Embassy of the United States

Immigrant Visas

Registration period for Diversity Visa Lottery 2011 will begin on October 2, 2009.

Click here for more information.  Read also the Media Note from the U.S. Department of State.

Section Overview

Welcome to the Immigrant Visa Unit of the U.S. Embassy in Athens, and thank you for your interest in immigrating to the United States.
An immigrant visa is required of anyone who wishes to enter the United States to reside there permanently, whether or not that person plans to seek employment in the United States.  In most cases these individuals, referred to as "beneficiaries," are able to apply for residency in the United States because of their relationship with a U.S. citizen, legal permanent resident, or employer.  The citizen, resident, or employer who files the petition for the beneficiary is the "petitioner.”  The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) handles the processing and approval of petitions in the United States, while U.S. Embassies or Consulates abroad interview beneficiaries to ensure that they qualify for resident status.  If a beneficiary qualifies, the Consular Section issues the immigrant visa.  The Immigrant Visa Unit also processes the cases of those selected through the Diversity Immigrant Visa Program.

The information in this website is designed to help you understand the application process and to come to your pre-scheduled interview prepared.  Please read this information carefully to avoid misunderstanding or delays in the processing of your visa.