How to Apply for the US DV Lottery 2027 from Jordan: The Ultimate Green Card Guide

📋 What You're Actually Going to Learn (And Why Most Jordanians Get It Wrong)
Let's start with an uncomfortable truth. Every year, thousands of Jordanians—from the hills of Amman to the streets of Irbid, from the port of Aqaba to the farmlands of the Jordan Valley—submit their applications to the American Green Card Lottery. They hope. They pray. And then, for a staggering number of them, their application is rejected by a computer before a human being ever sees it.
Why? Not because they weren't eligible. Not because they weren't deserving. But because of a tiny, preventable error. A photo with a faint shadow. A name misspelled by a single letter. A cyber cafe employee who kept their confirmation number hostage.
I'm Hussein Abdullah, founder of "Arabs in America." For over fifteen years, I've been the person Jordanians call when they're serious about getting this right. I've guided applicants from Jabal Al-Hussein to Abdoun, from Zarqa to Salt. I've celebrated with families who received their visas at the U.S. Embassy in Amman, and I've consoled those who learned a painful lesson the hard way.
This isn't a generic, copy-pasted guide. This is a surgical manual built specifically for the Jordanian applicant. I know the exact questions you have: "Is my Tawjihi enough?" "Do I need a university degree?" "Where exactly is the interview in Amman?" "What are the scams I need to watch out for in Jordanian cyber cafes?"
Here's exactly what I've packed into this resource for you:
- Timeline Clarity: A definitive, no-nonsense breakdown of the difference between DV-2027 and DV-2028, so you never miss your registration window.
- The Tawjihi Deep Dive: A plain-English, detailed explanation of exactly how the U.S. government views your Jordanian educational credentials. What qualifies, what doesn't, and what to do if you have a vocational diploma.
- The DS-5501 Form, Field by Field (Jordanian Edition): Every single entry box explained with Jordanian naming conventions in mind. I'll show you how to handle long family names and the correct English transliteration.
- The Photo Section (Where Jordanian Dreams Are Silently Killed): An obsessive, detailed breakdown of the photo specifications that cause over half of all global rejections. Includes a real, painful story of a Jordanian engineer who lost his chance over a shadow.
- The Married Couple Advantage: The only 100% legal way to double your family's odds. A step-by-step guide to ensure you don't accidentally trigger the "duplicate entry" disqualification trap.
- The Jordanian Scam Ecosystem: How to protect yourself from the predatory cyber cafes and fake "maktab" offices in Amman and other cities that prey on hopeful applicants.
- Post-Selection Processing in Amman: A dedicated section on what to expect after you win, including the medical exam with approved panel physicians in Amman and the consular interview at the U.S. Embassy in Abdoun.
- Real Jordanian Stories: Authentic, anonymized accounts from Mahmoud (Irbid), Abu Rashid (Zarqa), and Khalid & Reem (Salt). Their mistakes and victories are your roadmap.
- Expanded FAQ Section: Direct answers to over 20 of the most pressing questions I receive from Jordanian applicants every single day.
- Hussein's Unfiltered Take: At the end of each major section, I'll give you my personal, battle-tested advice—the same advice I'd give my own family in Amman.
Pour yourself a cup of tea. Focus. Let's turn your American dream into a concrete, winning strategy.
Chapter One: The Green Card Lottery—What Every Jordanian Must Understand First
Across Jordan, from the bustling cafes of Al-Weibdeh to the family homes in Khalda, people call it "Qur'at Amrika" or simply "Al-Lottery." But let's move beyond the casual nickname and understand the machine we're dealing with.
The Diversity Visa (DV) Program is administered by the U.S. Department of State. Its sole purpose, established by U.S. law, is to diversify the American immigrant population by awarding up to 55,000 Permanent Resident Visas (Green Cards) each fiscal year to natives of countries that have sent fewer than 50,000 immigrants to the United States in the preceding five years.
Here is the foundational fact that should give you hope: Jordan is permanently on the list of eligible countries. And not only that—the Jordanian diaspora in America is one of the most educated, successful, and well-integrated Arab communities in the United States. According to official data published by the U.S. Department of State, several hundred Jordanians are selected every single year.
