Green Card Success: Kenyan Winner Offers Application Tips

Jared Ombaso Gwaro, originally from Kiogoro in Kisii County, Kenya, secured a place in the United States through the Diversity Visa (DV) Lottery and has since built a life in Minnesota.

Gwaro began pursuing the DV Lottery in 2011 while still in secondary school. Raised in a family struggling with poverty, his parents relied on selling traditional brews for income, and his three sisters had left school due to financial hardship. He viewed the lottery as a chance to change his future. 

A visiting agent introduced the programme at his school, and the idea of starting over in the United States became a clear goal. Although the application process for the DV Lottery is relatively straightforward, it requires accuracy and patience.

Applications are submitted online during a limited registration period in October, with results typically released in April. For Gwaro, the financial strain was significant. 

His family sold part of their ancestral land to pay for medical exams, visa processing, agent fees, and travel documents. Despite the uncertainty, his selection marked a turning point not only for himself but for his entire family.

Preparing for the visa interview involved careful organisation and mental preparation. Gwaro gathered all required documents, including proof of education, work history, and financial support. 

He also practised likely interview questions, guided by his agent. He believes that dressing professionally and maintaining a calm, respectful attitude helped him present a strong case to the consular officer. His success, he says, was the result of thorough preparation and determination.

Gwaro advises applicants to be mindful of their online activity, warning that social media posts suggesting illegal behaviour, violence, or extremist views can negatively affect visa outcomes. He stresses the importance of maintaining a clean and responsible digital profile during the application process.

He also acknowledges the difficulties many face in securing visa interview appointments due to backlogs and administrative delays. He encourages applicants to stay alert and respond quickly when openings become available, noting that timing and readiness can be critical.

Since moving to the US in October 2012, Gwaro has focused on education. He first attended Anoka Community College before transferring to and graduating from Metropolitan State University. Like many immigrants, he views education as a key step towards long-term stability and career growth in a new country.

To those who are not selected in the DV Lottery, Gwaro offers encouragement. He believes persistence is essential and that with continued effort, other pathways may become available. His experience shows that while the process is challenging, it is possible to succeed with careful planning and resilience.

The DV Lottery remains a source of hope for many, especially in regions where economic opportunities are limited.