Convincing the consulate we have enough money

[taryn 0]

Hi Everyone,

I hope it is al-right for me to ask for your input here. If not, I apologise upfront.

My family and I will be applying for the DV lottery this coming Oct (assuming that is when it opens for entry). I noticed that successful winners must then apply for a DV and will only be granted a DV based on a number of factors. The one factor that fascinates us is the "sponsor" factor. They say you need to have a family sponsorship, or offer of employment or prove financial stability.

I doubt we would get a family sponsorship as that is a huge burden to place on others. Secondly, I highly doubt we will get an Offer of Employment because I assume the employer would want you to have a green card already. (Although I hope this would happen for us, even though highly unlikely, I am sure). So, that leaves us with option 3. We have to prove financial stability. Do you perhaps know how much would be enough to convince the interviewer that we will not be a burden to the state? We are a family of 6. Also would they want is to be liquid cash in a savings account or would assets do? I assume they would do some kind of calculation to determine financial stability (assets less liability then convert that from south african rands into USD. I have heard 125% above the poverty line?!?!?! Is this correct. If so, how much is that? I've heard the poverty line for a family of 6 is USD39000 so am I correct in saying we would need USD48750?!?!?

I hope you would be able to give some advice or point me into the right direction.

Thanks

Taryn

[Kathryn41 3,205]

Topic has been moved from Immigration News and Discussion forum to Diversity Lottery forum as a more appropriate location for this topic.

[jeyh 1]

I have heard 125% above the poverty line?!?!?! Is this correct. If so, how much is that? I've heard the poverty line for a family of 6 is USD39000 so am I correct in saying we would need USD48750?!?!?

yes, it is enough, assets also may be considered .

But it depends on your consulate requirements. I couldn't find documentation requirements for Lottery winners in your embassy website.

Our consulate strictly require only Sponsorship to determine financial stability. They are not interested in sayving accounts or assets.

[Ippsy Pippsy 31]

I doubt we would get a family sponsorship as that is a huge burden to place on others. Secondly, I highly doubt we will get an Offer of Employment because I assume the employer would want you to have a green card already. (Although I hope this would happen for us, even though highly unlikely, I am sure). So, that leaves us with option 3. We have to prove financial stability. Do you perhaps know how much would be enough to convince the interviewer that we will not be a burden to the state? We are a family of 6. ... I have heard 125% above the poverty line?!?!?! Is this correct. If so, how much is that? I've heard the poverty line for a family of 6 is USD39000 so am I correct in saying we would need USD48750?!?!?

Many families in the USA are much smaller. Keep in mind that poverty line is that: poverty. Not a very good standard of living, possibly lower than you have now. You would want to have an income double that, probably. Figure two adults working at a minimum wage job.... Is that 40000? Network with friends and family who are already here to see what is available and realistic for jobs.

Housing costs are much higher in some places than others. I shudder to think what a 3 bedroom apartment would cost in urban California. 2bd are already over 2000/month. That's 24000/year - minimum. You can look for yourself on craigslist.com.

[N-o-l-a 7,168]

I thought it was 5x times the difference in assets or 625% of the poverty line for just assets or is this not the case for DV cases?

Edited February 27, 2013 by Nola123

[NigeriaorBust 4,087]

DV lottery uses different rules. Like if the do an affidavit they use the I134 not the I864.

To apply you must have a certain amount of education . Make sure every member that applies meets the education requirement. If they are trying based on job understand the O list well. Understand qualified famly member. I am not sure who you are thinking will get to com along but the general rule is winner, spouse and minor children. So if you win , parents and siblings are NOT included. This may lower the number of immigrants. Many DV winners can be sponsored by churches, if you win you can look into that line or any friends that are US citizens of permanent residents.

[Boiler 45,641]

Perhaps something to get excited about after you 'win'.

[kdude1 3]

You can see the amount of people who apply from each country and the amount that win the lottery (it's posted on an official site somewhere.. this will show you roughly what the odds might be of winning)... After you apply in October you find out the next May (2014) if you have been successful. It certainly is possible but unlikely for many people unfortunately. When you do apply just make sure you qualify (as you seem to be checking now) and that you fill out the forms correctly and submit a proper photograph to the correct standards for each application (no shadows etc). Good luck with it.

[Ippsy Pippsy 31]

I don't know what is actually needed for the DV to get into the USA. But you can use that "poverty level" guide to help you with your financial planning for what you will need once you ARE in the USA. This is where having friends/family you can stay with and who can help you get jobs is helpful.

[NigeriaorBust 4,087]

The basics of the DV lottery

Applicants registered for the DV-2013 program were selected at random from 7,941,400 qualified entries (12,577,463 with derivatives) received during the 30-day application period that ran from noon, Eastern Daylight Time on Tuesday, October 4, 2011, until noon, Eastern Daylight Time on Saturday, November 5, 2011. The visas have been apportioned among six geographic regions with a maximum of seven percent available to persons born in any single country. During the visa interview, principal applicants must provide proof of a high school education or its equivalent, or show two years of work experience in an occupation that requires at least two years of training or experience within the past five years. Those selected will need to act on their immigrant visa applications quickly. Applicants should follow the instructions provided on the website www.dvlottery.state.gov.

They fill in online a little information and don't start filling out real forms until after selection. Different countries are different about expecting the I134 some never ask for it. Last year just under 1000 apllicant selected choose South Africa as the country to qualify their submission.