Adjusting your status in the United States through the Diversity Visa Lottery is a pivotal step towards becoming a lawful permanent resident without exiting the U.S. This article provides essential guidelines to help you determine your eligibility for status adjustment.
Eligibility for Status Adjustment Post Diversity Lottery Win
- Physical Presence in the U.S.: To be eligible, you must be physically present in the United States. This process isn’t applicable if you’re outside the U.S., where consular processing is required instead.
- Legal Entry Requirement: Your entry into the U.S. should have been legal – meaning you were inspected, admitted, or paroled into the United States.
- Visa Availability Check: Winning the DV Lottery is just the beginning. You need to ensure a visa is available before initiating the status adjustment process. Regularly check the Department of State’s Visa Bulletin for your case number and the current status of visa availability.
- Compliance with Status Regulations: It’s crucial to have adhered to the terms of your current visa status and ensure you’re not subject to any grounds of inadmissibility.
- Filing the Adjustment Application: Eligible individuals must file Form I-485, the application for adjustment of status, with the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).
Conclusion
While the opportunity to adjust your status via the Diversity Visa Lottery is a fortunate circumstance, the process requires meticulous attention to detail. Given the complexity and nuances involved, it’s advisable to consult with an experienced immigration attorney or expert. They can offer tailored advice based on your unique situation and assist in navigating the process efficiently.
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