pdfhairtrading:
It's only right that I come to give back to the platform which gave me so much information about this Journey to birth.

I come here quietly to read other mums experiences and prepare for my own. I'm not a first time mum but my first time visiting US to birth.

I got a US visa last year with my family for a conference/vacation which we eventually didn't use because we had to travel to the UK for my hubby's graduation which incidentally coincided with the conference date. Family first they say.

Fast forward this year, we planned on using it for summer but then I fell pregnant before then. It was a very difficult one trying to get a hospital, Doctor , accommodation and co. But this platform helped me a lot.

I settled for Oak bend in Richmond Tx. And Dr. Ziworitin Dama. I paid my Doctors bill in full before leaving Nigeria. I did the series of tests required in Nigeria too. Got my fit to fly from my Dr in Lagoon hospital and left and 34weeks plus.

My flight was a long one cos I flew British airways from Lagos to London to Newyork to Charlotte to HOUSTON. From what I read here I decided to avoid the Houston POE and enter through Newyork. I don't have energy to speak grammar and be held for hours in the name on inspection.
.
I requested for a wheelchair all through the journey. And it really helped. As soon as I'm out of the airplane, the wheel chair was already waiting to take me to my next gate. Pls avoid hand luggage. Use a stroller instead. I made that mistake and didn't find it funny carrying my heavy hand luggage
.
My POE was stress free. I was wheeled to the immigration officer first while others where on a long queue. The wheel chair places you as priority.

Immigration officer: what are you her for?
Me: vacation and to have my baby?
Immigratuon officer: Who is financing?
Me: I am
Officer: How much do you have?
Me: I have paid my Doctors bill already and I have xyz dollars
Officer: place your four fingers and your right thumb, look into the camera. Stamped my passport and said welcome to America. Finish

In all I didn't spend upto 2mins with him. I think Newyork is the best POE lol!. I was prepared also. I was then directed to the customs where I declared all I came with and left. Nothing was taken out or seized.

I have gone for my first appointment with Dr Z. I want to ask mums here who used him if your antenatal drugs where given free. Cos I didn't get any. Anyway I will discuss that on my next visit. I was also sent for my level 2 scan which I have done. Luckily a secondary school mate offered me free accommodation with her family. I have settled in and looking forward to my baby's arrival

Thanks to this platform and all the best to mums coming to the US

Congratulation ooooo!

tolux8899:



But my income is 540k and my wife is 346k

I'm just thinking & I pray a guru will shed more light...
But please quickly reapply and increase your budget for the trip because you guys are two.

Apart from hospital bills & accomodation budget to spend miscellaneous in their country.

debby516:
I ve read various transcripts recently without any underlying explanation of why they were denied.

But few points i believe maybe the issue:

1. Previous US visa denials. If you ve been denied b1/b2 visa b4 you applied for b2 alone, this maybe a reason for ur recent denial, not been able to satisfy the vo that u qualify, strong ties, migrant risk etc.

2. Preggy mamas travelling with their children, 2 or more. How do you intend to take care of urself and baby? Without hubby again. I think its a no no.

3. No strong career ties in naija and applying with hubby, may appear like u pple want to immigrate.

4. Travel history is not a must here, i ve read about alot of mamas without a single travel history, including myself. Rate urself and genuinely look at ur intentions.

5. Plan ur travel well in advance. Pregnancy takes 9 months and not 9 days. Its affords ur more time to reapply in casd of denial and make ur travel plans conviniently.

On a general note, part 5 is almost over and it saddens me that wat we still find around is mamas who re ready to spent over $10k on this journey and cant read, surf the internet or research, we re still asking abt VOA, Notarial services etc that ve been discussed times without number. Yet when we get this info, we disappear into thin air, no visa grant or POE transcripts, no breakdown of fees incurred, nothing.


It is well.

Honestly I was going to say people say they have read through from the beginning and have learnt but say they have one question though...
And the answer to their question is 4 pages behind...

Guys /please before we close part 5, I have a question...

