What to Do After Winning DV Lottery 2026 in Kenya

Winning the Diversity Visa (DV) Lottery, commonly known as the Green Card Lottery, is a life-changing opportunity. For thousands of Kenyans who apply every year, being selected for the DV Lottery 2026 opens the door to permanent residency in the United States. But what happens after your name is selected? Many winners are caught up in the excitement and confusion, unsure of the next steps.

READ ALSO: How To Check DV Lottery 2026 Results in Kenya

In this detailed guide, we’ll walk you through what to do after winning the DV Lottery 2026 in Kenya, so you can stay prepared and avoid costly mistakes.

Steps You Need To Follow After Winning DV Lottery 2026 in Kenya

Below are the main steps that you need to follow after winning DV Lottery 2026 in Kenya. The earlier you start the process after winning DV Lottery 2026 the better for you. 

1. Confirm Your Selection on the Official Website

Your first step is to verify your selection. The only official way to check your status is through the U.S. Department of State’s DV Entrant Status Check portal:

Visit: https://dvprogram.state.gov

You’ll need:

• Your Confirmation Number (from when you applied)
• Your Last Name
• Your Year of Birth

Don’t trust any emails, messages, or agents claiming you’ve won. The U.S. government does not send email notifications. Only check on the official website.

2. Understand That Winning is Not a Visa

Being selected doesn’t mean you’ve automatically received a green card. It simply means you’re eligible to apply for a Diversity Visa. You must still go through the visa application and interview process successfully to obtain your immigrant visa.

3. Find Your Case Number and Understand Its Importance

Once selected, your Case Number will be something like 2026AF0000XXXX.

This number:

• Indicates your position in the queue
• Determines when your interview will be scheduled

Tip:
Low case numbers (e.g., below 10,000 in Africa) are likely to be scheduled earlier. High case numbers may not get a chance if the yearly quota is filled before your turn.

4. Start Preparing Your Documents Immediately

Don’t wait until your interview is scheduled. Start preparing now. Documents include:

• Passport(s) (valid for at least 6 months)
• Birth certificate
• KCSE/KCPE/College certificates
• Police clearance certificate (Certificate of Good Conduct)
• Marriage certificate (if married)
• Divorce or death certificates (if previously married)
• Medical records and immunization history
• 2×2-inch passport photos

Keep both originals and certified copies.

5. Fill Out Form DS-260 Online

This is your official visa application form.

Visit: https://ceac.state.gov/IV

You’ll need:

• Your Case Number
• Details about your personal history, education, travel, and family

Important Tips:

• Fill it out honestly and completely
• Review all entries before submitting
• Submit DS-260 as soon as possible to be scheduled for an interview earlier

6. Monitor the Visa Bulletin for Interview Scheduling

The U.S. Department of State releases a monthly Visa Bulletin indicating which case numbers are current (eligible for interviews).

• Visa Bulletin: https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/legal/visa-law0/visa-bulletin.html

Check regularly to know when your number is current so you can prepare for the interview at the U.S. Embassy in Nairobi.

7. Schedule a Medical Examination

Once your interview is scheduled, you’ll receive instructions to undergo a medical exam at a designated clinic in Nairobi. You must use a U.S. embassy-approved doctor.

The exam includes:

• Physical check-up
• Chest X-ray
• Blood tests (including TB, syphilis, HIV test)
• Vaccinations (measles, mumps, rubella, etc.)

Cost: Approximately Ksh 35,000–50,000, depending on tests and vaccinations.

8. Attend the Interview at the U.S. Embassy in Nairobi

The U.S. Embassy is located in Gigiri, Nairobi.

What to bring:

• Original documents and copies
• DS-260 confirmation page
• Medical report in a sealed envelope
• Supporting documents (proof of education, marriage, etc.)
• Passport
• Recent passport-size photos
• Any translated documents if not in English

Interview Questions May Include:

• Your education or work background
• Your plans in the U.S.
• Your relationship with your spouse/children (if applying as a family)

Visa fee: $330 per applicant (about Ksh 44,000 – payable at the embassy)

If approved, you’ll receive your visa within 1–2 weeks.

9. Pay the USCIS Immigrant Fee

Before traveling, you must pay the USCIS Immigrant Fee of $220 online.

• Pay here: https://www.uscis.gov/file-online/uscis-immigrant-fee

This allows the printing and processing of your Green Card once you arrive in the U.S.

10. Make Travel Arrangements to the U.S.

Once you receive your visa and sealed immigration packet:

• Book your flight
• Carry the sealed packet (do NOT open it)
• Land in the U.S. before your visa expires (usually 6 months from issuance)

Upon arrival, a U.S. immigration officer will review your documents and stamp your passport. Congratulations, you’re now a U.S. permanent resident.

11. Adjust to Life in the U.S.

Once you settle in:

• Apply for your Social Security Number (SSN)
• Wait for your Green Card to arrive by mail
• Start applying for jobs or schools
• Understand your responsibilities (e.g., taxes, selective service for males)

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Not checking your selection on the official website
• Delaying DS-260 submission
• Missing or incorrect documents at the interview
• Using unapproved clinics for medical exam

Winning the DV Lottery 2026 is just the beginning. Following the correct process is essential to turning your win into a successful transition to the U.S. As a Kenyan winner, start early, stay organized, and don’t be afraid to ask for help from trusted sources.

READ ALSO: KNEC Certification Letter: The Complete Step-by-Step Guide

Avoid shortcuts and misinformation. Be honest, patient, and diligent – and you could be on your way to achieving the American dream!