Lochinny: Hi guys! Wanted to give my POE experience coz I’ve learnt a lot here and I believe mine would help someone. Sometime in March I told you guys about having a visa that’ll expire in May and that I was thinking of using it to give birth. I was encouraged most especially by @debbieeeeee and @pointednose to go ahead.. and I actually did.
So here’s my experience: I traveled with my Child which I gave birth to with the same visa 2 years ago. It wasn’t an easy journey.
Went with Qatar airways. (One of the best airline I must say, just that the journey was quite long) My POE was JFK which I used the previous time. When I got there, I was directed to join the citizens line because of my child. While on the line, a lady saw me and asked me to come forward (obviously a helper from God plus she saw I was pregnant and carrying a child) mind you, I didn’t try to cover it my pregnancy. did same 2 years ago infact I was almost due when I traveled the last time. So back to my story, I met the POE officer who asked for my passport, he collected my child’s own and asked what I’m here for, I told him to have my 2nd baby. He looked at the computer for a while without saying a word to me, then stamped my child’s passport. Then he collected mine and asked where I was going to stay and asked for how long. I told him the town I was staying and I’m looking at 3months Or more. He now asked if I came with any food stuffs and I told him just spices, he now asked to see my face and I removed my face mask. He then stamped my passport 6 months and said have a nice stay.
From this, I can tell you two things 1) prayer is the key. I and my husband prayed seriously for a smooth Poe. Even told my pastor
2) Be truthful. Just say the truth to them. I learnt it here that being honest pays so when I traveled to have my first child, I told them exactly the same thing, (then I was obviously pregnant so I couldn’t even dare lying) and it was an easy Poe and I used the same JFK. After hearing people say that 2nd time is always tougher, I got scared and people advised me to cover up since my pregnancy isn’t that obvious but I still couldn’t see myself doing it. I just said what will be will be. I made sure I was with every single receipt from the first one and a letter from the hospital showing I didn’t collect any Medicaid from them. Still they didn’t ask of anything..
These people appreciate honesty and I think if we keep being honest, they’ll start seeing Nigerians in a good way.
Thanks @Debbieeeeee and @PointedNose for the encouragement.
Hello dear. Congrats. I read through and saw where you stated you were almost due when you traveled for the first birth. How far gone where you. So sorry am asking. I have been battling to secure my passport. My visa was granted but not issued because I haven’t got the new passport. Am well over 37 weeks now. Can I still make it out at this point. Am really distraught.
I’m so grateful to God for his Favour and mercies throughout this process.
My POE experience at JFK was a breeze!
I was asked just 4 questions:
Purpose of trip: I told the officer that I was here to give birth
How long will be staying: I told him the duration. (3 months)
How much do I have: I told him the amount of cash at hand, the rest in my bank account.
Any goods to declare: None
My mother-in-law and I were stamped for 6 months.
Thank you all for the tips on this page. It was so helpful! From Visa application to POE. As at February/March this year, I wasn’t sure of embarking on this journey. Glad that I gave it a shot!
I declared the purpose of my trip for both visa interview and POE and it was positive.
The only bottleneck I experienced throughout this process was leaving the Nigerian airport. The officials almost didn’t let me fly because of my tummy size. They claimed that my fit to fly certificate was not true because my tummy looks like someone who is due ��. It was the most ridiculous thing i had ever heard. I was sent to the airport clinic for the DR on duty to confirm my pregnancy gestational age and thankfully, she was able to confirm that I was telling the truth. Naija and wahala!!! I had initially planned to travel in July but changed my mind because of my ever increasing tummy. It was a good decision in the end.
Just to add, traveling through JFK was very hectic in terms of flight duration especially since I was still headed to Houston, my final destination. I couldn’t get direct Delta flights to JFK. Delta’s only option was to arrive at Atlanta as first POE in the US before heading to Houston. I had to travel via Turkish Airlines which was a longer route and definitely more stressful.
Wishing all the other expecting Mama’s a smooth experience.�
Godheard: I’m so grateful to God for his Favour and mercies throughout this process.
My POE experience at JFK was a breeze!
I was asked just 4 questions:
Purpose of trip: I told the officer that I was here to give birth
How long will be staying: I told him the duration. (3 months)
How much do I have: I told him the amount of cash at hand, the rest in my bank account.
