₦airaland Forum

@dizyfrenz

good people of nl. I wanna ask a que, directed especially to those who r in d u.s
while at the port of entry, do they check the contents of peoples laptops?.
Am asking this becos i read it somewhere that they could check the contents of laptops and if they find indecency or pirated software, it could be trouble. But lets face it, my laptop has no licensed software cos the windows 7 ultimate i installed was bought for N200, my microsoft office was bought for N150 and so on, Can anyone advise me or is there anyth to worry about??

Bros, those guys do not have any business with your laptop. In the process of checking you, they may find your laptop. But I don't think they will ask you to switch it on, UNLESS they are suspecting you for something else. International Airports are always busy, and many people always travel with laptops or other devices. You think they will ask everyone to switch all those devices on? If they try that, they will not be able to clear everyone on time. So, never mind.

;d ;d ;d ;d ;d ;d ;d ;d ;d ;d ;d ;d ;d ;d

Try Bowie state university in Maryland. I study there, and I don't remember sending any TOEFL score. If you are trying to attend the graduate school, you will have to prove to them that English language was the language of instruction while taking your undergraduate program in Nigeria. While applying, I had my HOD write to them telling them that I took my undergrad with English as the language of instruction. And the school admitted me without the TOEFL.but generally, I will advice you try to pass the TOEFL. Because even though you get admitted without TOEFL, the consular guys might still use that against you. TOEFL is not a requirement for VISA. But there some "Mr & Mrs Too know" in the US consulates that use TOEFL, GMAT or entrance exams generally to deny people. If you are lucky to get admitted without TEOFL, just pray that the consular guys do not ask for a TOEFL score. Because if they ask, and you cant present it, and you don't have any reasonable excuse to give, they may use that as an excuse to deny you.

In a Little confused state right now. Just got my I-20 form today. Sponsor is my Uncle with same surname. After reading all the write-ups on this forum on the advantages of using ones immediate family as sponsor, i need some advice on what to do. Tnx.

Still Need your opinions, I work as a software developer in one of the few companies owned by my uncle. He is a legal practitioner by profession but has chains of business in IT. Creates them to be managed by qualified hands. He is sponsoring me as regards the interest her has in me to manage the Software development Unit of his coy and my proven team leader drive for the success of the unit. He has always sponsored my education from my Junior High as soon he realized my interest in IT. He took a personal interest in me amongst my other siblings. My dad has bin solely responsible for their education.My Uncle also sponsored my professional exams and some of my short courses in Pan African University. He has bin my main motivator and mentor as regards a common saying that "Nothing is Impossible".

Kindly advice.

Tnx.

I think you have posted this twice now. I guess no one has been responding to that because it has already been answered somewhere in between the threads. What exactly are you worried about? I used my uncle who doesn't even bear the same surname with me. As a matter of fact, my surname is yoruba, and my uncle's name is hausa, and I still got my visa. So what is your problem? Except if things has changed after I left Nigeria; I see no reason why your uncle sponsoring you should be a problem provided you can present your case well. Abeg free this question jor!

who are the moderators here? why is my post not appearing? I gave an answer which might be helpful to someone, and it doesn't appear. Na una sabi.

@ACCA 247
I tried to answer your question to the best of my abilities. I guess your people who called themselves moderators didn't allow it to appear,

@layric
4rill, pls can you drop me your e mail we need to talk,i will love to ask you something privately.
thanks

I have sent an email to you. There you will find my own e-mail too,

@yapyap

I used my uncle as my sponsor, but the company I work for hv decided to sponsor me. What do I do as I have already received my I 20 and hv also. Filled my D 160 and my interview is coming up soon. My uncle acc is not much but the company acc is good. I need your help than u.

If you have actually filled the DS 160 form, I assume you would have specified your sponsor in the form already. So, are you asking about who you should use as your sponsor (after you have already specified it) or you are asking if you you can add your company as an additional sponsor?

It seems to me as if you are worried over the choice you have made already (that is if you have actually filled the DS 160 form). Well on the whole, you stand a better chance using your uncle as a sponsor than your employer. But I am not saying you can't get it if your employer is your sponsor. It all depends on what you are going for, and the duration.

The shorter your program, the likelihood of getting the visa with company sponsorship (except your father or close relative owns the business) which you must have all necessary documentations to prove. Company sponsorship is often good for few months courses than degree. Now let me ask you this question so that you can understand better. If you are an employer; can you give me good reason why you will send your employee (who is not your close relative) to the U.S, spending millions of naira on him to keep him there? Won't you just hire some one else who already has the skills you are looking for? If you can convince me with good reasons, then be ready to convince the consular too. And i bet it will be easier to convince me than the consular.

So, for few months courses, your company sponsorship is good. But for degrees, its a little bit hard (except its a family business which you must prove with documents). And in that case, be ready with the company incorporation certificates, tax clearance, the company account statement and the owner's personal account statement. It is assumed that if its your family business, and the owner (your dad or uncle) really wants to support you, he can make all these documents available to you.

If your uncle has more than is required in your I-20, I will advice you use your uncle alone. But if your uncle doesn't have that much, you may want to combine your company sponsorship with that if your uncle. Then on your I-20; did they specify your sources of funds? During my time on my I-20, "family sponsorship" was indicated on my I-20. If family sponsorship is listed on your I-20, then what the consular will like to see is your close relatives' sponsorship (father, mother, siblings, uncles, aunts). But if your I-20 says your family is your sponsor, ans you are stating just your employer in your interview; Me I no know ooo.

On a final note. When God or whatever you worship is at work, all those documents mentioned might not even be checked. You might not even spend up to five minutes or ten minutes there to be given the visa. However, you don't want to go to the consular to capitalize on luck alone. Often times, its your own utterances that make them ask for your documents, and that is why you shouldn't capitalize on luck alone, but go there fully prepared!

