Next Steps After Winning Green Card Lottery

After a registrant wins the Green Card Lottery they are then given the opportunity to apply for an immigration visa. However, what does a winner do after they have received their immigration visa?

Preparing to Come to the U.S.

The first thing to address when preparing to enter the United States has to do with funding one’s trip and arrival. There are several things that must be considered when saving up for one’s transition:

  • The State Department will not fund winner’s transportation to the United States. Immigrants are expected to come up with their own travel arrangements whether by air, ocean or road.
  • Immigrants will need to have enough money saved up to be able to support themselves as they search for a job in the United States. This could end up being a significant amount of money as the U.S. is one of the more expensive countries in the world. This amount must also be able to support the applicant’s family.
  • Any costs and fees associated with the actual immigration application also must be paid before the immigration visa is issued.

Once in the United States there are a number of things that need to be addressed promptly:

  • Arranging for school. Children from the ages of 5 to 18 are required to go to school. Immigrants should register their accompanying children for school as soon as possible.
  • Apply for a Social Security Card. There are at least two documents that immigrants need to get a job: their Green Card and a Social Security number. Apply with the Social Security Agency for a number and card.
  • Living arrangements. Finding a place to live is one of the first steps one should undertake. Apartments, condominiums and houses are available throughout the United States. Realtors and local real estate listings can help immigrants find living arrangements.