Any goods to declare: None
My mother-in-law and I were stamped for 6 months.
Thank you all for the tips on this page. It was so helpful! From Visa application to POE. As at February/March this year, I wasn’t sure of embarking on this journey. Glad that I gave it a shot!
I declared the purpose of my trip for both visa interview and POE and it was positive.
The only bottleneck I experienced throughout this process was leaving the Nigerian airport. The officials almost didn’t let me fly because of my tummy size. They claimed that my fit to fly certificate was not true because my tummy looks like someone who is due ��. It was the most ridiculous thing i had ever heard. I was sent to the airport clinic for the DR on duty to confirm my pregnancy gestational age and thankfully, she was able to confirm that I was telling the truth. Naija and wahala!!! I had initially planned to travel in July but changed my mind because of my ever increasing tummy. It was a good decision in the end.
Just to add, traveling through JFK was very hectic in terms of flight duration especially since I was still headed to Houston, my final destination. I couldn’t get direct Delta flights to JFK. Delta’s only option was to arrive at Atlanta as first POE in the US before heading to Houston. I had to travel via Turkish Airlines which was a longer route and definitely more stressful.
Wishing all the other expecting Mama’s a smooth experience.�
congratulation what month is ur pregnancy when u travel ? wish u safe delivery
Godheard: I’m so grateful to God for his Favour and mercies throughout this process.
My POE experience at JFK was a breeze!
I was asked just 4 questions:
Purpose of trip: I told the officer that I was here to give birth
How long will be staying: I told him the duration. (3 months)
How much do I have: I told him the amount of cash at hand, the rest in my bank account.
Any goods to declare: None
My mother-in-law and I were stamped for 6 months.
Thank you all for the tips on this page. It was so helpful! From Visa application to POE. As at February/March this year, I wasn’t sure of embarking on this journey. Glad that I gave it a shot!
I declared the purpose of my trip for both visa interview and POE and it was positive.
The only bottleneck I experienced throughout this process was leaving the Nigerian airport. The officials almost didn’t let me fly because of my tummy size. They claimed that my fit to fly certificate was not true because my tummy looks like someone who is due ��. It was the most ridiculous thing i had ever heard. I was sent to the airport clinic for the DR on duty to confirm my pregnancy gestational age and thankfully, she was able to confirm that I was telling the truth. Naija and wahala!!! I had initially planned to travel in July but changed my mind because of my ever increasing tummy. It was a good decision in the end.
Just to add, traveling through JFK was very hectic in terms of flight duration especially since I was still headed to Houston, my final destination. I couldn’t get direct Delta flights to JFK. Delta’s only option was to arrive at Atlanta as first POE in the US before heading to Houston. I had to travel via Turkish Airlines which was a longer route and definitely more stressful.
Wishing all the other expecting Mama’s a smooth experience.�
A safe and smooth delivery to you. Excellent thinking on your side to travel earlier.
Pls don't forget to drop updates.
Godheard: I’m so grateful to God for his Favour and mercies throughout this process.
My POE experience at JFK was a breeze!
I was asked just 4 questions:
Purpose of trip: I told the officer that I was here to give birth
How long will be staying: I told him the duration. (3 months)
How much do I have: I told him the amount of cash at hand, the rest in my bank account.
Any goods to declare: None
My mother-in-law and I were stamped for 6 months.
Thank you all for the tips on this page. It was so helpful! From Visa application to POE. As at February/March this year, I wasn’t sure of embarking on this journey. Glad that I gave it a shot!
I declared the purpose of my trip for both visa interview and POE and it was positive.
The only bottleneck I experienced throughout this process was leaving the Nigerian airport. The officials almost didn’t let me fly because of my tummy size. They claimed that my fit to fly certificate was not true because my tummy looks like someone who is due ��. It was the most ridiculous thing i had ever heard. I was sent to the airport clinic for the DR on duty to confirm my pregnancy gestational age and thankfully, she was able to confirm that I was telling the truth. Naija and wahala!!! I had initially planned to travel in July but changed my mind because of my ever increasing tummy. It was a good decision in the end.
