Hello everyone,

The last U.S. Immigration Questions thread is no longer monitored by LagosNIV or AbujaNIV. We have created a new account, USMissionNGRA, in order to answer your questions jointly.

The people who monitor this thread and the related IV thread are U.S. Foreign Service Officers working at the U.S. Consulate in Lagos and at the U.S. Embassy in Abuja. We will endeavor to answer your questions quickly and thoroughly, but sometimes we may not be able to answer you for several days. Please be patient, and if you have any urgent questions, please direct them to LagosNIV@state.gov or ConsularAbuja@state.gov.

Please note that we cannot answer questions about specific cases, except as based on the information provided here in this discussion thread. Any responses in this forum are not to be taken as legally binding, as they will be based only on what you tell us in your questions, not on the information in any actual case. While we will attempt to explain U.S. immigration policies, any opinions expressed are the personal views of the writer, and do not necessarily reflect the views of the United States Government.

We may not be able to respond to every post in this thread, and we will not answer abusive posts. Also, please note that we do not read direct messages.

In addition, we encourage you to seek guidance via the following U.S. government sites, which contain accurate information on the visa application process:
1. https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/us-visas.html
2. http://www.ustraveldocs.com/ng/index.html?firstTime=No
3. https://educationusa.state.gov/
4. Refer to this site for additional United States Government Websites: http://www.ustraveldocs.com/ng/ng-gen-helpfullinks.asp

There is a separate thread for Immigrant Visa Questions, also handled by U.S. Foreign Service Officers serving in Nigeria. Please use this thread right here solely for questions about Non-immigrant Visas.

Sincerely,
USMissionNGRA

USMissionNGRA:
Hello everyone,

The last U.S. Immigration Questions thread is no longer monitored by LagosNIV or AbujaNIV. We have created a new account, USMissionNGRA, in order to answer your questions jointly.

The people who monitor this thread and the related IV thread are U.S. Foreign Service Officers working at the U.S. Consulate in Lagos and at the U.S. Embassy in Abuja. We will endeavor to answer your questions quickly and thoroughly, but sometimes we may not be able to answer you for several days. Please be patient, and if you have any urgent questions, please direct them to LagosNIV@state.gov or ConsularAbuja@state.gov.

Please note that we cannot answer questions about specific cases, except as based on the information provided here in this discussion thread. Any responses in this forum are not to be taken as legally binding, as they will be based only on what you tell us in your questions, not on the information in any actual case. While we will attempt to explain U.S. immigration policies, any opinions expressed are the personal views of the writer, and do not necessarily reflect the views of the United States Government.

We may not be able to respond to every post in this thread, and we will not answer abusive posts. Also, please note that we do not read direct messages.

In addition, we encourage you to seek guidance via the following U.S. government sites, which contain accurate information on the visa application process:
1. https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/us-visas.html
2. http://www.ustraveldocs.com/ng/index.html?firstTime=No
3. https://educationusa.state.gov/
4. Refer to this site for additional United States Government Websites: http://www.ustraveldocs.com/ng/ng-gen-helpfullinks.asp

There is a separate thread for Immigrant Visa Questions, also handled by U.S. Foreign Service Officers serving in Nigeria. Please use this thread right here solely for questions about Non-immigrant Visas.

Sincerely,
USMissionNGRA

Great one....

As concerning birthing in the US, the challenges being encountered by our people as regards visa renewal thereafter in recent times and all; Truth be told, we Nigerians are all speculating yet here on Nairaland. But we have a real issue at hand, a “tiring” one at that! I have read several takes and keep wondering what the way forward should be on this actually. A few persons including a US Doctor's rep on Nairaland has tried in her little way to make some clarifications as well as those that have attended the 221g interviews particularly and some legally resident Nigerians in the US on Nairaland, nothing still clear.

Some are even contemplating paying up the difference per what was discounted even when some of the facilities are insisting they are not indebted to them. This situation is pretty bad now! The facilities that will accept such offers after making it clear our people owe nothing, of what importance is this really? Why are our people being punished and made to look like “unawares” just like that? These are people that felt they didn’t have to be like others, no “misbehaviors”, didn’t touch Medicaid, didn't birth and stay back in the US, spent time and resources to search and bring to fruition their dreams, paid for it and were at rest believing they have done the necessary to avoid trouble in the future. Suddenly that same peace is being taken from them, this isn't looking good.

Discounts are well known to the Americans and us visitors too. Why will our people be "punished" for using discounts? I understand this is another sector anyways, but we are in the dark on this, we need some quality light.