📅 The Timeline: A Definitive Breakdown for Jordanians
This is where smart, educated Jordanians get confused. The program is named for the fiscal year the visa is issued, which begins on October 1st. It has nothing to do with the calendar year you apply in.
| Program Name | Application Window (When You Submit) | Results Announced (When You Check) |
|---|---|---|
| DV-2027 | October - November 2025 (Already closed) | May 2026 |
| DV-2028 | October - November 2026 (Your next opportunity) | May 2027 |
Why This Timeline Matters for Jordanians: If you apply in October 2026 for DV-2028 and you win, your interview at the U.S. Embassy in Abdoun will likely be scheduled sometime between October 2027 and September 2028. If you're in your final year of university, or if you have a work contract with a company in Amman, this timeline is critical for your planning.
Hussein's Take: The rules, the photo specs, the website—they do not change from year to year. Do not obsess over the numbers 2027 or 2028. Master the process described in this guide, and you will be ready for DV-2028, DV-2029, and every cycle after that.
🔗 Related Reading: For a broad overview covering all Arab countries, see our General DV Lottery Guide.
Chapter Two: Are You Actually Eligible? The Jordanian-Specific Eligibility Test
Before you invest any more emotional energy, you must clear two fundamental hurdles. Most Jordanians clear the first one easily. The second requires a closer look at your educational background.
1. The Country of Birth (Nativity) Rule
U.S. immigration law is rigid on this point. It cares about where you were physically born, not what passport you hold today.
| Your Situation | Are You Eligible as Principal Applicant? |
|---|---|
| Born in Jordan (any city or governorate) | ✅ YES. |
| Born in Jordan, but now hold Canadian, European, or any other citizenship | ✅ YES. (Your other passports are irrelevant). |
| Jordanian citizen, but born in Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, UAE, or any other Gulf country | ❌ NO. (Unless you qualify for the exception below). |
| Jordanian citizen, born in an ineligible country, but your spouse was born in Jordan | ✅ YES. (You "charge" your application to your spouse's country of birth. You MUST list them and immigrate together). |
The "Gulf Baby" Problem for Jordanians: This is a significant issue for many Jordanian families. If your father worked in the Gulf and you were born in a hospital in Riyadh, Jeddah, Kuwait City, or Doha, you cannot apply based on your own birth. Your only path is the spousal exception mentioned above.
2. The Education OR Work Experience Test (The "12-Year Rule")
You must satisfy one of the following two paths.
Path A: Education (The Route for 98% of Jordanian Applicants)
You need a certificate proving you completed 12 full years of formal primary and secondary education. Let's map this directly to the Jordanian system.
| Jordanian Certificate | Qualifies? | Why? |
|---|---|---|
| General Secondary Education Certificate (Tawjihi / التوجيهي) | ✅ YES | 10 years basic education + 2 years secondary = 12 years. This applies to all streams: Scientific, Literary, Industrial, Commercial, Hotel, Nursing, and Sharia. |
| Basic Education Certificate (10th Grade) Only | ❌ NO | Only 10 years of formal schooling. |
| Vocational Training Certificates (Post-10th Grade) | ⚠️ Generally NO | These certificates alone do not constitute 12 years of formal academic education. If this is your only credential, you likely do not meet the education requirement, though you may qualify via work experience. |
| University Degree (Bachelor's, Master's, PhD) | ✅ YES | You obviously qualify. Select "University Degree." |
Important Clarification for Jordanian Vocational Tawjihi: If you studied in the Industrial, Commercial, Hotel, or Nursing streams of the Tawjihi, you are eligible. As long as you completed the full 12-year cycle (10 basic + 2 secondary) and received the Tawjihi certificate from the Ministry of Education, you qualify. Select "High School Diploma."
Path B: Work Experience (The Alternative for Non-Graduates)
If you left school before completing the Tawjihi, you can qualify by proving you have two years of work experience within the last five years in a skilled occupation.
How to Verify Your Job: The U.S. Department of Labor's O*Net OnLine database is the official reference. Your job title must be classified as a Job Zone 4 or 5 with an SVP Range of 7.0 or higher. Search for your job title (in English) at O*Net OnLine.
- Examples of Qualifying Jobs (Job Zone 4/5): Master Automotive Mechanic, Senior Industrial Electrician, HVAC Technician, Registered Nurse, Executive Chef, Senior Plumber.
