Understanding the DV2 Visa Requirements for USA Immigrants is crucial for families of Diversity Visa winners. As a derivative visa, the DV2 allows spouses and unmarried children under 21 to join the primary applicant in America. This comprehensive guide details the eligibility, documentation, and application process for securing permanent residency through the lottery.
Understanding the DV2 Visa Category
The Diversity Immigrant Visa Program, commonly known as the Green Card Lottery, is a unique pathway to permanent residency in the United States. While the primary selectee is granted a DV1 visa, their immediate family members are categorized under the DV2 visa. This derivative status ensures that families can stay together during the immigration process. The DV2 visa is specifically reserved for the legal spouse and the unmarried children under the age of 21 of the principal DV1 applicant. It is important to note that the number of visas available in this category is limited by the overall annual cap of the Diversity Visa program, which is typically around 55,000 visas per year. Because the program is based on a lottery system, meeting the DV2 Visa Requirements for USA Immigrants is only possible if the primary applicant has been officially selected by the Department of State and has a rank number that has become current according to the Visa Bulletin.
Core Eligibility Criteria for Spouses and Children
To qualify for a DV2 visa, the relationship between the primary applicant and the family member must be legally recognized. For spouses, this means a valid marriage certificate must be provided. The marriage must have taken place before the primary applicant entered the U.S. or before they attended their final immigrant visa interview. If a marriage occurs after the lottery selection but before the visa interview, it is subject to intense scrutiny by consular officers to ensure it was not entered into solely for immigration purposes. For children, eligibility is restricted to those who are unmarried and under the age of 21. This includes biological children, legally adopted children, and stepchildren, provided the marriage that created the step-relationship occurred before the child turned 18. One of the most significant challenges for children is ‘aging out,’ which happens when a child turns 21 before the visa is issued. Fortunately, the Child Status Protection Act (CSPA) may provide some relief by allowing the child to ‘freeze’ their age under certain mathematical formulas involving the length of time the petition was pending.
Comprehensive Documentation Checklist
The success of a DV2 application depends heavily on the accuracy and completeness of the documentation provided. Applicants must present original documents and certified translations if the originals are not in English. The following table outlines the essential documents required for the DV2 visa process.
| Document Type | Description | Requirement Detail |
|---|---|---|
| DS-260 Confirmation | Online Immigrant Visa Application | Each family member must submit their own DS-260 form. |
| Passport | Valid International Passport | Must be valid for at least six months beyond the intended date of entry. |
| Birth Certificate | Official Government Record | Must show the names of both parents. |
| Marriage Certificate | Legal Proof of Union | Required for spouses to prove the derivative relationship. |
| Police Certificates | Criminal Record History | Required for all applicants aged 16 and older from relevant countries. |
| Medical Examination | Authorized Physician Report | Must be completed by a panel physician approved by the embassy. |
| Photographs | Visa-compliant Photos | Two identical 2×2 inch color photos following US state department standards. |
The Step-by-Step Application Process
The journey toward obtaining a DV2 visa involves several sequential steps that must be followed with precision. Missing a deadline or failing to submit a required form can lead to the denial of the entire family’s application. The process begins after the primary applicant receives notification of their selection via the Entrant Status Check on the E-DV website. Once selected, every family member intending to immigrate must complete the Form DS-260, the Online Immigrant Visa Electronic Application. This form asks for detailed biographical information, previous travel history, and security-related questions. After the DS-260 is processed by the Kentucky Consular Center (KCC), the applicants will be required to submit scanned copies of their supporting documents for review. Only after the KCC has verified the documents and the primary applicant’s rank number is current will an interview be scheduled at the local U.S. Embassy or Consulate. During this waiting period, it is vital to keep all information updated and to prepare for the medical examination, which is a mandatory requirement for all DV2 visa applicants regardless of age.
The Consular Interview Experience
The consular interview is the final and most critical hurdle in meeting the DV2 Visa Requirements for USA Immigrants. All family members included in the application are generally required to attend the interview. During the session, the consular officer will verify the authenticity of the relationships and the eligibility of each applicant. You should be prepared to answer questions regarding your background, your relationship with the primary applicant, and your plans for living in the United States. To prepare effectively, follow these steps:
- Review all submitted DS-260 forms for accuracy to avoid discrepancies during the interview.
- Organize all original documents in a folder, including birth certificates, marriage licenses, and divorce decrees from prior marriages.
- Ensure that the medical examination results are either sent directly to the embassy or brought in a sealed envelope as instructed.
- Pay the non-refundable Diversity Visa fee, which is currently $330 per person, before or at the time of the interview.
- Prepare to provide fingerprints electronically as part of the security screening process.
If the officer approves the visa, the passports will be collected and returned with the immigrant visas and a sealed packet (in some cases, this is now digital). It is essential not to open the sealed packet if one is given; it must be presented to the U.S. Customs and Border Protection officer at the port of entry.
Financial Requirements and Public Charge Rule
While the Diversity Visa program does not require a formal Affidavit of Support (Form I-864) in the same way family-sponsored visas do, applicants must still demonstrate that they will not become a public charge in the United States. This means the primary applicant and their DV2 dependents must show they have the financial means to support themselves. Evidence can include personal savings, job offers in the U.S., or assets that can be liquidated. In some instances, a Form I-134, Affidavit of Support, from a sponsor in the U.S. may be helpful, though it is not always mandatory. The consular officer will evaluate the ‘totality of circumstances,’ including age, health, family status, assets, and education, to determine if the family is likely to rely on government assistance. Demonstrating a clear plan for employment or financial stability is a key component of the DV2 Visa Requirements for USA Immigrants.
Final Considerations and Post-Arrival Steps
Securing the DV2 visa is a life-changing event, but the process does not end once the visa is stamped in the passport. Before traveling to the United States, applicants must pay the USCIS Immigrant Fee online. This fee covers the processing of the physical Green Card. Upon arrival at a U.S. port of entry, the DV2 holder will be inspected by a CBP officer. Once admitted, they officially become Lawful Permanent Residents (LPRs). Within a few weeks, the Social Security card and the physical Permanent Resident Card (Green Card) are typically mailed to the U.S. address provided during the application. As LPRs, DV2 visa holders enjoy the right to live and work anywhere in the United States and can eventually apply for U.S. citizenship after five years of continuous residence. Maintaining status requires following all U.S. laws and ensuring that you do not stay outside the country for extended periods, which could be interpreted as abandoning your residency.