Winning the lottery doesn't mean getting GC?

[slim215]

Hi all,
A friend of mine was receiving a letter last year telling him that he won GC lottery. He was living in SF and was getting in touch with 3 different lawyer hoping that they could help him processing the GC, but none of those lawyer were willing to took him as their client. They all believe that even though he got a letter saying he won the lottery but it doesn't mean that he will eventually get the GC. Not only that this really doesn't make sense because even if he can't eventually get the GC, why don't those lawyer just took him as their client (he had to pay them no matter what), but also leave a big question: is it true that winning the lottery doesn't mean one will get the GC?

Thx.

 

[Odaiba]

good question man! i donno either.

 

[LucyMO]

winning the lottery doesn't mean that you will get a GC. Read the Department of State site about the lottery.

Your friend doesn't need a lawyer to get his papers processed. But he does need to hurry up (if he is legal, that is). Most people sent their filled forms in June-July. First come, first serve....

 

[asd22]

Yes, for some people it is very easy and simple to obtain GC throw DV Lottery, but for some nevertheless that they have win, it is impossible (and they do not get GC) simply because they could not satisfied the basic rules of DV and later the requirements for eligibility for immigration to US.

 

[Catseyes]

That's true: the lottery works by steps, and each time, there is potential for "losing":
#1 : you submit your info. You have to meet the requirements (country of birth, age, education...)
# 2: you may get a "winning letter" : about 5million people enter the program, but about 100,000 get a letter...
# 3: you are called for an interview, are successful, so you get the visa before Sept 30th.

There are only 50,000 visas for DV : they include the principal applicanst as well as the beneficiaries.
KCC sends more letter because some people will never receive the letter ( they moed ), some people change their minds, or people will be rejected because they do not meet the requirements.

Also, you are called for interviews if your number is "current" ( you are assigned a number based on your region of birth ). If your number is too high, it will not get current so you will not be called for CP, or will be current too late to start the AOS process.
( Read my big info post if you do not know those terms : it's basic info, but it's a start )

So, unfortunately, yes, getting a letter doesn't mean you'll get the GC.
BUT that's a required step. So your friend has already a good start.