- Examples of Non-Qualifying Jobs: General Construction Laborer, Cleaner/Janitor, Retail Salesperson, Taxi Driver, Security Guard.
Hussein's Take: The vast, overwhelming majority of Jordanian applicants will qualify via the Education route using their Tawjihi certificate. Do not complicate this. If you finished Tawjihi, you're in. Now, focus your energy on the photo and the form. And to prepare for what comes after a win, read our Ultimate US Embassy Interview Guide.
Chapter Three: The Photograph—Where Jordanian Dreams Are Silently Destroyed
I am not being dramatic. The single largest cause of disqualification for Jordanian applicants—by a massive margin—is the photograph. The U.S. State Department uses advanced facial recognition software to scan every image. It is unforgiving. It sees what your human eye cannot.
📸 Real Jordanian Story #1: Mahmoud from Irbid
Mahmoud, an accountant from Irbid, shared his devastating experience: "I was so excited. I went to a well-known photography studio in the city center. I told them, 'I need a photo for the American Green Card Lottery.' The photographer confidently said, 'Don't worry, I know exactly what's needed.' He took the shot, put it on a USB drive. I uploaded it. The website said 'Photo accepted.' I got my confirmation number and was thrilled. In May, I logged in with so much hope. The message on the screen destroyed me: 'Your entry has been disqualified because the photograph did not meet the requirements.' I couldn't believe it. I went back to the studio and examined the original file on their computer. The background wasn't pure white; it was an 'off-white' cream color. And if you looked very closely, there was the faintest shadow of my head on the wall behind me. The software caught it. An entire year of waiting, gone."
Do not let Mahmoud's story become your story. Here are the exact, non-negotiable specifications, verified on the State Department's Photo Requirements page:
| Requirement | Exact Specification (Mandatory) | How Jordanians Commonly Get This Wrong |
|---|---|---|
| Dimensions & File Size | 600 x 600 pixels. File under 240 KB. JPEG only. | The photographer saves it as a 2MB file. Or saves it as a rectangle. Or saves it as a PNG. |
| Background | Pure white or off-white. ZERO shadows. | The studio's "white" wall hasn't been repainted in years. It's grayish. Or the lighting is uneven, casting a shadow of your head or shoulders. |
| Recency | Photo taken within the last 6 months. | "I'll just use the photo from my passport renewal last year." NO. The system can detect and flag reused photos. |
| Glasses | Strictly FORBIDDEN. | "But I wear them every day. They're just clear prescription glasses." Doesn't matter. Remove them for the photo. |
| Head Coverings | Allowed for religious purposes (hijab) ONLY IF the full face is visible from bottom of chin to top of forehead, and from ear to ear. | Hijab casting a shadow on the neck or cheek. Hijab fabric partially covering the chin or jawline. |
| Retouching | Absolutely FORBIDDEN. | The photographer offers to "remove that small scar" or "smooth your skin." Say NO. Any digital alteration, even a tiny one, is grounds for automatic disqualification. |
A Deeper Technical Explanation: The facial recognition algorithm creates a mathematical map of your face—measuring the distance between your pupils, the curve of your jaw, the depth of your eye sockets. A shadow distorts these measurements. The computer flags the image as "non-compliant" or "potentially altered," and your application is rejected before it ever enters the random draw.
Hussein's Take: Do not try to save 5 JD on a cheap photographer. Go to the most professional, modern photography studio you can find in Amman (Sweifieh, Abdoun, Jabal Amman) or in Irbid, Zarqa, or Aqaba. Tell the photographer, in clear Arabic: "Biddi soora lil-lottery al-amreeki. Lazim takoon 600 bil 600 pixel, JPEG, wa aqal min 240 kilobyte. Al-khalfiya bayda' nasee'a 100% bidon ay dhil. Abadan." Pay whatever they ask. This photo is the single most important insurance policy for your American dream.
Chapter Four: The DS-5501 Form—A Field-by-Field Jordanian Walkthrough
The application is 100% free. If anyone asks you for a single dinar to "submit" this form for you, they are a thief. The only place to apply is the official U.S. government portal:
Official Website: dvprogram.state.gov
Be extremely cautious of fake websites that look similar but end in .org, .net, or .com. The only legitimate domain is .gov.