@All

Sorry I haven't spoken for long. As a matter of fact, I come here almost everyday, even if i don't spend as so much time. And as some of us know, I only make comments if i have to.

@ shewhy

On the day for my second interview, I went to the embassy with all normal docs like my I 20, credentials, as well as my Dads Bank statement, company's certificate of incorporation and tax clearance. I used my Dad as the sponsor. This was how my interview went

VO: What are you going to do in the US?

Me: I am going there to study.

VO: Can i see your I - 20?

Me: Sure (I showed him and he went through it)

VO: When did you finished from high school?

Me: I finished 2002

VO: What have you been doing since then.

Me: I worked in my Fathers company. I happened to be the only son of the family so i was advised to know about the family business. I worked with him for some years. After knowing all about the business, I requested that i want to go for my preferred career and it was granted by my Father. Then I proceed into the aviation school.

VO: So do you go to any school here?

Me: Yes, I went to an aviation school

VO: Can i see your transcript?

Me: I showed him

VO: Can you explain the piloting course?

Me: I explained.

He now asked me to do a fingerprint which i did.

VO: I'm sorry I wont be able to issue you the visa this time.

I just pack my docs and get out from his face but I kept wondering the reason for my denial.

Is there anyplace that i am to be corrected cause i still have the intention of re-applying. Please get back to me with any advise.

Please forgive any typo and error, I am sending this from my phone. Regards

Sorry, this is my second or third reply this week. I come here almost everyday. But as ya'all know, I only reply if I have to.

First, I do not want to assume that you are hiding any information about the interview. With the little you disclosed here, I can spot possible reasons for denial. Superbrain almost said everything in my mind. I only want to add to what he said already.

First, these people are not fools. For you to apply for F-1 visa with your dad's statement, you are automatically telling the consular that your father is a rich man. Abi na lie? Now, lets turn the table around. If you are a rich man, and you have an intelligent child; why would you pause the education of that child for 5 years and not send him straight to the university or college immediately? What job experienced does he need from you in 2002 (because the VO will assume you were still a child then). Even the Adenugas, and the Billionaires in Nigeria who want their children to inherit their businesses know that those children need at least University degree first. These VOs are no fools. They know what's up, and they know our mentality about education here. They know that despite the fact that majority of Nigerians are poor, they still want to send their children to school. So, saying that you worked with your dad from 2002 to 2008 in a job that has nothing to do with your chosen career has given you out. Period!!

Second, you said you took some aviation Certificates from 2009 to 2010 right? There are lots of certifications in aviation schools, which also includes "ticketing and reservations". So, which one did you take? Did you take some flight training? Your chance of getting the visa is wide, if you have taken some flight training before, and you are only going to the US to improve more. But if you have no flight training or flight experience (not as passanger oo) , then your chance is narrow. You will need to work hard to get the visa, and your age will count much in this case.

You said your they asked what Pilot course is all about? You only said you told her the answer. What exactly did you tell her, and what made you think you got it right? Do not deceive yourself by trying to impress anyone here. Tell us the exact way you said it; because from your post, that was the last question you answered before you were denied. How are you sure you impressed her with the answer you gave to that?

On a final note. The fact that she asked you for a finger print doesn't mean she wanted to give you the visa. They do it for everyone. The purpose is to track you when next you come again.

You may try again. But I only tried to open your eyes to some of the things which might have led to your denial. Always prepare well for your interview. There are some times you may even need to defer your admission if you know you are not well prepared. I was once in your shoes. I deferred because I knew i wasn't prepared enough. I still got my visa at first appearance, on a virgin passport, even without my admission letter (but only I-20), with my uncle as a sponsor. And you know what, I made it by leveraging on all the knowledge I got here. Wish you lock next time man

vandops where art thou? I have been in MD since 2 weeks ago, and I have been attending classes. I am already settled in Hyattsville 20783 and I have started attending lectures already. But we still need to talk about other stuffs. I only need info about certain things here, which could be a distraction to this thread which I don't want. Please kindly drop your email or phone number to glytunde@yahoo.com

@tee.baba

All of a sudden you wan defer. It is very possible just go see your international student Adviser but have a good reason if not he won't listen. Plus, why you wan defer now? he would Just ask you why you did not defer when you were still in naija or will you go back to naija if you defer?

Just have a good story to tell

heheheheheheee, i call dem, dem say make i go back nigeria till am ready to study, say dem go send me new i-20 , i just de laff, i tell am make she kom carry me !

LOL

All of una just dey make me dey laugh,

I like my Niaja peeps. We no dey dull ourselves at all. So funny. So she wants you to go back home and defer? Very funny

4ril,
How do I contact you?

@masepat

I am in the States already, and I have my orientation tomorrow. Since you are in the states already, please send your phone number to glytunde@yahoo.com. Or just send an email there, and don't forget to put your nairaland ID so that I can know its you,

House,
Trust everyone is going great. The cold for here no be beans!!!!!!!!!!!!

^^^ guy na true especially for a first timer like us. My experience of yesterday was soo funny. I went to the ATM to withraw some money. When cold beat my head, I forgot my pin number. I just didnt remember again. I had to check it from my phone. I decided to use the cash with me, but on getting to where I was supposed to buy something, I couldn't remember what i came to buy again. I was just looking at what was displayed, but I wasn't sure I saw anything. My girlf friend there was just laughing, because she already warmed me about the clothes I wore. I guess the cold froze my brain that it affected my memories.