I remember the 1st time I asked a question nobody answered me, I posted again... na laugh they laught at me...lol & I had to search out answers I needed & beg the house to help me confirm if my findings were correct till date because I got it from part 2.

Na beg I beg o! All fingers are not equal, we are not all having it the same...
I got the response & answers I needed.


Anyway,my question is at what point do we request for a wheel chair?
Is it when we take off or when we land or the ticket stand?

And when they wheel us, how about the people that travel with us?
How do they catch up with us being wheeled ahead especially if they are elderly?
Or do they wheel us at the pace we want?

Please o help me first time mum, never needed a wheel chair before.

Thank you guys!

Ayotundesh:


I'm just thinking & I pray a guru will shed more light...
But please quickly reapply and increase your budget for the trip because you guys are two.

Apart from hospital bills & accomodation budget to spend miscellaneous in their country.

Thanks for your advised. We are planing to increase our total budget for the trip plus the hospital bills to $15000 to $16000 (hospital bills is $6500) since we have the funds to pay all the bills when we get there. Also i have been working for 5yrs and my wife for 3yrs.

Thank you bro

for wheelchairs, i think its best u call your airline and request for one prior to your travel date.

Anyone can request for a wheel chair so if ur are traveling with an elderly person then he/she can also apply for same.

[quote author=Ayotundesh post=61524570]


Anyway,my question is at what point do we request for a wheel chair?
Is it when we take off or when we land or the ticket stand?

Ayotundesh:
Guys /please before we close part 5, I have a question...

I remember the 1st time I asked a question nobody answered me, I posted again... na laugh they laught at me...lol & I had to search out answers I needed & beg the house to help me confirm if my findings were correct till date because I got it from part 2.

Na beg I beg o! All fingers are not equal, we are not all having it the same...
I got the response & answers I needed.


Anyway,my question is at what point do we request for a wheel chair?
Is it when we take off or when we land or the ticket stand?

And when they wheel us, how about the people that travel with us?
How do they catch up with us being wheeled ahead especially if they are elderly?
Or do they wheel us at the pace we want?

Please o help me first time mum, never needed a wheel chair before.

Thank you guys!

Request prior to your travel date, immediately your ticket is issued. Na only you waka come oo, what's your own with other passengers �

Personally, I feel the wheelchair draws too much attention. If you are strong, just skip it

Thanks to everyone for the useful information provided here.

I have a B1/B2 visa and intend to travel in March to birth my LO. I have just a quick question; has anyone traveled to New York via London (Virgin)? I read online that transit of pregnant women at Heathrow airport is often hectic with immigration issues for someone without a UK transit visa. I contacted the airline and they seem not to have any info on transit or immigration.

I will be traveling at 35 weeks and want to be sure this route will not cause issues for me.

Thank you

I doubt if you require a transit visa via LHR if you have a valid US Visa. Via Frankfurt do not require a transist visa to the US though so same should apply to LHR(London).

valeria:
Thanks to everyone for the useful information provided here.

I have a B1/B2 visa and intend to travel in March to birth my LO. I have just a quick question; has anyone traveled to New York via London (Virgin)? I read online that transit of pregnant women at Heathrow airport is often hectic with immigration issues for someone without a UK transit visa. I contacted the airline and they seem not to have any info on transit or immigration.

I will be traveling at 35 weeks and want to be sure this route will not cause issues for me.

Thank you

valeria:
Thanks to everyone for the useful information provided here.

I have a B1/B2 visa and intend to travel in March to birth my LO. I have just a quick question; has anyone traveled to New York via London (Virgin)? I read online that transit of pregnant women at Heathrow airport is often hectic with immigration issues for someone without a UK transit visa. I contacted the airline and they seem not to have any info on transit or immigration.

I will be traveling at 35 weeks and want to be sure this route will not cause issues for me.

Thank you

Trannsit or Valid U.K Visa is required if you need to leave the airport but if na just to stop over and catch the next flight to the USA i dont think you need one.

valeria:
Thanks to everyone for the useful information provided here.