Just to add, traveling through JFK was very hectic in terms of flight duration especially since I was still headed to Houston, my final destination. I couldn’t get direct Delta flights to JFK. Delta’s only option was to arrive at Atlanta as first POE in the US before heading to Houston. I had to travel via Turkish Airlines which was a longer route and definitely more stressful.
Wishing all the other expecting Mama’s a smooth experience.�
Today, during the zoom chat with the deputy consular of US embassy Lagos, I asked a question about drop box and felt it's cool to post it on this platform. The YouTube link to the video answers the question some of us has concerning Dropbox visa renewal in Nigeria.
Hi! Thanks a lot! I was about to turn 33 weeks when I traveled.. I know someone that’s traveled at 36 weeks she used Delta airlines but I don’t know of 37 weeks. Cause airlines have to accept you first then if you already have a doctor willing to take you, then you’re settled there but I’m bothered about airlines but you can browse more to check.. I also think it’s risky to avoid entering labor in the plane
Hello dear. Congrats. I read through and saw where you stated you were almost due when you traveled for the first birth. How far gone where you. So sorry am asking. I have been battling to secure my passport. My visa was granted but not issued because I haven’t got the new passport. Am well over 37 weeks now. Can I still make it out at this point. Am really distraught.
Good evening guys! Pls does anyone know someone that can help us secure an early date for visa for July or even August. The people we contacted are telling us stories! Pls this is very important! God bless
For those who brought their LO back without USA passport ( during the COVID19 lockdown) and are now applying for LO first passport in Nigeria be sure to go with the following
-Birth records -Documents you used in bringing LO into Nigeria -Pictures of you pregnant in the states -Pictures of you and LO st birth in the hospital - pictures from fight to Nigeria - anything that can help your case.
For those planning to embark on this journey good luck in advance..
Lochinny: Good evening guys! Pls does anyone know someone that can help us secure an early date for visa for July or even August. The people we contacted are telling us stories! Pls this is very important! God bless
Please I am also planning for interview in August. If you see any agent that can secure an August date
Godheard: I’m so grateful to God for his Favour and mercies throughout this process.
My POE experience at JFK was a breeze!
I was asked just 4 questions:
Purpose of trip: I told the officer that I was here to give birth
How long will be staying: I told him the duration. (3 months)
How much do I have: I told him the amount of cash at hand, the rest in my bank account.
Any goods to declare: None
My mother-in-law and I were stamped for 6 months.
Thank you all for the tips on this page. It was so helpful! From Visa application to POE. As at February/March this year, I wasn’t sure of embarking on this journey. Glad that I gave it a shot!
I declared the purpose of my trip for both visa interview and POE and it was positive.
The only bottleneck I experienced throughout this process was leaving the Nigerian airport. The officials almost didn’t let me fly because of my tummy size. They claimed that my fit to fly certificate was not true because my tummy looks like someone who is due ��. It was the most ridiculous thing i had ever heard. I was sent to the airport clinic for the DR on duty to confirm my pregnancy gestational age and thankfully, she was able to confirm that I was telling the truth. Naija and wahala!!! I had initially planned to travel in July but changed my mind because of my ever increasing tummy. It was a good decision in the end.
Just to add, traveling through JFK was very hectic in terms of flight duration especially since I was still headed to Houston, my final destination. I couldn’t get direct Delta flights to JFK. Delta’s only option was to arrive at Atlanta as first POE in the US before heading to Houston. I had to travel via Turkish Airlines which was a longer route and definitely more stressful.
Wishing all the other expecting Mama’s a smooth experience.�
Goodmorning ma’am, please I sent you a mail. Please I would like to make an enquiry, kindly assist. Thank you
For those who brought their LO back without USA passport ( during the COVID19 lockdown) and are now applying for LO first passport in Nigeria be sure to go with the following
-Birth records -Documents you used in bringing LO into Nigeria -Pictures of you pregnant in the states -Pictures of you and LO st birth in the hospital - pictures from fight to Nigeria - anything that can help your case.
For those planning to embark on this journey good luck in advance..
Hi everyone, I’m new here. Hubby and I are expecting our LO at the end of September/October. We intend to have our baby in Houston but don’t know how to go about it in terms of accommodation and affordable hospital.