No one thought me before I started dressing warm. Omo, this yankee cold na wah,

@wilfrem

@4ril, thanks again for the wonderful suggestion. Ireally appreciate it. My problem now is, having communicated with a luecturer of mine, who is the one in charge of the Information Database in Poly ib, He frankly told me that it was even wrong of the embassy to have cosidered or declared my transcripts to be fake, since the embassy did not send them any verification request. I begged him to pls help me with another transcript that would be addressed to them, he said he can't do that, since the embassy did not officially request for it  and that the embassy was not an Educational Institution, except if they request for validation or verification. What do I do now      
I've also requested WES to send me another copy of the officially recognized version of the evaluated transcript, but I don't know if that would be enough. Any other suggestions?
Pls can I have your YIM, so that we can chat? Mine is wilfem2002 at yahoo dot com

Seriously, i don't know what to say again. I also graduated from a polytechnic that is even more strict than yours. Yet I have collected my transcripts several times, and they are addressed to the places I wanted them addressed to. Yeah, it was wrong for my school to release it to me. Yet, I still found my way at the records office. That was why I said initially, that "if it's impossible, try to make it possible". Na Naija we dey. If the lecturer wants to help you, he should help you. If there is no one to help you to get it, well I don't know what to say again.

Giving you my yahoo ID is not my problem now. But its very unlikely that we would be able to chat, because i am hardly on YM. I have given others before, but I'm not sure we ever met online at the same time. If we are online, what I will tell you in there, is what I am already saying here. So its either you try against all odds to get the transcript the way I said, or you go with your WES evaluation report alone. Its now up to you. Better still, seek more advice before you return to that embassy.

@naggy,

Congrats for the success in your visa interview.

@wilfrem

@4ril, Pls do not forget that I said I also gave the consular a photocopy of the school transcript that was sent to WES, she also told me that one was FAKE too and even collected it from me,
So while presenting my case as to why I was denied, what do you think I can say concerning the Photocopy of the school transcript that was sent to WES.
I've accepted the blame/fact that as a student, I'm not supposed to be in possession of it.
@House what do you suggest for me concerning this?

Your advices/suggesions will be highly appreciated. Thanks in advance.

Since you said you initially gave the VO photocopies of your transcripts and WES evaluation report, it will be wrong for you to go back there again, to tell them that your school doesn't give out transcripts. You will run yourself into trouble again for doing that. Because the next question is, how did you get the photocopy if you didn't have direct access to the original in the first place? If your school doesn't give out transcript to students or by hand, how then did you get the photocopy? I'ts logical to assume you made the photocopy from the original. So, its wrong to claim you do not have access to the original now. You could have claimed you didn't have access to it in your first interview, but you can't do that now.

The way forward (if I were in your shoes)

For you to have photocopy of your transcript, I assume you can have access to the original, through your school records office. Tell them to prepare a new transcript to you but it should be addressed to US embassy (in Lagos or Abuja depending on where you want to take the interview). Then, tell them to seal the envelope, but not post it. Try to collect it by hand, and take it to the embassy yourself on your interview date. Don't tell me that is impossible, because if its is, how did you get the photocopy with you? If it,s impossible, try to make it possible. Na naija we dey.

Also, from WES, you can request for additional copies in a SEALED envelope. I think you will have to pay extra $10 for the sealed envelop. When the sealed envelop gets to you, address to the embassy. If I were you, I will not address it with biro. I will type the address on a white paper using nice fonts, then cut and paste it on the sealed envelop from WES. Do not open any of the envelopes since that can destroy them.

Take these two to the embassy.

VO: why were you denied the last time?
You: I came here with the unofficial copies of my transcript and WES evaluation reports, and they were considered unauthentic (please do not use the word fake, which is what that initial consular used). Unauthentic and fake could be synonymous, but I think one word is better than the other.

Then, do not wait for him to say anything else before you quickly add this "but I have the official copies here now".

If he asks for it, then give it to him. If your photocopies with the embassy are actually original, then the information you have in the official copies should be the same as what they have with them.

Warning! its now too late to tell them your school doesn't give out transcript . You are only going back there to prove that what you gave them initially is not fake. So, don't contradict anything again. With God on your side, you can make it again.

Another thing, please try to dress well. Don't be too flashy, but look modest and cool. Till date, I still keep telling everyone that the indian -american that interviewed me, already made up his mind to give me the visa, even before i opened my mouth. He was just starring at me from the moment I entered. I assume the way I dressed did a lot too. They look a your eyes, your body language and how you dress too. They don't need you to talk before they draw up any conclusion based on these I listed. God will help you this time.

@ House
For those of you who actually went to school directly; please how did you move your money to the US? What is the maximum I can take with into the plane, without the need for me to declare it? I learnt 10K is the maximum, but you have to declare it. I also heard that there is an amount I can take, without the need to declare it. I am much concerned about the amount I can take in my wallet or handbag without the need for any declaration. I already got the GTB Visa Card, but must of my aunties and aunts who have been travelling to US are advising me against it. Mean while, I will start spending the very first day I set my feet at my school, so waiting to open a bank account in US first, will make it too late for me to complete my registration. My school is open already. Any idea please?

@ wilfrem

@naggy. I've contacted my school & my department as well, but I was told that they cannot send any letter/document to the embassy since it was not OFFICIALLY requested from them.

I got to know that WES can Issue you a version of your evaluated transcript that could be presented to Immigration officers. Has Anyone done this before?