I will appeal to you and ask others to join me in that appeal too if necessary, to please do justice to this matter, let there be equity.

What exactly is the position of things dear @USMissionNGRA please?

Is it true this happening is peculiar to Nigeria and not general?

What are we doing wrong that is resulting in subsequent refusals after birthing in the US sir?

Is this above 10k standard we are setting for ourselves needed at all as it seems that we are only groping in the dark?

Will it even count soonest after now?

Are the US authorities in Nigeria comfortable about the darkness this situation has put innocent Nigerian applicants in or what? I doubt.

Bring in some light please, educate us on this we plead with thee sirs!

Cool

OmoBendel24:


Great one....

As concerning birthing in the US, the challenges being encountered by our people as regards visa renewal thereafter in recent times and all; Truth be told, we Nigerians are all speculating yet here on Nairaland. But we have a real issue at hand, a “tiring” one at that! I have read several takes and keep wondering what the way forward should be on this actually. A few persons including a US Doctor's rep on Nairaland has tried in her little way to make some clarifications as well as those that have attended the 221g interviews particularly and some legally resident Nigerians in the US on Nairaland, nothing still clear.

Some are even contemplating paying up the difference per what was discounted even when some of the facilities are insisting they are not indebted to them. This situation is pretty bad now! The facilities that will accept such offers after making it clear our people owe nothing, of what importance is this really? Why are our people being punished and made to look like “unawares” just like that? These are people that felt they didn’t have to be like others, no “misbehaviors”, didn’t touch Medicaid, didn't birth and stay back in the US, spent time and resources to search and bring to fruition their dreams, paid for it and were at rest believing they have done the necessary to avoid trouble in the future. Suddenly that same peace is being taken from them, this isn't looking good.

Discounts are well known to the Americans and us visitors too. Why will our people be "punished" for using discounts? I understand this is another sector anyways, but we are in the dark on this, we need some quality light.

I will appeal to you and ask others to join me in that appeal too if necessary, to please do justice to this matter, let there be equity.

What exactly is the position of things dear @USMissionNGRA please?

Is it true this happening is peculiar to Nigeria and not general?

What are we doing wrong that is resulting in subsequent refusals after birthing in the US sir?

Is this above 10k standard we are setting for ourselves needed at all as it seems that we are only groping in the dark?

Will it even count soonest after now?

Are the US authorities in Nigeria comfortable about the darkness this situation has put innocent Nigerian applicants in or what? I doubt.

Bring in some light please, educate us on this we plead with thee sirs!

Seconded

Dear VO,
I did a drop box with my family and we got a 221g white form to appear for interview. It was actually my husband's form/name that was circled to schedule for interview, but we have to appear together as family. I am the principal applicant. However, I know my husband has low beards in the passport photograph he used which makes him a bit different (older) than what he looked liked in his travel passport . Secondly, I have an approved pending NVC case awaiting visa allocation/ priority date to become current. My last and 1st visa was used 3 times and other members of the family twice. I have waited 8years and cannot jeopardise that now to go and not return. My workplace funds my trip as part of my office benefits.
1. What could be the issue?
2. Do you advise he shaves down his beard for the interview?
3. Do you advise he shaves down the beard and takes another passport photograph for the interview?

Any guidance towards teh interview will be appreciated.
Thanks.

Hello,

I was refused for a transit visa enroute to my medical school in the Caribbean which made my travel time more frustrating and ticket costs more expensive (and also previously for a visitor's visa twice for a family visit). I've been in school for a year and would like to apply for a Visitor's visa which would help with my travel cost and time. Please, my questions are

1. Why are transit visas rejected?
2. Will my next application for a visitor's visa also be rejected as I already got a transit visa rejected?

Your response is much appreciated.
Thanks

Hello @USMissionNGRA

An applicant is considering making a visitor's visa application with the aim of owing up before a VO, to past willfull representation/false statements on a previous B1B2 visa application made 4 years ago (visa was denied with 212a). Applicant wishes to be make truthful entries to this current application.

This move is seen as 'radical' and 'unheard of' with strong advise from friends and family, even 'visa agents' not to do so.
Whats your take?

Hello ctrlunlimited and OmoBendel24,

Our policy is the same as it has always been. We ask all applicants to be honest about their intended activities in the United States, and the interviewing officer must be satisfied that the applicants can afford the kind of travel they are planning. This includes prospective students, business travelers, tourists, and those seeking medical care, and it applies to everyone around the world, regardless of nationality.