🛡️ Real Jordanian Story #2: Abu Rashid from Zarqa
Abu Rashid, a teacher from Zarqa, told me this story: "I applied through a 'services office' in Amman. The employee there filled out my information and gave me a small piece of paper with a number written on it by hand. He said, 'Keep this paper, and if you win, come back to me to finish the process.' Months later, I heard that many people had won. I went back to the office to check. The owner looked at me coldly and said, 'I have nothing under your name. The number on that paper isn't real. I entered other people's information.' My dream was stolen, and there was nothing I could do. From that day, I've told every Jordanian: apply yourself, from your own home, or with a family member you trust with your life."
Do not let a stranger stand between you and your confirmation number. You have 30 minutes to complete the form. Gather all your information before you click "Begin Entry."
Detailed Field Guide (Jordanian-Specific Notes)
| Field Name | What to Enter (Jordanian Context) |
|---|---|
| Last/Family Name | Your surname (اسم العائلة). Write it exactly as it appears in the Latin script of your passport or Jordanian Civil Status ID (بطاقة الأحوال المدنية). This is critical. If your passport says "Al-Majali" with a hyphen, write it with the hyphen. If it says "Al Majali" with a space, write it with a space. Consistency is everything. |
| First/Middle Name | Your given name(s), exactly as in your passport's Latin script. Pay attention to spelling: "Mohammad" vs. "Mohammed" vs. "Muhammed." Match your official document. |
| Gender | Male or Female. |
| Birth Date | CRITICAL FOR JORDANIANS: U.S. format is MONTH / DAY / YEAR. If you were born on July 15, 1992, you write 07 / 15 / 1992. Do not write 15/07/1992. Double-check this three times. |
| City of Birth | Enter the city name as commonly known in English: Amman, Irbid, Zarqa, Salt, Karak, Madaba, Aqaba, Jerash, Ajloun, Tafilah, Ma'an, Mafraq. |
| Country of Birth | Select Jordan from the dropdown menu. |
| Photograph | Upload the meticulously prepared file from your professional photographer. |
| Mailing Address | Enter your full, current residential address in Jordan. This is not used for correspondence, but it must be accurate. |
| Phone Number | Optional but strongly recommended. Use the international format: +962 7x xxx xxxx. |
| Email Address | THIS IS YOUR LIFELINE. Enter an email address you use daily and to which you know the password. Gmail is highly recommended. If you forget your confirmation number, this email is the only way to recover it. |
| Education Level | - University graduate (Bachelor's/Master's/PhD)? Select University Degree. - Tawjihi graduate (or current university student)? Select High School Diploma. |
| Marital Status | Your legal status on the day you apply. |
| Spouse | If married, you MUST list your spouse, with their photo. This is required even if you are separated (but not legally divorced) or if they don't plan to travel with you. |
| Children | You MUST list ALL unmarried children under 21. This includes children from previous marriages and children who live with their other parent. You must upload a photo for each child. Omitting a child is considered fraud and will result in the revocation of your Green Card, even if you initially receive it. |
Step-by-Step Navigation
- Go to dvprogram.state.gov. Click Begin Entry.
- Enter the CAPTCHA code. Click Continue.
- You are now on the DS-5501 form. You have 30 minutes.
- Fill out Part 1: Applicant Information (Name, Birth, Photo).
- Fill out Part 2: Mailing and Contact Information.
- Fill out Part 3: Education and Marital Status.
- Fill out Part 4: Spouse and Children Information (if applicable).
- STOP. REVIEW. Triple-check the spelling of every name. Triple-check the birth date format (MM/DD/YYYY). Ensure the correct photo file is attached.
- Click Submit.
- THE CONFIRMATION PAGE APPEARS. You will see a 16-character Confirmation Number (e.g., 20281ABCDEF12345).
⚠️ EXTREME WARNING FOR JORDANIANS: This number is the only key to your future. The U.S. government will never email it to you. They will never call you. If you lose this number, you cannot check your results. It is irretrievable.
Immediate Action Plan:
- PRINT the confirmation page. Do it now. Place the printed page with your passport and other vital documents.
- Take a SCREENSHOT on your phone. Save it to a "Favorites" or "Important" album that is backed up to the cloud.