I am really very sorry about your denial. But I think you can still go back again, and make your case very clear. This is not a time to scold you, but it's better to let you know where you fell, so that you don't fall again. Generally, it is better you tell any VO that you do not have any doc that he/she is asking for, than to present anyone that is not satisfactory. If I were you, I would have told him that my school doesn't give out transcripts by hand, but I have my WES evaluation report, which is a conversion of my transcript to American standard. Simple! If he asks me to bring the evaluation report, then I will give him. if he doesn't I won't (even if its the official report or not). However, I will never give the unofficial report you gave! Apart from the fact that the print out is non-official, the one sent from WES and the unofficial report are different. The quality of the documents also differ. If you think I am telling lies, compare what you have with the official report, and you will see the difference.

Some people might have gone with similar print outs like you and still got their visas. But its very likely that VO didn't ask for their documents, and that was why they got their visas. You see, those VOs are recruited, placed and paid there, just to deny applicants. But they are given the power to change their minds (grant you visa) if you convince them, impress them, your appear genuine to them, and they see no loop hole. Once they see a loop hole, some may overlook it, and some may deny you (even if you appear genuine). It depends on the consular involved. I want to assume that the loop hole found on your application is that the WES evaluation (unofficial print out) you presented is different from the official one that they are used to. Hence yours (which I assume to be strange to the consular) is assumed fake.

My Opinion about the way forward

Yes, you can apply for another copy of your WES evaluation report. When making the request, please use P.O.Box address. So many people do not get their evaluation reports, GMAT score, TOEFL score, GRE score etc because they use home or office address. Our postal post masters (if we have any) are not as nice or efficient to the point of bringing your mails to your home address. If you need home delivery, then use courier.

When you have your official evaluation report, get another appointment date at the embassy again. Go with both the unofficial print out and the original print out from WES. On the interview day, I assume the VO will ask for the reason for your initial denial. Tell him/her that the unofficial print out you brought for the initial interview was not considered satisfactory and authentic by the VO who interviewed you then, and she denied you based on that. Show him the one he the last VO considered fake, and present him the new (official one). Simple!

I am not insinuating anything, but I advise you do as I say, ONLY if you are confident that the official WES evaluation report you want to take along, is authentic. If it is, the information will still be the same as the one which was rejected before. No harm in trying bro, you can still do it!

Just my little advice

@saniro

Hello gud guys in the house'just want to know d latest happening at d embassy

Were have you been all this while, we didn't even hear the outcome of your interview at lagos consulate

Yes, that's true. where have you been all these while? wetin dey?

@bato231

i was denied 2day.
@ house, please help me

con: what have you been doing since 2003?
ME: i have got diploma in desktop publishing, advanced diploma in desktop publishing and worked in Bleep
Con: can I see
ME: showed him
con: do you have any other certification?
ME: No, that's all
sorry,

I want to reapply and i do not know if  telling the CON that i had a degree before will give me a red flag.
Someone told me  i should tell the COn am not comfortable with my course ind. maths(BSC) which i ve and wanna go study computer science as a transfer student.
pls advice me. what do you think i can do and pls how can i get a date before jan.28th?

I'm so sorry about your denial. At the same time, it annoys me when I realize that someone is denied due to his own carelessness. I have often said it here that if you have a Bachelors degree before, its good to apply for a graduate school. If you have Bsc here, and you want to go for another Bsc, you will need to work hard to convince the consular about why you need another Bsc when you already have one. Why don't you just try to avoid that by applying to graduate school? That shows you want to improve upon what you have already. It shows you are making progress. It's so annoying for you to hide your strength, and disclose your weakness to the VO. I mean, why hide your Bsc and tell him you have certification in computer desktop publishing. Is it not the same desktop diploma that many Nigerian employers will not even consider. I read of a boy of less than 10 years old, who passed the MCSE exams in the U.S And you think you can woo the VO with one yeye desktop diploma? Please don't mind me. Seriously, I dey vex!!!

I will state it again. If you already have a Bsc, try to apply to a graduate school. If you can back it up, you may lie that you have been working in a job that is related to the Bsc. Honestly, they don't give a damn about how little your salary is even if its not more than 10k. They know Nigerian many Nigerian companies pay peanut. Or how do you think they know that many of us feed on less than a dollar a day? Your salary might only matter if you are going on Business or visiting. As a student, you don't even need to be working in a big company. The fact that you have been doing something that is related to your Bsc is ok. Applying for a masters degree if you already have a Bsc is much better than applying as a transfer or undergraduate.

I remember warning one guy about the same thing. His case was very similar to yours. I advised him to apply to a graduate school. He went and was denied. He came back, and said he would go to the embassy again. He went to the embassy again, but didn't come back to share his testimony. I am convinced he was denied again, and that was why he didn't show up again. If he is reading what I am typing now, he will know himself.

If my own country (Nigeria) will not allow me go for Masters with HND; yet a great school in US admitted me for Masters (with HND), and I got my visa on my first appearance, on a virgin passport (of less than 6 months old), at the dreaded Lagos Consulate, interviewed by the dreaded Indian-American guy, even without my admission letter, but with only my I-20 with me. How much much more of you, who have a Bsc and others strengths which I didn't even have.

Honestly, I am really sorry for the denial, but I dey vex with you  the same time.  

IMPORTANT NOTICE TO ALL MY NAIRA LAND FRIENDS AND TO ALL STUDENT APPLICANT FOR SPRING.

IF YOU HAVE EVER PLAYED VISA LOTTERY BEFORE TRY TO KNOW ALL THE INFORMATION YOU FILL IN IT BECAUSE THE EMBASSY HAVE THE WHOLE INFORMATION AS YOU APPLIED FOR IMMIGRANT AND NOW YOU ARE GOING FOR NON-IMMIGRANT .
THEY USE THIS VISA LOTTERY TO DENY STUDENT FOR REAL I GOT THIS FACT TODAY AND IS REALLY TRUE.PLS CHECK YOUR INFORMATION ABOUT THE LOTTERY THING AND KNOW THE SPECIFIC ANSWER TO GIVE WHEN BEEN ASKED.

