Green Card Lottery (Diversity Visa Lottery) Next Steps: Adjustment of Status (DV AOS)

Congratulations on your Diversity Visa selection! If you are in the United States, you may be eligible to file for DV-based Adjustment of Status. DV based adjustment of status is better and more certain than consular processing. But, not everyone is eligible, and the process is complicated and delicate.

You will be able to file for adjustment of status sometime later this year or early to mid-next year, depending on your selection number (also known as priority date). You must follow the current priority dates at the DOS visa bulletin to determine when you can file for adjustment of status. Important note: You must file your AOS on time; not early and not too late. If you file too early, your case will be denied. If you file too late, you run the risk of not getting your case decided by the deadline.

Between now and then, you must also pay the DV AOS Fee. You must follow the instructions for processing DV AOS Fee payment. The DOS instructions include the address and the information you need to include. You should make a cover letter and include a return envelope. Here is a sample of DV Lottery Adjustment of Status Fee payment package which we sent to the DOS. Make sure to use trackable mail and include a trackable return envelope.

We recommend to process and pay the Diversity Visa Adjustment of Status Fee as soon as you can, because it takes quite some time for the State Department to send the receipt. You will need to include you receipt with the AOS application.

To remain eligible for Adjustment of Status, you will also need to maintain your valid status. Once you file for adjustment of status, you will be lawfully present, and you will receive a work permit and travel authorization. It will take several months until you will receive your green card, but in either case, you case must be decided and approved before October 1, 2023. The USCIS may schedule an interview. To avoid missing the adjudication deadline (September 30th), the USCIS officers are instructed to expedite all DV Adjustment of Status cases, as long as you properly identify your case as “DV AOS” at the time of filing. You will need to mark your cover letter and envelope clearly to state so.

As you can see, the process is not simple. It involves gathering significant information and supporting documentation, multiple reviews, verification and accurate completion and filing of proper forms with required documents. The process can be daunting, and minor mistakes can lead to delays, extra costs, and unfavorable consequences. While most delays are fixable in other types of adjustment of status cases, in DV AOS case, any delay can be deadly for the case. A great attention to every detail is required. Therefore, you should work with an experienced lawyer who handled many DV AOS cases before.

Our law firm processed numerous Adjustment of Status cases for our lucky clients, and we will be glad to help you as well. If you retain our law firm, we will:

  • Determine the best timing and procedures for a successful result;
  • Advise you of possible difficulties that you may have in obtaining a change of status as a result of your current status or background;
  • Gather required information and documentation;
  • Determine all necessary forms to be filed depending on your circumstances;
  • Carefully prepare all necessary forms and supporting material for filing with USCIS;
  • Communicate with the USCIS on your behalf;
  • Review and confirm compliance with immigration laws and regulations;
  • Guide and prepare you for the successful interview process;
  • Update and notify you on upcoming deadlines and events related to the subject of this petition;
  • Advise you of all risks and problems in the process, as may become apparent;
  • Keep you abreast of changing laws, regulations, and interpretations that may affect your case while it is being processed.

Selecting a competent and experienced immigration attorney is very important.  A competent immigration attorney will diligently handle each step of the process, identify and neutralize any potential issues, and make your immigration experience as fast and smooth as possible.

To begin the process, you can schedule an online or telephone consultation with our immigration attorney. Our consultation fee is $250, but this fee is deducted from future fees. In other words, if you hire our services to process your DV Lottery based Adjustment of Status case, the consultation is free. To schedule a consultation, please call or text us at 703-527-1779 or email us at [email protected]. To learn more about our Consultation Terms, please review this Frequently Asked Questions page at https://www.islawfirm.com/consultation-frequently-asked-questions/.

Good Luck!

I.S. Law Firm, PLLC