The US Green Card program gives a chance to nonresidents to work and live in America. For many Kenyans, it’s an opportunity to migrate to one of the best countries in the world. So, how do you go about it? Here is a comprehensive guide on how to apply for the USA green card from Kenya.
Eligibility
You must meet the specified eligibility criteria to apply for a US Green Card. The following are the categories of people allowed to apply for this program.
- Relatives of US Citizens or Permanent Residents (Family Sponsorship)
- Individuals with valid job offers from US-based employers or those with exceptional skills.
- People fleeing persecution (refugees and asylum seekers)
Diversity Visa (DV) lottery, which issues Green Cards to people with historically low migration rate to America, such as Kenya.
As a Kenyan, the last category is the most optimal choice. It is also the most common route to legally immigrate to the United States. If you meet the requirements, you have a chance to win the lottery and move to America.
How to Apply for The USA Green Card from Kenya
Like most official applications, you must meet specific requirements to become eligible for this program. These include:
Kenyan Citizenship
You must be a Kenyan citizen to enter the DV Lottery. This means you have to be at least 18 years old, and possess an ID card or a valid passport.
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Education
You must have at least a high school qualification (a K.C.S.E certificate) to apply for a Green Card. Otherwise, you must prove two years worth of experience in your desired work. This experience must be within the last five years of making the application.
It is advisable to ensure you meet these criteria before making further steps.
If you meet the criteria above, you can try your luck with the DV lottery. This is how to do it.
Check the Application Dates
The United States Department of State allows applications to the Diversity Visa program every year. Mostly, this happens from the beginning of October to early November. The best way to get the exact dates is by checking the official website (https://dvprogram.state.gov). Right now, applications are open. Read this guide to apply successfully.
Apply Online
When the application window opens, click the green “begin entry button”. You should see this once you click the green begin entry button. Now fill the information below and more that isn’t captured in this screenshot.
This application is free, but you need to provide the following:
- Personal information: this includes your full name, date of birth, and current location.
- Country of eligibility: in this case, it is Kenya.
- Education and work information: as described earlier you must have a K.C.S.E certificate or provable work experience (at least two years).
- Photographs: you must provide recent passport-sized photographs that meet the specified size, format, and background. It is advisable to have a professional take the photos. Remember, photos that do not meet the required standards lead to outright disqualification.
Review and Submit the Application
Confirm the accuracy of your information and documents before submitting the application. After submission, you will receive a confirmation number. It is important to keep this number safely because it serves as your proof of entry. Also, the confirmation number helps you to track the status of your application.
How to Check the Results of Your Application
The Department of State usually releases the DV Lottery results in May of the following year. So, if you apply now, you will know the outcome in May 2025. You can check the results on the official website (https://dvprogram.state.gov). If you are lucky, you will see the instructions on how to proceed.
What Do You Do After Selection?
It is worth noting that winning the DV Lottery does not guarantee a Green Card. You must follow the steps provided by the Department of State. More importantly, you have to attend an interview and meet other visa requirements.
The next section highlights what you will need after a successful DV Lottery application.
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Complete Form DS-260
If selected, you must fill Form DS-260, also known as the Immigrant Visa and Alien Registration Application. The online form covers the following.
- Personal information: this includes your full name, date of birth, address, marital status, and so on.
- Family information: this includes details about your spouse, children, and parents.•
- Previous visits: you must provide information about any prior trips to the US, where applicable.
- Background and security information: this covers information about your previous jobs and criminal history.
Pay the Application Fee
The next step involves paying the application fees. Currently, applying for the Diversity Visa costs $330, but this is subject to change. This money is non-refundable, even if your application is unsuccessful.
Schedule and Attend the Interview
After completing the Form DS-260 and paying the fees, you will need to schedule an interview at the US Embassy in Gigiri, Nairobi. Here are the documents you need for the interview:
- Passport: you must have a valid passport. Its validity must extend at least six months beyond your intended stay in the US.
- Birth certificate: you must provide an official copy of your birth certificate. To avoid problems, carry the original.
- Education and work certificates: these documents prove your eligibility to migrate to the United States.
- Police clearance certificate: you must have a valid form of good conduct from the DCI during your interview.
- Medical exam: you must undergo an examination from a doctor. Ensure you have all the required vaccinations.
Attend the Interview
Depending on the number of applicants, the US Embassy will provide an interview date. When it arrives, an official will review your documents, ask questions about you, and verify the information on your Form DS-260.
The main objective of the interview is to confirm your eligibility for the Diversity Visa.
After the Interview
If your interview is successful, you will receive a visa to move to the United States as a permanent resident. This is what happens next:
Visa Approval
Following a successful application, you will receive a Visa Packet from the US Embassy. You must present this to the Customs and Border Protection officers when you arrive in the United States. Additionally, you will receive a sealed envelope containing your immigration documents. You must avoid opening this envelope.
Pay the USCIS Immigrant Fee
Before you travel to the United States, you must pay the USCIS Immigrant Fee, which is usually $220. This fee covers the production and mailing of your physical Green Card.
Traveling to the United States
After visa approval and paying the USCIS Immigrant Fee, you can travel to America. Upon arrival, the officials will stamp your passports. Then, you will receive your physical Green Card within 90 days.
Once you receive the Green Card, you can live and work as a permanent resident. You can also travel out of the country, with some restrictions. After five years, you will be eligible to apply for US citizenship.
Useful Tips for How to Apply for The USA Green Card from Kenya
While success is not guaranteed, here are some useful tips for increasing your chances.
Be Careful with Scams
The US Government does not charge anything to apply for the Green Card. Please avoid anybody who asks for money in exchange for application. Always use the official website.
Ensure Accuracy
Confirm the accuracy of all the required documents and information. It takes little mistakes to disqualify the entire application.
Adhere to Deadlines
Every step in this application has a deadline. Failing to adhere to these disqualifies your application.
Follow Up
It is crucial to follow up every step of your application. Many people win the lottery but fail to making to the United States because of failing to complete the subsequent steps in the required time.
Conclusion
Applying for the Green Card gives you an opportunity to live and work in the United States. The best way to have an advantage over other applicants is by paying attention to detail. Gather the required documents and information, confirm everything before submission, and follow up every step. Moreover, ensure you meet the specified deadlines. If you do these, you have a great chance of going to America.