Well, this is not to start the argument that was once dropped on this thread. I just don't want people to panic unnecessarily. I actually played the visa lottery that closed recently, and I also got my US study Visa just 10 days ago. I am not really sure if playing the visa lottery matters. If it does, I see no reason why the Indian guy (bad guy) should give me the visa. Or probably, he was aware I played the lottery, but choose to overlook that? Why would he overlook it? Him sabi me before?

I actually don't know what to believe about the lottery versus F1 visa. Better still, I don't want anyone to panic if such a person plays the lottery and applies for F1 visa. My general belief is "WHAT WILL BE, WILL BE"

@benom

@4ril, i booked Royal air maroc for just 120k from lagos to jfk. I used an agent here in lagos. U can reach him on 08023200019.

Thanks man, I am really very grateful. I will check that up tomorrow.

@buukola

it was quite short. Here it goes. Next Applicant come to window 3.
She: good morning, pass me your papers
Me: Good morning ma.
She: ve u travelled outside nigeria
Me: yes, cotonu to pay my sevis fee
She: so u went to benin to pay? Good. Re u married?
Me : no
She : never married before
Me: no
She: have children
Me: no, never
She: wat skøol did u apply to
Me: i told her.
She: any other skøol?
Me: yes, UMASS, boston. (i lied)
She: ok
She : what is your highest level of education?
Me: my first degree, bachelor
She : ok, what school was that.
Me: i told her
She: ok, how old were u wen you graduated
Me : i told her
She: ok, so what ve u been doing since then?
Me: nysc, and been working as well
She: ok, so why do u want to go for your masters degree now?
Me: i want a better salary, where i work pple earn better and i want that too.
She: you ve not even worked a year and you want more money.
Me: yes, some pple in my office earn 6 digits in their first month due to their qualification, so i can do it.
She: she smiled, ok
She: why did u choose this course
Me: i went 2ru the skøol curriculum and they ve so so so and so so so and its like having to degree in one. Its a rare opportunity and i want to benefit from that.
She: ok, so what did u study in your degree?
Me: comp engnr
She: ok, and what course will you study now
Me: MIS
She: ok, how much is it going to cost
Me: 24, 048 for the 1st year(it was on my way home i checked the photocopy of my I-20 and saw the money was actually 21, 048)
She: ok, who is sponsoring you
Me: my father
She : what does he do?
Me: i told her
She: can i see his financial statement pls
Me: here it is ma
She: she checked the closing balance and returned it.
She: so, u should pick up your visa . . . . . . . . Not so sure i heard all she said. Then she passed me the white paper and the green card.
Me : thank you mam
She: ve a wonderful trip to america.
Me : thank you ma, ve a great day.

I'm really happy you got the visa. Thank God for your life. I got mine last week too, and it wasn't as easy as this. God only granted me the favour to squeeze the green light out from the VO. I'm really happy for you. Congrats once again.

Which cheap airline are you considering? My friends who are student abroad advised Royal Air Maroc. I called them and sent email to them as well. On the phone call, the representative said N149,676 or something. But in the reply to the email, they gave me a bill of over N178,000. I am still confused now. But I am planning to physically appear at their office, when next I go to Lagos.

@House
Anyone who used Royal Air Maroc of recent? How much did you pay for one-way-trip? I mean from Lagos to JFK, New York?

@seedord247

4ril am waiting 4 uoo

I came online purposely for you by 8pm as promised (today, Monday) but didn't see you. That is the most convenient time for me. I shall try again same time tomorrow (Tuesday). Once we can't talk tomorrow, I'm not sure when next it can be because i Intend travelling to a remote area with poor internet service. But i should be back next week. So, try to let tomorrow work.

@seedord247

@4ril am online can we chat online? I will be studying marketing and management and i know that your major also, I'll need yur help in some areas.

Please lets meet online by 8pm. In my earlier post, I said Monday and Tuesday. So, lets start tomorrow (Monday)

@james2020

@4ril pls can i hv your yahoo id, i hv smth 2 ask u. Mine is jameschuks89

Abed make you no vex. Its glytunde@yahoo.com . I don't sign into yahoo messanger always. But just let me know when you are always online. I can come online because of you. I will be free from 8pm Monday and Tuesday. But I shall be offline from wednesday.

Yeah, I told lots of lies in the interview, but I was already prepared to tell those lies, so I told them boldly. I know those VOs were trained to detect lies. But they depend on your body expression to find out the lies. Also, its easier for them to find you out, if you didn't plan for the lies before. I am not encouraging you to lie. But if you must do that, you must have a good memory. I'm not sure of what those consulars are also looking for aside your answers. But they need your boldness too. I was so bold in all those lies, because I was 100% sure he could never find out. And of course, he believed all those lies.

At a point, he asked me to bring out my GMAT scores. Even though, I knew I didn't have it with me, I started checking my folder. Before I finished that, he asked another question and I answered that, and pretended as if I have forgotten about the GMAT. Good for me, he didn't come back to that again.

I do not want to take credit for getting the Visa. I think it was just my time. That is my belief. I strongly believe that consular wanted to give me, even without me saying anything. Do you all know I didn't even go with my acceptance letter? Remember I was here asking for what I can say if the consular asks for it? He asked for my my acceptance letter, and I told him some stories. He asked for any other document from my school. There was nothing to give him aside my I-20 and some documents I down load from the school website. I don't believe its all about your answers alone. I saw some people with excellent answers, and they end up being denied. I just don't know what to think of that Indian American.