- EMAIL the screenshot to yourself. Send it to the same email address you used on the form.
- WRITE the number down in a physical notebook that you keep in a secure location.
🔗 Related Reading: After you apply, learn exactly how to monitor your status with our How to Check DV Lottery Results Guide.
Chapter Five: How to Legally Double Your Family's Chance (The Married Couple Strategy)
There is no "wasta." There is no secret connection. The selection is a random computer draw. However, there is one and only one legal mechanism to increase your family's odds, and it is exclusively for legally married couples.
♥️ The Dual-Entry Strategy: A Jordanian Step-by-Step Guide
If you are legally married, both you and your spouse are entitled to submit your own, separate, independent entries.
| Step | Action |
|---|---|
| Entry 1 (Husband) | The husband submits an application as the Principal Applicant. In the "Spouse" section, he lists his wife's full details and uploads her photo. In the "Children" section, he lists all of their children. |
| Entry 2 (Wife) | The wife submits an application separately as the Principal Applicant. In the "Spouse" section, she lists her husband's full details and uploads his photo. In the "Children" section, she lists all of their children. |
The Result: Your family now has two independent entries in the global lottery. If the husband's entry wins, the whole family wins. If the wife's entry wins, the whole family wins.
Why This is Legal: The U.S. government explicitly permits this. Each spouse is a distinct individual with their own eligibility. You are not submitting two entries under the same name—which is illegal and leads to automatic disqualification.
📈 Real Jordanian Story #3: Khalid and Reem (Salt)
Khalid and Reem, a young married couple from Salt, shared their incredible story: "We read about this dual-entry strategy on your website. We were skeptical but decided to try. I (Khalid) submitted my application. Reem submitted hers. We made duaa and tried not to think about it. In May 2025, I checked my status first. The message was heartbreaking: 'Not Selected.' I closed the computer, said 'Alhamdulillah,' and tried to accept it. An hour later, Reem decided to check her status, just to be sure. She screamed. She was crying. The screen said: 'Congratulations! You have been randomly selected for further processing...' Our dream came true because we both applied. If I had applied alone, we would have lost our chance forever."
Hussein's Take: If you are married, this is not optional advice. It is the single smartest, easiest, and most legal way to improve your family's probability. Both of you must apply. It takes five extra minutes and could change your family's lineage forever.
Chapter Six: Consular Processing in Jordan—What to Expect After You Win
This section is crucial for Jordanian winners. The process in Amman is well-organized and efficient, but you must know the exact steps.
Where Will My Interview Be?
All Diversity Visa interviews for Jordanian residents take place at the U.S. Embassy in Abdoun, Amman. The embassy is located on Al-Umawyeen Street. It is a modern, well-organized facility that handles a significant volume of immigrant visa cases.
What Are the Pre-Interview Steps?
After you win and submit your DS-260 form, the Kentucky Consular Center (KCC) will process your file. When your Case Number becomes current, you will receive a 2NL (Second Notification Letter) via email, instructing you to log in and view your interview date. Before the interview, you must:
- Medical Examination: This must be conducted exclusively by a U.S. Embassy-approved Panel Physician in Amman. The list of approved physicians is available on the U.S. Embassy Amman website. You cannot use a regular hospital or clinic. The cost is approximately 200-350 JD per adult, including required vaccinations.
- Gather Documents: Prepare originals and certified English translations of all required documents: Passport, Birth Certificate, Tawjihi Certificate (or University Degree), Police Clearance Certificate (from Jordanian Criminal Information Department), Marriage Certificate (if applicable), and Military Service Booklet (for males).
- Financial Evidence: While not strictly mandatory for DV cases, having a Form I-134 (Affidavit of Support) from a U.S. sponsor significantly strengthens your case. Alternatively, bring substantial personal bank statements.
On Interview Day at the Amman Embassy
- Arrive no more than 15-30 minutes before your scheduled time.
- Do not bring any electronic devices. The embassy does not provide storage for phones, smartwatches, or laptops. Leave them at your hotel or with a companion.
- You will pass through security, pay the $330 USD DV fee (payable in cash in USD or JD at the embassy cashier), and then proceed to the Consular Officer's window.