If you visit our website at https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/us-visas/tourism-visit/visitor.html, you will see that receiving medical care in the United States on a B1/B2 visa is legal. However, the website also states that applicants must demonstrate that they can afford to pay the "doctors’ fees, hospitalization fees, and all medical-related expenses". Though every situation is different, accepting discounts or paying less than the full amount can raise questions about the applicant's finances, credibility, and their intent and ability to pay for the full cost of their care.

ctrlunlimited:
Seconded

Hello marketgirl,

We cannot give advice or comment on specific cases.

marketgirl:
Dear VO,
I did a drop box with my family and we got a 221g white form to appear for interview. It was actually my husband's form/name that was circled to schedule for interview, but we have to appear together as family. I am the principal applicant. However, I know my husband has low beards in the passport photograph he used which makes him a bit different (older) than what he looked liked in his travel passport . Secondly, I have an approved pending NVC case awaiting visa allocation/ priority date to become current. My last and 1st visa was used 3 times and other members of the family twice. I have waited 8years and cannot jeopardise that now to go and not return. My workplace funds my trip as part of my office benefits.
1. What could be the issue?
2. Do you advise he shaves down his beard for the interview?
3. Do you advise he shaves down the beard and takes another passport photograph for the interview?

Any guidance towards teh interview will be appreciated.
Thanks.

Hello awesomemaxim,

We cannot comment on individual cases. Transit visas are adjudicated along the same lines as all other visas; you must be able to prove that your intended activities are consistent with the visa category for which you applied, and you must be able to overcome the presumption of immigrant intent. We advise people not to reapply unless there have been significant changes in their circumstances or unless they have new evidence they would like to provide to the consular officer.

awesomemaxim:
Hello,

I was refused for a transit visa enroute to my medical school in the Caribbean which made my travel time more frustrating and ticket costs more expensive (and also previously for a visitor's visa twice for a family visit). I've been in school for a year and would like to apply for a Visitor's visa which would help with my travel cost and time. Please, my questions are

1. Why are transit visas rejected?
2. Will my next application for a visitor's visa also be rejected as I already got a transit visa rejected?

Your response is much appreciated.
Thanks

Hello Ije004,

As I'm sure you're aware, 212a refusals are permanent ineligibilities, or "bans" as they are commonly called on this site. Some of them have waivers, others do not. If someone with a permanent ineligibility applies for a visa, they will be informed at the time of the interview what the ineligibility is and whether a waiver for the ineligibility exists.

Though the applicant's honesty is of the utmost importance, other factors also play a role in determining whether the consular officer will support a waiver request, including the type of ineligibility, how recently the ineligibility was applied, and the applicant's purpose of travel. As every case is different, we cannot predict the outcome or give any advice.

Ije004:
Hello @USMissionNGRA

An applicant is considering making a visitor's visa application with the aim of owing up before a VO, to past willfull representation/false statements on a previous B1B2 visa application made 4 years ago (visa was denied with 212a). Applicant wishes to be make truthful entries to this current application.

This move is seen as 'radical' and 'unheard of' with strong advise from friends and family, even 'visa agents' not to do so.
Whats your take?

USMissionNGRA:
Hello Ije004,

As I'm sure you're aware, 212a refusals are permanent ineligibilities, or "bans" as they are commonly called on this site. Some of them have waivers, others do not. If someone with a permanent ineligibility applies for a visa, they will be informed at the time of the interview what the ineligibility is and whether a waiver for the ineligibility exists.

Though the applicant's honesty is of the utmost importance, other factors also play a role in determining whether the consular officer will support a waiver request, including the type of ineligibility, how recently the ineligibility was applied, and the applicant's purpose of travel. As every case is different, we cannot predict the outcome or give any advice.

@USMissionNGRA
My sincere apologies for the typo but the applicants previous refusal was a 214(b) not a 212(c). Your response stated above will assist readers with 212(c) ban.

Once again, apologies for the error.

Dear AbujaNIV & LagosNIV,

Please just a clarification. If one does a Dropbox visa renewal application and was called for a 221g interview and the interview was successful and B1/B2 Visa issued. When filling a renewal form when the current visa must have expired, what would be the answer to the question have you ever been denied/refused a US visa before?

Many Thanks

Dear VO,
We see from the website that receiving medical care in the United States on a B1/B2 visa is legal. However, cases where you have a 2 years tourist visa which you used for tourism on the first trip, then on the subsequent trip you seek medical care such as fertility treatments but made all payments. Would it be a problem going for a next interview?

Many Thanks.