Looking at it from a religious point of view, I believe God did everything. But from the way of men, I think my boldness, Appearance, and humility did everything. I didn't waste time in saying I'm sorry. Then I corrected myself immediately without allowing him to prompt me to go on.

My boldness plus humility made all those lies look like true. Then, I think my appearance did a lot. Because right from when I stepped into that embassy, he had been looking at me. Our eyes met more than 5 times before he called me for the interview, and I had smiling face all through. I assume he had made up his mind to give me the visa, all those times he was watching me. If not, he shouldn't have overlooked all my Bleep ups during the interview. Many did not even have the time to say sorry, before he denied them. But I said sorry several times, and he allowed me to correct myself.

@justwonder

1)Lie that you applied to two schools.Do you know that if you lie on the spot you are likely to blink rapidly,these guys are trained to detect things and besides its not even neccessary.I applied to one school period.

Just like I said before, I had planned for that lie before because I know they often ask about the numbers of schools. So, when telling that lie, I didn't blink at all. While some consulars don't care about the numbers of schools you applied to, some do. And I won't be able to tell how this indian-american would feel about my application to one school alone. I have read it here on nairaland about someone who said he was denied because he applied to one school alone. He said the consular told him that applying to one school didn't show his sign of seriousness. I have also read about people who told the truth that they applied to only one school, and they got the visa.

Right in my presence, the indian-american denied a guy that applied to just one school, and I didn't waste a time to tell that lie. I also did that boldly because I know he cant find out except my body expression gives me out.

On the whole, I give thanks to God. And I appreciate the efforts of everyone here on this thread.

For all those who gave me suggestions about flights, I thank you all! I shall check them up.

4ril,where at thouwhats keeping you from sharing your visa interview experienceAbi u wan make we revoke your visa niiiAbeg come and share it.

Abeg make una no revoke ma visa oooooo  .

I'm really very sorry I am coming up this late to share the story. The thing is that, I do not reside in Lagos, but I had my interview in Lagos. I wanted to go and use a cyber cafe to share my story, but my sister in Lagos kept discouraging me. They said police men always go into the cyber cafes in their area, to embarrase the users. So, I have no choice, than to wait till I get to my own home, where I can use the internet without any fear or worry. So, I just got home now, so I decide to share it now.

The interview.

After my finger printing, I sat down and noticed this VO (Male, Indian American) starring at me. He kept looking at me, as I move from one sit to the other. Then it was my turn, and he called me. My heart was pounding up till the time I get to him. As I approacehd him, I took a deep breath, and I became normal.

VO: (With a stern look) why are you going to the U.S
Me: to study
Vo: Have you been to the U.S before?
Me: No
VO: (stares at me with a cold face) are you saying you have not been to the U.S before?
Me: No, I haven't
VO: (he stares at the screen, probably comparing the information on the screen with my information on my passport). Are you insisting you have never travelled to the U.S before?
Me: I have never
VO: ok, where do you want to study?
Me: Bowie State University
VO: why did you choose the school?
Me: Because the school offers my concentration area, and the scope of my curriculum there, is deeper than what is being offered in others schools which I reviewed.
VO: He said "perfect", then nods his head for me to continue (and that was the beginning of my trouble)
Me: I also choose Bowie state University because studying at Bowie state university offers me more opportunity for business and career break through.
VO: (His face became so cold). So you wana work and do business in U.S?
Me: No sir! studying at Bowie state university will pen doors of business opportunities and hence career break through by the time I return to Nigeria.
VO: (Still with a stern look) How do you mean?
Me: While at Bowie State university, I would be required to take a special course, known as E-Business venture creation, and the course code is INSS 885.I would work with a group of other student, and under the supervision of a professor. I will be required to return to my own country to make my presentations to corporate bodies or angel investors; and I will get credits from the reports I generate. I believe if I do a very good presentation, its likely I get a business deal or job offer, even before the end of my program.
VO: (Before I ended the who story above, he was already having his head on his desk, probably not listening to me. He raised up his head and said "look I don't get anything from all you said"
Me: Ok, Im sorry sir. Please can I express myself again?
VO: (still with a stern look) never mind

Letter, an old man came from no where, and joined him in the cubicle, and he was listening to my interview.

