I'm not an expert, I've been there, That's how I learn, I might be wrong sometimes!
1. What do we expert after we get an interview date?
You'll have to start collecting documents like birth certificate, translation copy, letter of good deed(Which take a month), some university certificate, etc. You'll also need to go through medical check up, include some blood test and also some vaccine that you'll need to take. You'll need to prepare 440 USD. (That is the US DV visa fees) You'll need to pay right before your interview.
2. What kind of question will they ask during the interview?
Most of the time, they just want to confirm what ever you submit is right, for example, if you go to school in UPM, they will ask you what kind of course is that and what do you learn, and they'll check on your current status, which state are you planning to move and why. (There is no right or wrong answer, they just want to know)
3. How long is the interview?
You'll be schedule to pass your document and money in before lunch time and they'll check through your document and they'll call you if they need more information from you. You'll be back to the embassy in the afternoon for the interview and passport can be collect the next day.
4. What to expect after the interview?
You'll need to enter the united states 3 months within your medical check-up date. You can either choose to go just for vacation to active your DV immigrant visa. You'll need a address to be your "temporary" address so that they can send you the green card within 30 days. If you're really well prepared, you can start moving and get a job in the states.
5. Can I leave USA as a DV immigrant?
YEAH! of course, as long as you didn't leave the country more than 365 days. I knew people who came once a year from Malaysia just for the sake of keeping the green card active. If you'll want to leave the country more than 365 days for some reason, you'll have to file I-131 to get a re-entry permit.
6. Can I petition my siblings?
No, so far, as what I know, DV immigrant can either petition their parents or children.
7. How about my girlfriend/boyfriend?
You can get a Certificate of marriage and proof to the ambassador that you'll want to move together to the united states. But you'll have to talk to the ambassador before the interview.
8. How is the economic status in United States? Is it easy to get a job?
United States is big and I believe different state and different cities have a different impact from the economy recession. I have no idea about other states but at least a lot of companies still hiring in Alaska, you can always check indeed and you can search the job that you're looking for and a place. Alaska still giving out money to their resident every year. (This year, Alaska government is giving out 1174 usd to every single Alaska Resident)
9. New to US?
I'm not really "old", but I can share my experiences.
EXPENSES
Rental in the states is at least 80-100 usd a week. Grocery is around 200-300 usd a month (this is based on my life in Alaska). Used Car, with 6500 usd, you can get a good 2003 Toyota Corolla (So called toyota altis in Malaysia). Fees to get a driver license, it varies from state to state. In Alaska you'll have to go through the written test (free)(You cannot have more than 4 wrong answer out of 20 questions)(You can sit on the test once a day, no appointment required) and on-the-road test (15 USD) using your own car. But each ID will cost you 15 USD. Gas is now 3.85 usd per gallon, a gallon is 3.4 litre. Branded stuff is usually sounds cheaper, Iphone with contract is 199, ipad is 499, coach bag is 200++, etc etc
Earning
The basic salary in Alaska is around 8 usd per hour. It takes some times to get the job you want. Part time job and opening is everywhere during the summer. Server makes around 4000 usd and above every month. It really depends what kind of job you want to do and what kind of life are you looking for. An Engineer can expect 30 USD and above per hours.
Rate of pay is not like Malaysia - for example - A cook can make 13 dollars and hour, at the same time, hotel front desk, office clerks, drivers, sales in a shop, might make the same amount of money. They don't really rate you pay by looking at your qualifications but experience.
Federal Tax rate - you'll have to expect to pay a 10-15 % if you earn below 100000 annually, but if you're earning more that that, that will be 25 % and there is also state tax applied to some states.
It is easier to get a job if you have a state ID, so that will be the first things you'll want to get when you come to the states.
THROW ME MORE QUESTIONS!!!!!!!!!!
GOOD LUCK!