I have a B1/B2 visa and intend to travel in March to birth my LO. I have just a quick question; has anyone traveled to New York via London (Virgin)? I read online that transit of pregnant women at Heathrow airport is often hectic with immigration issues for someone without a UK transit visa. I contacted the airline and they seem not to have any info on transit or immigration.

I will be traveling at 35 weeks and want to be sure this route will not cause issues for me.

Thank you

I traveled with BA for my birthing trips and I normally have layover in Heathrow, you don't need a transit visa as you will not pass thru the main Immigration.

Ramj:


Trannsit or Valid U.K Visa is required if you need to leave the airport but if na just to stop over and catch the next flight to the USA i dont think you need one.

Good day my ever dependable Nlers,
I've been more of a silent observer in this forum, asking one or two questions occasionally. I must say that nairaland gave me the requisite information and confidence I needed.
I had a dropbox for visa renewal (B1,B2) last year which I didn't use, and got pregnant afterwards with the intention of birthing my baby in the US. I started making the hospital and doctor arrangements, finally settled for oakbend Dr F. Who gave me a letter of correspondence with NO prior payment.
I also sent an email to the embassy notifying them of my change of intent, however only a generic mail was sent to me without any formal address to my issue. I sent them about 3reminder mails, no show. I shaa printed the mails I sent, correspondence with Doc, and all other documents including statements of account's of hubby and I.
Fast forward to 17th Oct. I Boarded BA, mind you they didn't even know I was pregnant (and I was over 34weeks!!) so I just dey waka dey go, on getting to Heathrow airport, I was approached by an officer who said my name was nominated for random, extensive search.
Hiaaaa!!!! I asked the lady why me of all people, does it look like I carry contraband? Hmmm, so about 20of us were selected, and I was the only black amongst them. After every every, They brought one gadget and started replace it on people''s tummies ,Hmmmm Na im I say I no go Gree this one oooo, I will not because of going to America harm my unborn child. So I raised alarm and told the woman that I'm preggy oooo.
She quickly went to her computer and typed something.... Only God knows what. (but I felt she informed her American counterparts) now came back with a smaller gadget and said it won't affect baby. After everything, we boarded.
I landed at JFK, I walked majestically to CBP officer, I didn't request any wheel chair cos I felt I was fit and didn't want to attract undue attention or sympathy to myself. I just prayed and told myself that :what ever will be will be. If they send me back, their loss.
Me: Hi..... Smiles
CBP:Hello,how are you
Me: good, hands my passport over.
CBP:how long are you gonna be here for?
Me:8weeks and 4days.
CBP:so precise!! You almost counted the hours too. Smiles
Me:Smiles
CBP:whats the purpose of your visit?
Me :child birth and vacation
CBP:do you have cash on you here?
Me: yeah. Bleep dollars
CBP:do you have a Doctor''s correspondence and have you made some payments?
Me:I have correspondence, but my doctor prefers one to land in US first before payment. Started bringing out my documents...
CBP : Nope, no worries, no need to see the documents.do have a are delivery.
Pls place your fingers for thumb printing.
Whewwww!!! that was a breeze, less than 3mins. Thank you Jesus!!!
Went to agric section, I none of my items was seized!!!!!
Baba God I thank you for bringing Nairaland my way oooooo

We tap from this grace. Amen

Bubbles123:


