Times in Whittier: Understanding Visa Bulletin Priorities for Arab Families
Complete guide to family preference category wait times for Arab families in Whittier including F1-F4 categories, Visa Bulletin updates, and strategies to reduce waiting periods.