Australian entrant question :-)

[Kelli1]

Hello everyone

I had a few questions about the lottery and green cards and I would prefer answers from Australians as every consulate is different but people from elsewhere are still appreciated

So I'll describe my situation. I am 18 years old with my high school diploma, I start university next year in nursing and I was thinking of applying for the lottery. I love America, I just came back from doing a high school exchange program there. So at the same time as being a student I also have about 3-4 part time work experience in hospitality and retail.

So would it be likely, as a university student/young person to get a visa if won?

I was a little concerned about the fact I would only be 18 or 19 at the interview with no real career yet and only a little bit of college. I think if I got it I would transfer and continue working part time or work full time until I settle in a save money. Would this concern the consulate? I am not fussy about jobs at all!

How much money would an Australian need? I'm not married and don't have kids.

Does entering this alter my chances of being able to get another exchange visa or visa waiver?

I'm still thinking of questions so I might have more to add later! Thanks everyone!!

 

[Qewty]

Hi Kelli

I remember a little while back someone asking if they were too young (similar in age to you I think) and as someone rightly pointed out, if they thought 18 was too young, they wouldn't have this in their instructions

IS THERE A MINIMUM AGE FOR APPLICANTS TO APPLY FOR THE E-DV PROGRAM?
There is no minimum age to apply for the program, but the requirement of a high school education or work
experience for each principal applicant at the time of application will effectively disqualify most persons who
are under age 18.

I believe the only concerns they may have would be how you are going to support yourself over there. Being so young, I suspect they will want to know that you have enough money or have someone who is going to provide financial support (Affidavit of Support (Form I-134) from a relative or friend residing in the United States). From Aussies who have been interviewed in Sydney, they do not usually have to provide proof of funds as some other consulates overseas seem to do. Generally speaking, I have read elsewhere that they suggest you have at least %125 of the current years US poverty line (this year for a 1 person household it is $11,170) So you would need to have about $13,000.

As I said, if you have a sponsor, then go down that route, or better still a job offer would be great to tell them. If you were older or had family/partner coming along I suspect they may not even ask about your finances. But your age, they just might. I have not won yet so I am not speaking from experience, just lots of time on this forum

Hope that was helpful, and good luck!

Q

 

[Kelli1]

Hi Kelli

I remember a little while back someone asking if they were too young (similar in age to you I think) and as someone rightly pointed out, if they thought 18 was too young, they wouldn't have this in their instructions

IS THERE A MINIMUM AGE FOR APPLICANTS TO APPLY FOR THE E-DV PROGRAM?
There is no minimum age to apply for the program, but the requirement of a high school education or work
experience for each principal applicant at the time of application will effectively disqualify most persons who
are under age 18.

I believe the only concerns they may have would be how you are going to support yourself over there. Being so young, I suspect they will want to know that you have enough money or have someone who is going to provide financial support (Affidavit of Support (Form I-134) from a relative or friend residing in the United States). From Aussies who have been interviewed in Sydney, they do not usually have to provide proof of funds as some other consulates overseas seem to do. Generally speaking, I have read elsewhere that they suggest you have at least %125 of the current years US poverty line (this year for a 1 person household it is $11,170) So you would need to have about $13,000.

As I said, if you have a sponsor, then go down that route, or better still a job offer would be great to tell them. If you were older or had family/partner coming along I suspect they may not even ask about your finances. But your age, they just might. I have not won yet so I am not speaking from experience, just lots of time on this forum

Hope that was helpful, and good luck!

Q

Thanks! Yeah I have done a fair bit of browsing myself!
I just want a comforting experience from someone in a similar position.
I don't Want to be dented a visa as it makes visiting and stuff difficult. So I'm trying to get everything straight before I enter

 

[raybongs]

Hello everyone

I had a few questions about the lottery and green cards and I would prefer answers from Australians as every consulate is different but people from elsewhere are still appreciated

So I'll describe my situation. I am 18 years old with my high school diploma, I start university next year in nursing and I was thinking of applying for the lottery. I love America, I just came back from doing a high school exchange program there. So at the same time as being a student I also have about 3-4 part time work experience in hospitality and retail.

So would it be likely, as a university student/young person to get a visa if won?

I was a little concerned about the fact I would only be 18 or 19 at the interview with no real career yet and only a little bit of college. I think if I got it I would transfer and continue working part time or work full time until I settle in a save money. Would this concern the consulate? I am not fussy about jobs at all!

How much money would an Australian need? I'm not married and don't have kids.

Does entering this alter my chances of being able to get another exchange visa or visa waiver?

I'm still thinking of questions so I might have more to add later! Thanks everyone!!

Hey Kelli,

I'm in the same boat as you. I'm an Australian citizen currently studying in the States as a freshmen in college. I applied for the lottery already (fingers crossed) and I was wondering about the same thing.

I heard from others that university students do win the lottery and some have successfully changed their status from having a student visa to a permanent resident.

However, if you were chosen and did not successfully get a green card, then it shows that you have an immigration intent and thus vistor visas and student visas might not be issued as they are under the implication that you have no immigrant intent. This only applies when you are chosen in the lottery.

That said, good luck with the lottery if you are doing it! Maybe we will both be in the States under PR status.

Cheers
Ray

 

[Kelli1]

I know That is my worries!
But I can probably come up with the money and I have possible affidivate of supports but I dot want to put that responsibility on someone.

I wonder if AOS's are treated differently for uni students. I guess they would probably receive it easier but I think the US Consulates in the US are pretty strict.

But who knows it might be our luck year!
Good luck