Oh and my visa expires first week in September. Can I use it anyway? Please advice
I used Holy Cross Silverspring and Dr Moore in 2019 because it was 5mins away from home. It turned out to be the best decision because I was 9cm dilated when we got to the hospital. Anne Arundel is very far from Silverspring unless you are open to it. I’d suggest you get there and go and inquire from the hospitals. Someone posted the hospital costs for Maryland some years ago. You can use the search button to find it but I quite remember it wasn’t cheap! Most hospitals in Maryland aren't cheap.
Currently, I’m in Atlanta using Northside and North Atlanta Obgyn. I didn’t use Holy Cross again because of accommodation but I really liked my experience with them and Dr Moore if that helps.
Yes you can use your visa. Ensure you get to the point of entry before the date your visa expires.
TMJO: Hi everyone, I’m new here. Hubby and I are expecting our LO at the end of September/October. We intend to have our baby in Houston but don’t know how to go about it in terms of accommodation and affordable hospital.
Oh and my visa expires first week in September. Can I use it anyway? Please advice
TMJO: Hi everyone, I’m new here. Hubby and I are expecting our LO at the end of September/October. We intend to have our baby in Houston but don’t know how to go about it in terms of accommodation and affordable hospital. Oh and my visa expires first week in September. Can I use it anyway? Please advice
Yes, you can still use the visa, what the US customs and border patrol agents are after is that in as much as your visa has not expired as at the day you are entering the US, you are good to go. It's the duration that the cbp stamps you that ditermines how long you can now stay in the Us
Mehn, what a flash back!. This thread is still waxing strong.
To imagine that I made this memorable journey with my wife way back in 2013. About 8 years ago. Dammmm mehn, and people are still conquering all the barriers on the way. Bravo! to you all.
The last time I went on missionary journey, I processed baby's documentation including US passport in about 2 weeks.
I just got an info that processing passport (case in point Chicago) is about 10 to 12 weeks and expedited service is 4 to 6 weeks. This info will definitely change my plans.
So please Mamas who are currently in the US to birth or those who will birth in coming weeks and/or month, kindly update us on timelines and processes for getting SSNs, birth certificate, Nigerian and US Passport, ETC, Visa on arrival etc for your different states.
Covid has made things slower. My LO’s SSN came in a month after I gave birth even though I applied at the hospital ( it never used to take that long), not to mention that I kept calling them because their office has been closed since last year March, PreCovid all you needed to do was walk-in to one of their offices but now, you have to call and ask for an appointment and justify the reason why the appointment is a dire need ( they give appointments on dire need basis).
For us passport, it currently takes about 12 weeks to expedite and 18 weeks for routine. Am guessing this is due to high volumes of application during this summer period plus they were closed for many months last year due to covid. It is almost impossible to expedite at a passport agency or center cause there is always no available appointment online when you check and the customer care number is always engaged. The most available ones are passport acceptance agents at libraries and post offices and you get it back in 12 or 18 weeks depending on which option you choose.
I have also tried exploring the option of getting a Nigerian passport (cause every individual even a baby must travel by air with a passport, the only exception was during the covid period when they had to get people home last year) and getting a US passport at the embassy in Lagos but getting a Nigerian passport isn’t that easy and straightforward too.
Covid has made things slower. My LO’s SSN came in a month after I gave birth even though I applied at the hospital ( it never used to take that long), not to mention that I kept calling them because their office has been closed since last year March, PreCovid all you needed to do was walk-in to one of their offices but now, you have to call and ask for an appointment and justify the reason why the appointment is a dire need ( they give appointments on dire need basis).
For us passport, it currently takes about 12 weeks to expedite and 18 weeks for routine. Am guessing this is due to high volumes of application during this summer period plus they were closed for many months last year due to covid. It is almost impossible to expedite at a passport agency or center cause there is always no available appointment online when you check and the customer care number is always engaged. The most available ones are passport acceptance agents at libraries and post offices and you get it back in 12 or 18 weeks depending on which option you choose.
I have also tried exploring the option of getting a Nigerian passport (cause every individual even a baby must travel by air with a passport, the only exception was during the covid period when they had to get people home last year) and getting a US passport at the embassy in Lagos but getting a Nigerian passport isn’t that easy and straightforward too.