Good day my ever dependable Nlers,
I've been more of a silent observer in this forum, asking one or two questions occasionally. I must say that nairaland gave me the requisite information and confidence I needed.
I had a dropbox for visa renewal (B1,B2) last year which I didn't use, and got pregnant afterwards with the intention of birthing my baby in the US. I started making the hospital and doctor arrangements, finally settled for oakbend Dr F. Who gave me a letter of correspondence with NO prior payment.
I also sent an email to the embassy notifying them of my change of intent, however only a generic mail was sent to me without any formal address to my issue. I sent them about 3reminder mails, no show. I shaa printed the mails I sent, correspondence with Doc, and all other documents including statements of account's of hubby and I.
Fast forward to 17th Oct. I Boarded BA, mind you they didn't even know I was pregnant (and I was over 34weeks!!) so I just dey waka dey go, on getting to Heathrow airport, I was approached by an officer who said my name was nominated for random, extensive search.
Hiaaaa!!!! I asked the lady why me of all people, does it look like I carry contraband? Hmmm, so about 20of us were selected, and I was the only black amongst them. After every every, They brought one gadget and started replace it on people''s tummies ,Hmmmm Na im I say I no go Gree this one oooo, I will not because of going to America harm my unborn child. So I raised alarm and told the woman that I'm preggy oooo.
She quickly went to her computer and typed something.... Only God knows what. (but I felt she informed her American counterparts) now came back with a smaller gadget and said it won't affect baby. After everything, we boarded.
I landed at JFK, I walked majestically to CBP officer, I didn't request any wheel chair cos I felt I was fit and didn't want to attract undue attention or sympathy to myself. I just prayed and told myself that :what ever will be will be. If they send me back, their loss.
Me: Hi..... Smiles
CBP:Hello,how are you
Me: good, hands my passport over.
CBP:how long are you gonna be here for?
Me:8weeks and 4days.
CBP:so precise!! You almost counted the hours too. Smiles
Me:Smiles
CBP:whats the purpose of your visit?
Me :child birth and vacation
CBP:do you have cash on you here?
Me: yeah. Bleep dollars
CBP:do you have a Doctor''s correspondence and have you made some payments?
Me:I have correspondence, but my doctor prefers one to land in US first before payment. Started bringing out my documents...
CBP : Nope, no worries, no need to see the documents.do have a are delivery.
Pls place your fingers for thumb printing.
Whewwww!!! that was a breeze, less than 3mins. Thank you Jesus!!!
Went to agric section, I none of my items was seized!!!!!
Baba God I thank you for bringing Nairaland my way oooooo

Datam:
I have a US visa but I needed to apply for one for my mum and my due date is Jan 2018. I just tried booking her appointment and the earliest date is 22nd December and I have to travel by 30 November. Please can anyone assist with how I can get an earlier date? It’s really depressing me at the moment because I have no one to stay with when I go and I can’t stay alone in my state!

Still expecting a response!

Pls can i have your contact as i am equally heading to Elpaso first week in Dec.thanks

Hello @ solfunmi, how are you doing.
I pmed you, and would like to speak with you.
Kindly accept.

Quin17:
Any richmond virginia, Jan 18 mums to be, lets connect.

Hi,
Pls, can i send u a PM?

No, I have not o. Still mustering courage. I have been scared

shrekandfiona:

Hi, have you gone for your interview? Hope for the best okay. Hope you were very explanatory in your DS 160 form

Datam:


Still expecting a response!

My Dear, nothing to be depressed about it. A lot of moms-to-be travel alone, have their baby and come back. Just travel when you planned to leave Nigeria, when your mom attends her interview and gets the visa, God willing, she would join you. If not, know that you are not alone, loads of people do it. Or start asking for people on this forum who also have your birthing period so you can do collabo with them.

goobyparks:
I want to start preparing myself for my return trip. I'll most probably have excess luggage. My flight is with BA bt from Chicago to Virginia, they used America airlines. For my return, Virginia to JFK is American airlines then d rest of the journey (JFK - Heathrow - Lagos) is BA.
My ques is :wen paying for my excess luggage will I pay to American airlines also?

Pls I'm heading to Virginia precisely Hampton in Dec, can you pls share your hospital and doctor details. Can I pls send a mail

Datam:


Still expecting a response!

Datam:


Still expecting a response!

as at two hours ago, the earliest date i saw was 2nd of november. try refreshing..

Marylandmama:


I traveled with BA for my birthing trips and I normally have layover in Heathrow, you don't need a transit visa as you will not pass thru the main Immigration.

