The Office of Consular Affairs at the U.S. Department of State recently confirmed that a total of 2,348 Cubans have won the DV-2025 Visa Lottery for entry into the United States.
In an interview with Univision News, attorney Jesús Novo shared a series of recommendations for the fortunate winners of the DV-2025 Visa Lottery. These tips are essential not just for the winners but also for those who know someone who has won or dream of emigrating to the United States.
Preparing Your Documentation
According to Novo, winners of the well-known "bombo" should meticulously prepare their documents and be ready to present them at the U.S. Embassy in Cuba starting October 1. Winning the lottery does not automatically guarantee a visa.
"There are over 100,000 winners in total, but the United States only has 55,000 visas available. Half of the winners will not receive a visa, so it's crucial to expedite and correctly complete the necessary paperwork," Novo stated.
Eligibility Criteria
Winners who lack high school diplomas or higher education degrees, or do not have two years of professional experience, may find themselves ineligible. Obtaining these documents in Cuba can be challenging, especially in some provinces, so it’s important to start the process immediately.
Another critical factor is having a clean criminal record. Winners with criminal backgrounds are not admissible under this program. This document needs to be legalized and has a short validity period, making it another urgent priority.
Interview Process
Currently, interviews for these visa processes are conducted at the U.S. Embassy in Havana, eliminating the need to travel to a third country.
Attorney Novo advised winners not to waste time selling personal assets like houses or cars. Instead, they should focus on preparing their documentation and getting ready for the interviews. Once the visa is secured, other matters can be resolved, possibly by appointing a trusted individual to handle those affairs in Cuba.
In 2024, Cuba once again emerged as the country with the highest number of beneficiaries in the DV-2025 Visa Lottery among 22 participating countries from Latin America and the Caribbean, significantly outpacing Ecuador (795) and Peru (657), which ranked second and third, respectively.
Key Considerations for Cuban Visa Lottery Winners
To provide further clarity, here are some frequently asked questions and answers regarding the DV-2025 Visa Lottery for Cuban winners.
What should winners do first after receiving the lottery results?
Winners should immediately start preparing their documents and plan to present them at the U.S. Embassy in Cuba starting October 1.
What documents are essential for the visa application?
Essential documents include educational qualifications, professional experience certificates, and a clean criminal record, all of which must be legalized.
Where are the visa interviews conducted?
Visa interviews are conducted at the U.S. Embassy in Havana, Cuba.
Is selling personal assets necessary before the visa interview?
No, winners should focus on preparing their documentation first. Personal assets can be managed later by a trusted individual in Cuba.