Credit: Nafula Sharleen/Facebook
The US Diversity Visa Lottery attracts thousands of applicants from Kenya and Africa each year, promising a path to permanent residency.
However, beyond the opportunity lies a process often marked by uncertainty, financial pressure, and emotional strain that many only fully understand once they begin or progress through the system.
A US-based Kenyan nurse, Nafula Sharleen, has sparked a discussion online after sharing a candid warning about the emotional and psychological strain faced by applicants of the US Diversity Visa (DV) Lottery and green card process.
In a statement circulating on social media, Sharleen cautioned Kenyans and other Africans applying for the programme to prepare mentally for what she described as a highly stressful and emotionally draining journey, even when one is selected.
“Kutoka block kukam. Majuu! Ukiapply DV Lottery hakikisha uko mentally stable, ustake jua! Wewe unawaza mpenzi wako anakustress sindio? Hujajaribu kucheza na DV Lottery mtu wangu!” she said.
She warned that the process can test emotional resilience to the limit, particularly after selection. According to her, many applicants underestimate the uncertainty that follows even after winning the lottery.
“DV Lottery stress inashinda ya kuachwa na mtu wako. Usijaribu kuomba ushinde kama akili yako haiko ngangari. Inaweza kukufikisha mahali hujatarajia bila kujua,” she added, referencing the anxiety, delays, and visa uncertainties that many winners reportedly face.
Sharleen also pointed to what she described as real-life distress cases among previous applicants, including individuals from DV 2023 and DV 2025 cohorts who allegedly faced financial loss, visa denials, or psychological strain despite being selected.
She further highlighted the financial pressure tied to interviews and medical examinations, noting that some applicants spend significant amounts of money without guaranteed outcomes.
“Sahii DV 2026 wamelipa doo mob ya interview na medical, but hakuna uhakika. Kuna wasee hawajui kama pesa yao itachomeka ama hapana,” she said.
Beyond financial concerns, she raised alarm over mental health challenges, saying some applicants have reportedly experienced depression and emotional breakdowns during the process.
“Nilibonga na msee ameingia depression juu ya hii story. DV inaweza kukupiga character development mpaka hujielewi,” she remarked.
Sharleen also referenced broader immigration concerns, including visa denials for applicants from certain countries and heightened scrutiny by US authorities, noting that fraud-related citizenship reviews have also increased in recent months.
Her comments have triggered mixed reactions online, with some agreeing that the DV Lottery process is emotionally taxing, while others argue that it remains one of the most accessible legal migration pathways to the United States despite its challenges.
The DV Lottery, administered annually by the US government, offers a limited number of visas to applicants from eligible countries, but selection does not guarantee entry or residency.