I hope this one dont get deleted!!!

aduku1:
I hope this one dont get deleted!!!

Send your complain to LagosNIV@state.gov or ConsularAbuja@state.gov, this is not the right place to post such personal info.

justwise:


Send your complain to LagosNIV@state.gov or ConsularAbuja@state.gov, this is not the right place to post such personal info.

And you think i have not tried several options...mails, letters, interviews. Well you are not in my shoes so definitely you would never understand how it feels!!!! I hope u dont get in any mess like this and someone restricts your access to help with this kind of your response.

Have a nice day!!!!

@USMissionNGRA;
Scheduling a follow up appointment on the cgi website after 221g letter has become a problem for many now as date lists have been coming out blank without options.
For many it is running into months now that they have been trying to schedule an appointment.
I want to ask if this a deliberate act on the part of the consulate and if not the technical team managing the website should do something urgently about this problem.
Thank you.

Happy to be here, what's the rationale behind unnecessary refusal of visas, even those with existing visas to European countries are not left out?

Hello everyone,
Good day VO and thread manager. Please where’s the link for the US immigrant visa page. Thanks as I anticipate

[quote author=USMissionNGRA post=76642134]Hello awesomemaxim,

We cannot comment on individual cases. Transit visas are adjudicated along the same lines as all other visas; you must be able to prove that your intended activities are consistent with the visa category for which you applied, and you must be able to overcome the presumption of immigrant intent. We advise people not to reapply unless there have been significant changes in their circumstances or unless they have new evidence they would like to provide to the consular officer.

How would you know the reasons for your denial? I am asking because most applicants are denied without the VO's giving any reason for the denial and this in turn makes it very difficult for you to know what 'significan changes to make or new evidence to provide.

Dear AbujaNIV & LagosNIV,

Please just a clarification. If one does a Dropbox visa renewal application and was called for a 221g interview and the interview was successful and B1/B2 Visa issued. When filling a renewal form when the current visa must have expired, what would be the answer to the question have you ever been denied/refused a US visa before?

Many Thanks

Hello ozymes,

As long as that visa application resulted in an issuance, and you have never been refused a visa under 214b or any other sections of the INA, you can say that you have never been refused a visa. A 221g refusal simply means that not enough information was available at the time of your application for a final decision to be made.

You could answer that you have never been refused a visa, or, if you like, you can answer that you were refused 221g and subsequently issued.

ozymes:
Dear AbujaNIV & LagosNIV,

Please just a clarification. If one does a Dropbox visa renewal application and was called for a 221g interview and the interview was successful and B1/B2 Visa issued. When filling a renewal form when the current visa must have expired, what would be the answer to the question have you ever been denied/refused a US visa before?

Many Thanks

Hello ManOfPeace2000,

The ability to pay for school is only one factor of many considered during a student visa interview. Please visit http://www.ustraveldocs.com/ng/ng-niv-typefandm.asp for more information.

ManOfPeace2000:
dear visa officer, do usa approve visa for genuine student, who didn't take any standardized test. and also not offered any scholarships by the intended school of studies. but the parent are rich and can Carter for all expenses

Hello Kieranfrench,

You may be asked to provide proof of payment either at the time of your next interview or the time you next seek entry to the U.S. (i.e., even if you are not asked to provide proof of payment at the time of your visa renewal, CBP may ask you to show proof of payment the next time you land in the United States). You may be asked to show itemized receipts, bills, or other financial and medical documentation at those points. We ask that intending travelers do not purchase plane tickets or make final travel plans until they have their passport and visa in hand.

Please note that even if you are issued a U.S. visa, CBP makes the final decision on who is admitted to the United States.

Kieranfrench:
Dear VO,
We see from the website that receiving medical care in the United States on a B1/B2 visa is legal. However, cases where you have a 2 years tourist visa which you used for tourism on the first trip, then on the subsequent trip you seek medical care such as fertility treatments but made all payments. Would it be a problem going for a next interview?

Many Thanks.

Hello NIFES,

If you are having difficulty scheduling a 221g appointment, please contact CGI at one of the phone numbers or email addresses listed here: http://www.ustraveldocs.com/ng/ng-main-contactus.asp

NIFES:
@USMissionNGRA;
Scheduling a follow up appointment on the cgi website after 221g letter has become a problem for many now as date lists have been coming out blank without options.
For many it is running into months now that they have been trying to schedule an appointment.
I want to ask if this a deliberate act on the part of the consulate and if not the technical team managing the website should do something urgently about this problem.
Thank you.