A comprehensive guide for selected DV Lottery Applicants: Step 5

Step 5: Prepare for the Interview

You should prepare for your interview thoroughly and carefully. Failure to be fully prepared for your interview at the U.S. Embassy or Consulate can result in delay or denial of your visa application. 

After you have been notified of your scheduled interview, you will need to take the following important steps in advance of the interview date:

1. Carefully Review your scheduling information in the Entrant Status Check on the E-DV website, noting the date, time, and location of your immigrant visa interview.

2. Review U.S. Embassy or Consulate Interview Instructions 

There may be additional instructions provided by the U.S. Embassy or Consulate where you will be applying and be interviewed, so please review those instructions carefully. To see this information, select below the U.S. Embassy or Consulate where you will be interviewed. Please note that some of the information included in these instructions may apply to immigrant visa classifications other than diversity visas. If you have questions about the country-specific information included here, please contact the embassy or consulate where you will apply for your visa.

3. Schedule and Complete a Medical Examination

You (and each family member applying for a visa with you) are required to schedule a medical appointment with an authorized physician in the country where you will be interviewed. You must complete your medical examination, along with any required vaccinations, before your scheduled visa interview date. When your medical exam is completed, if you are given a medical exam envelope, you must bring it sealed (not opened) to your visa interview. Some physicians will send the medical exam results directly to the embassy or consulate.

A list of authorized physicians for the U.S. Embassy or Consulate where you will apply is provided. You must contact a physician and schedule your medical appointment. The embassy or consulate will not do this for you. Explain that the examination is for an immigrant visa application and give the physician the date of the interview appointment. The physician will tell you the cost of the examination and tests. Please note that some of the information included in these instructions may apply to immigrant visa classifications other than diversity visas. If you have questions about the country-specific information included here, please contact the embassy or consulate where you will apply for your visa.

4. Gather Photographs and All Remaining Required Documents

Photographs

Each DV applicant will need to bring two (2) identical photos to the interview. Photos used in applying for the DV will be acceptable.

Required Documentation

Each applicant will be required to present the following:

• Appointment information printed from the Entrant Status Check on the E-DV website.
• DS-260 confirmation page You can print this from the Consular Electronic Application Center any time after you complete your DS-260 application.
• Passport(s) valid for six months beyond the intended date of entry into the U.S. for you and each family member applying for a visa.
• Original documents or certified copies of all applicable civil documents, and one photocopy of each document.

5. Review Additional Information - Visit the U.S. Embassy or Consulate website where you will be interviewed for any additional information.

Paying Fees

Before being interviewed, each applicant must pay the Diversity Visa Lottery fee. For DV-2018 and DV-2017 applicants the fee is $330 per person. This fee is nonrefundable, whether a visa is issued or not. 
Fee payment procedures vary between different U.S. Embassies and Consulates. At most locations, you should make arrangements to pay your fees before your interview date and time by following the instructions of the U.S. Embassy or Consulate where you will be interviewed. A few U.S. Embassies and Consulates collect fees in the consular section at the time of your interview. Be sure you have looked at the specific instructions for the U.S. Embassy or Consulate where you will be interviewed so that you can follow the appropriate procedures.

Other fees may apply to other parts of the process, such as medical exam fees, or local government fees to obtain certified copies of records.