VO: How did you know Bowie state university?
Me: Through a carreebean ambassador, who is also a university professor in washinton DC. ( I only leveraged on that. I actually met the ambassador, but we never talked about Bowie state. So, I quickly presented him with the card the ambassador gave me.)
VO: Did you apply to another school?
Me: yes I did
VO: which school?
Me: University of DC (But na lie. I didn't apply to any other school other than bowie state. But I guess he might deny me if I told him I applied to bowie alone)
VO: are you sure you applied to UDC? (he was typing something on the computer while asking that question)
Me: Yes sir
VO: So, what happened.
Me: I cant really say if they will end up admitting me or not. But from the school website, I understand that UDC starts sending admission documents from November 1. Since the postal system of my state is bad, I'm not surprised that my admission documents haven't got to me yet.
VO: But why did you apply to two schools that are very close to each other (another trouble again)
Me: Like I once told you, Bowie state and UDC were introduced to me by a carrebean ambassador, who is also a university professor. I took all his advice, without any reservation. I never knew bowie state and udc were so close. when I knew eventually, I never knew it matters till now. (but that one na another lie. I actually chose bowie state because its closer to the house of the lady I intend to marry. But I know the consequence of telling him that).
VO: its ok. (Then he asked another question, which I didn't understand. Rather than me asking him to come again, I just opened my mouth to
give an answer which had nothing to do with what he asked. Then, he was mad at me again. With a cold voice, he said "why don't you try to understand my question before answering. Man, you are disappointing me" That was when I knew he wanted to give me the visa, but just needed me to justify the reason for giving me).
Me: I'm really very sorry sir. Please can you ask the question again?
VO; What do you do?
Me: I work as an E-Marketing Executive at XXXX
VO: briefly describe your job functions there
Me: I manage our online and offline Marketing projects.
VO: Your response is not satisfactory
Me: Im sorry sir. Ok, I work with external contractors and other in-house staffs to develop our company website, the banner adverts and so on. I also get involved in marketing communications that drive traffic to my company websites. I manage our  search engine adverts, direct mail marketing, and social media marketing.
VO: perfect (then he smiles. The old man behind him also smiles).
VO: Where did you have your undergraduate degree and what is your major?
Me: Federal Polytechnic XXXXX, and major in Marketing
VO: Why are you going for Masters in management Information systems since you have your undergraduate major in marketing?
Me: Because I want to specialize in E-Business, and E-Business id directly related to my present job.
VO: It's ok. Who will sponsor you education?
Me: My uncle?
VO: Your Uncle? (with cold face again). why will your uncle spend this much on your education for four years?
Me: Its for only two years
VO: Even if its for a year. Why will he want to spend this much on you?
Me: My uncle has always been responsible for my education. He single handedly sponsor my undergraduate degree. and right away, he is willing, able and very determined to sponsor my graduate degree at bowie state.
VO: what does he do?
Me: He owns a wood processing industry
VO: What do you mean by that?
Me: He is into lumbering
VO: Lumbering
Me: Yeah, he cuts tree, processes them and exports them to Europe
VO: But where are your parents? Because I still need you to convince me about why your uncle is sponsoring you.
Me: My parents are alive, but my dad who is the bread winner is very sick. He was forced to retire form the military due to his illness, and that was when my uncle stepped into my education (but na lie. My papa dey kampe dey shop pounded yam).
VO: What do you say your uncle does?
Me: He exports wood to Europe.
VO: Can I see any document to prove he can pay your fees?
Me: (I brought out his affidavit of support, the reference letter from his bank and his bank statement, and gave it to him)
VO: look I don't like to see all those documents. Just open the last page of the statements of account and let me see the closing balance)
Me: (I was very happy because I was thinking he would check the name of the account holder first. The sponsor doesn't share the same surname with me. So, since he asked me to open the closing balance for him, I was very nervous but very fast to open it for him. The balance was just 5 million).
VO: Checks the balance, uses his calculator, raises up his head and smiles.
VO: Perfect! (he gave me a paper and green ticket, and said "go and pick your visa here"

He was talking, but I didn't listen to him again. He told me where to pick my visa, but I didn't hear that. I rushed away from the place, and my documents splashed on the floor. people were laughing. Along the line, I lost the card of that ambassador and other docs too. But I don't really care again. To my surprise, I looked back, and I saw the other old man in the cubicle hugging the consular who interviewed me. They were both happy and smiling. Then the old man gave me thumbs up!

I was aware I can pick my visa after 2 days. So, I just went online to track it the next day, and it was ready even the next day.

And for those who think that playing visa lottery will affect your application. Well, I don't really think so.  I played the lottery, and I also got my student visa. Probably, the VO might have found my name on their data base. Because he kept asking if I have ever applied for a visa before, and i kept saying no. I am not saying you should lie if you have ever applied before. But I kept saying no, because I never applied for visa before. But only this last concluded visa lottery. I do not intend to bring any argument here again. But my point is this. I played the visa lottery, and I still got my student visa. And I can't even wait to adjust when the lottery result comes out. Because the God who did this, will surely complete what he has started in my life.

For those of you who were denied, please do not relent on your efforts. You can still do better. For those those who are preparing to go, my you come back with smiles. Cheers!!

And please, any info about the cheapest ticket to the US? I am actually going to Maryland. Moroccan Air, Quata, Emirates, etc (All one way trip). Where can I find them? Cheapest ticket abeg. Even if na standing 

hello guys,i just came to the states this year as a permanent resident and plan to do my masters ASAP and i have found this thread very informative.
let me just give a few advise(i no b expert oh):as long as your going to study is genuine,be as confident as ever for the interview,give very short answers to questions(they will be nodding their head urging you to go on, DONT)do not try to impress OYINBO with long grammar or funny accent.Be as relaxed as if you are on a date and you will definately be fine.Wish you guys the Best!

You are very right friend. That almost ruined my chance of getting the visa yesterday. I already have a good answer for him. But as he was nodding his head, giving me signs to continue, I continued. But I didn't plan for the continuation before. I ended up saying what I didn't plan for, and I started running into trouble with that. I'm not sure I impressed the consular. He was cruel, but I am sure he had already planned to give me, even before I opened my mouth to speak. Because he had been looking at me every time, even when he was conducting interviews for others.

I will come back to post how it went on. I am happy for my visa, but I don't want to make too much noise about it because of Masepats' denial. I wish he got his, and I would done my e-celebration here. Masepat, Im really very sorry. It's well, and may God help you next time.

@masepat

4ril,
If the VO requests for a document from the school apart from your I-20, I suggest you first of all hand it over to him. If he notices and asks, then you can go ahead and state that you deferred, your reason for deferring, and what the school said about getting a new acceptance letter. If you are not comfortable with waiting for him to ask first, you may go ahead and speak up before you are asked. Anyway, I have a strong feeling your I-20 would be sufficient!

Alright sir!

@masepat, chux4liv and buukola. Many thanks to you all.