Hi @Marylandmama, pls did you have extra luggage when returning to Naija? And was it BA that got you to your final destination or American Airlines ?
I am asking these because AA got me to my final destination (Virginia tho BA is d one that arranged this) so they are still the ones that'll take baby & l to JFK to catch a BA flight to London and then Lagos. And I plan on having an extra luggage so I wanted to know if I'll still pay another extra luggage fee to AA after paying to BA.
Pls any other mom that had bn in such situations can weigh in. Tnx

just heard from a friend that telling the VO that "better medical health care" as your reason for going to give birth in the us doesnt fly anymore... meanwhile in part 2 of this thread, someone advised that we can choose to tell that to the VO... and also go further in explaining how the cost was cheaper in the US than in the UK... as the VO asked her that during her interview,
please.. do help me on the most smartest answer to give...as na still God dey help person.

noffy1:


Pls I'm heading to Virginia precisely Hampton in Dec, can you pls share your hospital and doctor details. Can I pls send a mail

goobyparks@gmail.com

nobody09:

as at two hours ago, the earliest date i saw was 2nd of november. try refreshing..

Is this lagos because lagos earliest date as at now is 28 December

Tripletmom:


Hi,
Pls, can i send u a PM?

ok

Ayotundesh:



Congratulation ooooo!

Congratulations!!!!!

goobyparks:


Hi @Marylandmama, pls did you have extra luggage when returning to Naija? And was it BA that got you to your final destination or American Airlines ?
I am asking these because AA got me to my final destination (Virginia tho BA is d one that arranged this) so they are still the ones that'll take baby & l to JFK to catch a BA flight to London and then Lagos. And I plan on having an extra luggage so I wanted to know if I'll still pay another extra luggage fee to AA after paying to BA.
Pls any other mom that had bn in such situations can weigh in. Tnx

I had extra luggage and you pay for excess luggage once at the departure airport, they will probably check in ur luggage to ur final destination since ur booking was done with BA who has an arrangement with AA. I flew from Maryland to Lagos and it was BA that flew me all the way. You can ask them at the counter during check in but am sure they will check in ur luggages to ur final destination.

Thanks for responding.


And for your info, I ve been calling hospitals and no headway yet. I actually contacted Mercy hospital but yet to get a correspondence from them.

favouredmum:


Thanks.

I actually got correspondence from 2 hospitals in Chicago before travelling. Kindly pick ur fone and keep calling. It took me about a month to do this. It's really sad when people don't wanna do any research at all but wanna be spoon fed. I couldn't have gone thru Chicago without having a correspondence. I actually had two which I showed at POE. (St Bernards, mercy hospital and mount sinia will give correspondence. Jst be persistent and keep calling till you get what you want).

As for someone who asked for accommodation, pls sit with Airbnb and check. I met some mums on nairaland and we were able to get a 3 bedroom apartment for a good deal in the heart of town thru Airbnb. This took almost 6 weeks before we got what we wanted. You can also contact the hosts once you see what you like for further discount because the long stay actually pays Dem.

This trip costs a lot of money and we should be willing to invest time into what we wanna put millions into.

Good day all, congratulations to all the new mothers and thanks to all those that kept this thread alive.

Please, my friend is suspecting that her host has her childs ssn, and may be using it....and she wants to report to IRS after i told her about them..... the issue now is,she is back in Nigeria.... can she report from Nigeria or she has to be in US before she reports..... please @mamao, @justwise and any other person that has info on this should please help out.

Thank you

I believe this complaint can be lodged with the American Embassy in Nigeria

kaakaa:
Good day all, congratulations to all the new mothers and thanks to all those that kept this thread alive.

Please, my friend is suspecting that her host has her child's SSN, and may be using it....and she wants to report to IRS after i told her about them..... the issue now is,she is back in Nigeria.... can she report from Nigeria or she has to be in US before she reports..... please @mamao, @justwise and any other person that has info on this should please help out.

Thank you

Wooow
Congratulations, I tap into this blessing g of yours.

Ayotundesh:



Congratulation ooooo!