🔗 Detailed Interview Preparation: For a complete walkthrough of what to expect and how to answer the officer's questions, read our Ultimate US Embassy Interview Preparation Guide.
Chapter Seven: The Jordanian Scam Ecosystem—Protect Your Dream
Where there is hope, there are predators. In Jordan, a specific set of scams has evolved around the DV Lottery. Be vigilant.
| The Scam | How It Works in Jordan | How to Protect Yourself |
|---|---|---|
| The "Maktab Khidmat" (Services Office) Scam | An office in Amman or Zarqa claims to be an "accredited agent" for the U.S. lottery. They charge a fee to "submit your application professionally." They often submit nothing, or keep your confirmation number. | There are no accredited agents. The U.S. government does not license anyone in Jordan to submit DV entries. Apply yourself for free at dvprogram.state.gov. |
| The Cyber Cafe Scam | An employee offers to "help" you fill out the form quickly. They keep a copy of your confirmation number. If you win, they contact you and demand a large ransom to give you "your" number. | Apply yourself. If you must use a cyber cafe, sit next to the employee and watch the screen. Do not leave until you personally hold the printed confirmation page. |
| The Fake Winning Email | You receive an official-looking email from "U.S. Department of State" congratulating you and requesting a "visa processing fee" via Western Union. | The U.S. government NEVER notifies winners by email. The only way to check is to personally log in to the official Entrant Status Check portal. |
| The "We Can Expedite Your Case" Scam | After you win, someone contacts you claiming they can speed up your interview date or guarantee visa approval for a fee. | No one can expedite a DV case. The order is determined strictly by your Case Number. Consular officers make independent decisions. |
Chapter Eight: The Waiting Period—Checking Results and Understanding Your Case Number
After you submit in October/November, the wait extends until the following May. Here is the projected timeline for the upcoming DV-2028 cycle.
| Milestone | Expected Date |
|---|---|
| Registration Opens | Early October 2026 |
| Registration Closes | Early November 2026 |
| Results Available Online | First Week of May 2027 |
| Earliest Interviews Scheduled | October 2027 |
How to Check Your Status (The Only Way)
- Go to dvprogram.state.gov.
- Click Entrant Status Check.
- Enter your Confirmation Number (exactly as it appears on your printed page).
- Enter your Last/Family Name.
- Enter your Year of Birth.
- Complete the CAPTCHA. Click Submit.
Interpreting the Message
- NOT SELECTED: You were not chosen this year. It is not personal. It is a random lottery. Try again next year.
- SELECTED: You will see a letter beginning with "You have been randomly selected for further processing..."
If You See "SELECTED": Understanding Your Case Number
Your selection letter includes a Case Number (e.g., 2028AS00012345). The "AS" stands for Asia, which is Jordan's region.
- What it Means: The numeric sequence determines your place in the global queue. Lower numbers get interviews first.
- The Risk: Only 55,000 visas are available worldwide. A very high case number may never get an interview.
🔗 Immediate Next Steps If You Win:
- Complete Form DS-260 immediately.
- Read our Ultimate US Embassy Interview Guide.
- Begin gathering your official documents.
Chapter Nine: The Jordanian DV Lottery FAQ—Real Questions from Real Jordanians
Q1: I finished the Industrial Tawjihi (التوجيهي الصناعي). Am I eligible? A: Yes, absolutely. As long as you completed the full 12-year cycle (10 basic + 2 secondary) and received the Tawjihi certificate, you are eligible. Select "High School Diploma."
Q2: I am a university student and haven't graduated yet. Can I apply? A: Yes. As long as you have successfully passed your Tawjihi, you are fully eligible. Select "High School Diploma" as your education level.
Q3: Do I need a valid Jordanian passport to submit the online entry? A: No. You can apply using the information from your Civil Status ID (بطاقة الأحوال المدنية). However, if you win, you must obtain a valid Jordanian passport for the interview.
Q4: I am Jordanian, but I was born in Saudi Arabia. Can I apply? A: Not as the principal applicant based on your own birth. You can only apply if your spouse was born in Jordan.
Q5: What is the "Case Number" and why does it matter so much? A: It's your unique queue number. Lower numbers are better. They get interviews earlier. A very high case number may never get an interview if the 55,000 visas are exhausted first.