When my deferment from Fall 2010 to Spring 2011 was approved, my school only sent me a new I-20 indicating Spring 2011. They didn't send a new acceptance letter to me. When I asked my graduate counselor for a new acceptance letter, he said I can only get a new acceptance letter from the school only after 2 semesters have passed (one year) and I don't enroll. Then I asked him; what if the VO asked for my acceptance letter for spring 2011, since my new I-20 says Spring 2011? He said ordinarily, the I-20 is the most important document I need from the school. But if the VO asked for a new acceptance letter indicating Spring 2011, I should explain to him that I was admitted for Fall, but deferred to Spring. And when the deferment was approved, only a new I-20 for Spring 2011 is sent.

So, guys I am aware the VO will not know unless I tell him. Really I will not like to tell any VO, unless if he asks for my acceptance letter, which might force me into telling him the stories my graduate counselor advised me to tell the VO.

Well, so that I don't have to bother myself unnecessarily, and so as to avoid talking about the deferment completely. Do the VOs normally ask for acceptance letters? Because that is the only question that can push me to talking about deferment. Thanks. Looking forward to hearing from you all. No insults please o.

@layric

I congratulate you on the success of your visa interview.

@house
I deferred from Fall 2010 to Spring 2011, and I am preparing for my interview now. Lets assume that somehow, the VO finds out that I deferred or somehow, I had to let him know through his/her questions. Is it safe or risky to give the type of response I plan to give below?

VO: Why did you defer your admission from Fall 2010 to Spring 2011

Me: I was in the middle of a business deal that could generate a revenue of up to N40 million for my employer when my admission packages arrived. I couldn't just abandon the uncompleted deal like that and rush to school. When I am through with my studies and return to Nigeria, I aspire to become a Consultant to the company someday; and a good track record of my achievements there could be at my advantage. So, I had to sacrifice the fall semester so as to seal that deal for my employer.

Please house, help me to look at that response. Is it risky? Is it safe to say that? Isn't it took long? I pray the VO doesn't find out if I deferred. Even if he does, I wish he doesn't t have any reason to ask for the reason why. But assuming he asks, that is what I intend to tell him. Please I need any constructive criticism. If it's not ok to say that? If No, what should i say instead?

@benom

sorry 4 d delay in posting my experience, I've been trying to remember what happened, So far this is the little i could gather.
Me: good afternoon
VO: pls pass me your docs.
Why are u going to the US
Me: To study
VO.: where
Me: tells him
VO: why did u choose this school
Me: they have a proven track record and their curriculum is well structured.
VO: what are u going to study
Me: tells him
VO: what trainingss will u be recieving as a part of your curriculum
Me: tells him about the major breakdown of my course as stated in the dept. Website.
VO: What will u be learning during your first year
Me: tells him my first year course content as stated on the university website.
VO: what will u be doing with your degree when u come back to nigeria.
At this point, the vo had already made up his mind from the way he just brushed aside my half answer and even help me with an answer.
VO: who will be sponsoring u
Me tells him. Show him lettter and statement.
VO: pls take this slip and collect your visa on monday.
many many other talk which i was no longer listening to,

Na baba God do am o! Just pray cause this guy was very strict and he denied 3 people in my presence but gave me.

I WAS SO SHOCKED TO DISCOVER THAT THEY LOGIN TO YOUR SCHOOL WEBSITE IMMEDIATELY U PASS THEM your DOCS, THEY DONT HIDE IT, U WILL SEE IT FROM WHERE U STAND.

Congrats friend, I'm really happy for you!

@ masepat

Superbrain,
Lol. No mind that guy. He changed my mood. You know it is very much unlike me na!
We all know how people's stories have built all of us here; excluding no one! Why then should someone brag about not posting his? Anyway, I know say na your friend. No vex,



Has Wilfem's interview date changed from 15th Nov? Mine is 29th. Where is 4ril?

My chairman I'm here. In fact, I come here every day. Since the moment guys started raining insults on them selves, over the controversy of the visa lottery/F1 visa issue, I decided to maintain a low profile here. Aroy 1 and others exchanging insults eventually made this place unattractive to me. I don't like to be spotted in the scenes of confusion and insults. That is why I remain mute, but I still visit this thread everyday. But I scout for only reasonable comments though, and not insults or unnecessary self gratification.

Well, thank God I assume the rain of arguments and insults are over. That is why you can read from me now. As long as peace remains here, I will continue to contribute till I share my own testimony. Mine is Dec 1, but I'm still trying to find a solution to an unexpected challenge I have with my sponsor. But I hope everything will be fine before this week runs out.

@ House
what exactly is the consular looking for in a sponsors account statement? Is it the volume of the transactions or just the balance. My sponsor (Uncle) gave me his account statement yesterday. But I am a little worried about the content. From August 1 - October 31 his debit balance is about N700 million, while is credit balance is about N680 million. Yes, that is just 4 months statements. He owns a car dealership business and a cocoa dealership company, so he operates both businesses with a single business name and bank account. So, that is why the volume of his transaction is so huge in 4 months.

This is my worry. Like I said, his total debit balance is N700 million, and credit balance is N680 million. He currently has a debit balance of N20 million because he had overdrawn the account with that sum (N20 million). I told him I worry about the debit balance, and he asked me not to worry, that it his transactions that matter most. I tried to ask more questions, but I saw him getting pissed. He travels a lot, and as a matter of fact, he just left for the US this night. He will be visiting four other countries before coming back. He told me he had been using the account with debit balance sometimes, and he had never been denied. He even called me "MR TOO KNOW"

I would have waited to see if future transactions will wipe off that debit balance, because that is very possible courtesy of his volumes of transactions. (His average statement of account for four months has never been less than 25 pages). But he is the only one who can get the statement for me. He gave this statement yesterday, and left the country this night. And my interview date is earlier than his arrival date. So, there is no way I could get his next statement before his arrival.

So, what do I do please?