To the average Nigerian Abroad, the journey of how they
obtained their visa from Nigeria is always told with mixed
reactions, for some it was a stroll through the park, while for
others it was a passage through the needle’s eye. Even the
Nigerians that were lucky enough to win the American Lottery
Visa still went through some struggles before they were able to
cross over. The struggles is usually in the form of getting all the
necessary documents together and raising the money needed for
the flight, and the medical tests. Then after all that, you have to
worry about where you would stay when you get to the U.S. As
we all know family or no family, is all about bills in the U.S. So
come prepared knowing that after 3months with your host, your
welcome is probably wearing thin.
If you are still in Nigeria and you are trying to get an
American Visa
For your relations and friends still in Nigeria who have been
rejected time and time again at the embassy for one reason or the
other, this article might ‘open their eye’ to some of the things they
should avoid doing. While this may not be authoritative
information on steps to take when applying for visa to the US,
these are some common sense things that people still miss when
applying for a U.S visa.
Be Prepared:
When applying for a US visa, you need to be prepared. Your
preparation must be total. You must have all the necessary
documents to back up any claims you have made in your
application.
Your Statement of Account:
One other important factor (perhaps the most important) is the
statement of account you are using. If you are using your own,
make sure it is well-funded. If you are using another person's, be
prepared to establish a legitimate link with the owner of the
account. The consular is particular about whether you can afford
to pay for the trip or not.
If you Are doing Group Interview:
If you plan to travel together with some people, all of you need to
be conversant with one another's documentation. Ensure that
every member of the group have legitimate and provable
documents. This is to avoid being rejected as a group or as part
of a group. In addition, if the group has never travelled before,
don't try a non-appearance application. (a situation where just a
member of the group stands in for all the other members.) But if
you have, you may try it.
Choosing the Location of the Interview:
It is generally believed that the Lagos center of the US Embassy is
more difficult to secure a visa. (Especially student visa). So most
people advise applicants to apply to their Abuja office if they can
afford it.
If You Are Applying For a Minor:
The mistake most people make when applying for a minor is to
think that the child will be automatically given the visa. This is not
so with the US embassy. You need to give your ward proper and
necessary tutorials on likely questions that they will be asked. You
will be amazed at the number of minors that are rejected from
travelling everyday!
In addition, if you are applying for a minor, you need to
accompany him/her. And if you are the sponsor, your statement
of account must be detailed and must show enough transactions
(deposits/withdrawal) to let them know you are capable of
sponsoring your ward.
Do Not Be Intimidated:
This is very important when applying for a US visa. You must
show enough gut to let them know that you know what you are
doing and what you are talking about. Of course the Consular
might try to intimidate and confuse you during the interview, but
you need to stay focused and maintain your stand.
Avoid Overkill:
One thing Oyinbo people hate most is to be patronizing. Answer
the consular questions without trying to be over reaching or
condescending.
Maintain Eye Contact:
Do not show nervousness during the interview, this might be a
give-away sign that all is not well with your answers or maybe
you are trying to hide something. Maintain eye contact at all times
when answering questions and do not fidget.
Dress Moderately:
You are not attending a fashion show, so do not over-dress. But
what ever you are wearing, make sure you look smart and
comfortable with whatever you are wearing. Hopefully, these tips
will help you when you next apply for the U.S visa.

Since we have an existing US student visa thread here, why not post this tips there?

https://www.nairaland.com/823866/general-u.s.a-student-visa-enquiries-part2