DV-2014 Winners - How long until they HAVE to move to the US?

[Nickwk]

I have spent hours researching forums and the internet and am really struggling to find out what happens to Diversity Lottery winners if they pass the interview stage and get awarded a visa.


My current understanding is as follows:


After a successful interview a person will be awarded a visa (immediately?) and will have 6 months to enter the United States.


When they enter it will trigger the process to get a Green Card which will be posted to the address that was originally listed on the application forms sent to KCC (before the interview). This will take around a month but the person doesn't have to be in the US when this arrives.


From this point the information is a little shortcoming as to what happens next...................





If someone who wins the Diversity Lottery and gets awarded a visa doesn't simply want to just rush over to US as soon as possible. But instead wants to 'wrap up/conclude' their life where they currently live in a reasonable manner, winding up their business, completing their studies, selling their house and doing such things - before they move to the US.



If we can assume the person is able to make multiple shorter term-trips to the US as and when required. What is the longest realistically achievable date to permanently move to the US after having won the 2014 DV Lottery and been awarded a visa after interview?

 

[Sm1smom]

After a successful interview a person will be awarded a visa (immediately?) and will have 6 months to enter the United States

The 6 months visa validity depends on when your medical exam is/was done.

If someone who wins the Diversity Lottery and gets awarded a visa doesn't simply want to just rush over to US as soon as possible. But instead wants to 'wrap up/conclude' their life where they currently live in a reasonable manner, winding up their business, completing their studies, selling their house and doing such things - before they move to the US.

If we can assume the person is able to make multiple shorter term-trips to the US as and when required. What is the longest realistically achievable date to permanently move to the US after having won the 2014 DV Lottery and been awarded a visa after interview?

I would caution against the practice of making 'multiple shorter term-trips to the US as and when required', immigration officers may give you a hard time if they notice this practice of making short trips in and out of the country and interpret it as using the GC like some sort of visa.

Your best bet would be to make the initial visit following the issuance of your visa to activate your LPR status. Apply for a re-entry permit with a 2 year validity - you will have to be in the US in order to apply for the re-entry permit, wait to do the Biometric following which you can return to your home country (the re-entry permit can be sent to the local embassy in your home country, you don't have to wait in the US to receive it).