Instructions for Selectees: Interview Preparation
Step 4: Your Interview at the U.S. Embassy or Consulate Abroad
After all of your forms have been received and approved by the Kentucky Consular Center (KCC), based on visa availability, you may receive an interview appointment letter indicating the date, time, and location of your visa interview. You will need to be present at the interview, as well as your spouse and children (as applicable) who are applying for a diversity immigrant visa.
Note: The completed original Form(s) DS-230, Form DS-122 and photographs you submitted in Step 2, will be sent by KCC to the U.S. Embassy or Consulate where you will be interviewed.
Medical Exam
Before your interview, diversity visa applicants will need to have completed the required medical exam, including required vaccinations. You will need to schedule your medical exam appointment. Review Medical Exam and Physicians for a list of required Panel Physicians in your country, instructions for the medical exam and medical exam frequently asked questions (FAQs).
Note: On the Panel Physicians List, select the Embassy/Consulate where you will be interviewed. Unlike case numbers for all other immigrant visa categories, DV case numbers do not contain three-letter codes for the Embassy/Consulate where your case will be processed.
Interview Preparation
You should prepare thoroughly and carefully for your interview. Failure to be fully prepared for your interview at the U.S. Embassy or Consulate can result in delay or denial of the visa. It is important that you follow any additional instructions provided by the Embassy or Consulate on the Interview Preparation – Embassy Guidelines webpage.
Note: On the US Embassy/Consulate Specific Information List, select the Embassy/Consulate where you will be interviewed. Unlike case numbers for all other immigrant visa categories, DV case numbers do not contain three-letter codes for the Embassy/Consulate where your case will be processed.
Required Documentation
At your interview you must bring the following;
- Selectee notification letter which you received from KCC.
- 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 listed in the Step 3 instructions.
Original Document Requirements
The applicant and each family member who will accompany the applicant to the United States will need to submit original documents or certified copies of the documents listed in section Step 3 from an appropriate office (authority, or issuing entity) in your country.
Translation Requirements - Follow instructions provided in Step 3 Obtaining Your Civil Documents.
Fee Payment
At your visa interview you must pay the DV lottery fee. Learn more about Fees. You should make arrangements to have payment available before your interview date and time the following instructions of the U.S. embassy or consulate where you will be interviewed. Other fees an applicant can expect include medical exam fees, as an example.
When You Have Your Diversity Immigrant Visa – What You Should Know
If you are issued a diversity immigrant visa, the consular officer will give you your passport containing the immigrant visa and a sealed packet containing the documents which you provided. It is important that you do not open the sealed packet. Only the U.S. immigration official should open this packet when you enter the United States. You are required to enter the United States before the expiration date printed on your visa. When traveling, the primary (or principal) applicant must enter the United States before or at the same time as family members holding visas.
If you receive your immigrant visa on or after February 1, 2013, you must pay the USCIS Immigrant Fee to the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) after you receive your immigrant visa and before you travel to the United States. Select USCIS Immigrant Fee on the USCIS website for more information.
Important Notice: USCIS will not issue a Permanent Resident Card (Form I-551 or Green Card) until you have paid the fee.
How to Contact Kentucky Consular Center
If you need to contact the Kentucky Consular Center (KCC) you must always refer to your name and case number exactly as they appear on your original Selectee Letter. Your case number should be clearly written in the upper right hand corner of ALL documents and correspondence sent to the KCC.
The KCC telephone number is 606-526-7500 (7:30am until 4:00pm EST), or send an E-mail inquiry to KCCDV@state.gov