Q6: How much does the medical exam cost in Amman? A: Costs vary by the panel physician, but budget approximately 200-350 JD per adult, including required vaccinations.
Q7: I lost my confirmation number! Can I get it back? A: Go to the Entrant Status Check page and click "Forgot Confirmation Number." This only works if you entered a valid, accessible email address on your DS-5501 form.
Q8: My son is 20 years old. Do I have to list him on the application? A: Yes, absolutely. You must list all unmarried children under 21 on the day you submit the entry.
Q9: Do I need to translate my Tawjihi diploma for the online entry? A: No. You do not upload any documents during the online entry. Documents are only required if you win and attend the consular interview.
Q10: Is there a minimum or maximum age to apply? A: No. As long as you meet the education requirement (Tawjihi), you can apply.
Q11: The photographer gave me a photo file that is 500 KB. Can I use it? A: No. You must compress it to under 240 KB. Use a free online tool like TinyPNG.com.
Q12: I am married, but my husband and I are separated. Do I have to list him? A: Yes. If you are still legally married, you must list your spouse.
Q13: Do I need an American sponsor (I-134 Affidavit of Support)? A: It is not strictly mandatory, but having a sponsor significantly strengthens your case. Reach out to relatives or friends in the U.S. (the Jordanian community is large in cities like Chicago and Detroit).
Q14: How long is the immigrant visa valid once it is issued? A: It is valid for 6 months from the date of your medical exam. You must enter the U.S. before it expires.
Q15: Can my parents or siblings come with me if I win? A: No. The DV visa only covers the principal applicant, their spouse, and their unmarried children under 21.
Q16: Where exactly is the U.S. Embassy in Amman located? A: On Al-Umawyeen Street in the Abdoun neighborhood.
Q17: Can I pay the DV fee online? A: No. The $330 fee is paid in person at the embassy cashier on the day of your interview.
Q18: Do I need a police clearance certificate from Jordan? A: Yes, from the Jordanian Criminal Information Department (إدارة المعلومات الجنائية).
Q19: I have a Bachelor's degree from the University of Jordan. What should I select for "Education Level"? A: Select "University Degree." Always select the highest level of education you have fully completed.
Q20: Can I check my results on my smartphone? A: Yes, the official website is mobile-compatible.
Conclusion: From Amman to America—Your Path Forward
The U.S. Diversity Visa Lottery has transformed the lives of countless Jordanian families. It has given them a new beginning in cities like Chicago, Detroit, Los Angeles, and New York. It is one of the few genuinely democratic opportunities in the world of immigration—it does not care about your family name or your connections. It cares about your eligibility and your ability to follow precise instructions.
You now possess the most comprehensive, Jordan-specific DV Lottery guide available anywhere online. You have no more excuses. You know exactly what your Tawjihi certificate means. You know the precise, unforgiving photo specifications. You know how to fill out every single field of the DS-5501 form. You know the scams to avoid. You know what to expect at the U.S. Embassy in Abdoun.
A final word from Hussein Abdullah: I have witnessed the ambition and resilience of the Jordanian people my entire life. I know the dreams you carry for yourselves and your children. This lottery is a genuine, tangible opportunity. Treat it with the respect and meticulous care it deserves. Get the professional photo. Triple-check the spelling of your name. Print your confirmation number and guard it like gold.
Your American dream is not a fantasy. It is a process. And you now hold the complete manual.
🔗 Explore More DV Lottery Guides for the Region:
- DV Lottery Guide for Egypt
- DV Lottery Guide for Iraq
- DV Lottery Guide for Palestine
- DV Lottery Guide for Syria
- DV Lottery Guide for Saudi Arabia
We want to hear your story. Have you applied from Jordan before? Did you win? Did you face a disqualification you didn't understand? Share your experience in the comments below. Your story could be the warning or the inspiration that another Jordanian dreamer desperately needs.

Author: حسين عبد الله
Hussein Abdullah is a web developer and specialized content writer with more than eight years of experience enriching Arabic digital content. He combines an analytical programming mindset with a deep passion for writing to deliver accurate, reference-quality guides. On Arabian in USA (عرب في أمريكا), he focuses on simplifying complex steps for new immigrants and sharing reliable information on housing, work, and financial setup—so every newcomer has a trustworthy path toward stable life in the United States.
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