₦airaland Forum

@Ojap

I finally got the VISA this fternoon around 3pm,i will be flying DELTA by thursday to Atlanta.@Spring hopefuls,dont worry,God will do it and you will be given the VISA.

Thank God for you man! And have a safe trip. Catch you up there at spring.

For now, I can see that masepat, femiap, superbrain, benom and of course, myself have identified ourselves for spring 2011. Who else is for spring 2011? To start with, I think we should all start pouring out what ever seems to give us some worries here, so that others can give advices on that. For me, the only thing that seems to bother me a little bit, is that my uncle is my sponsor. He doesn't even share the same surname with me, because he is my mother's younger brother. However, I choose not to let that distract me, because I am confident that I will always have good answers for the consular. And about my application status; I was admitted for Fall 2010 before, but I had to defer to spring 2011. So, I am waiting for a new I-20 and admission letter for spring 2011.

Other Spring hopefuls. Is there anything that bothers you?

@ HOUSE, apart from myself,superbrain and benom,pls who else wants to join the train to yankee come spring oh,we need to start rubbing minds oh,this has bn the norms on this thread oh.abeg make una come out make una no use sand spoil my garri

My guy, I'm part of you guys. Looking forward to spring too. One love!

@House

To God be all the glory.
I have been following this thread for over a year now even though I just breeze in and out. I sincerely appreciate everybody’s contribution and special thanks to those who respond to my questions.

After a lot of delays which had made me think that Fall 2010 would not be possible, I had my interview today at Lagos and here is how it went:

Got to the embassy around 6:50 am and went through the normal clearances. Afterwards I sat down waiting for the Biometrics while one fine chic was beside me and engaged me in a conversation. This actually helped me eliminate any form of nervousness as I was not even thinking about the interview.
There were 5 Consulars and after an assessment, I observed that Cons1-Fair, Cons2-Good, Cons3 (Chinese Woman)-Mean, Cons4(One big guy)-Very Very mean, Cons5(Good). Immediately I started praying for the good ones. As it got to my turn I noticed that the only free place was the Very Very mean Cons4, na so I run go Convenience/Toilet straight and spent like 10 mins hoping that he would have called somebody else. As it turned out, the guy did not call anybody, and as soon as I sat down, he called for next applicant. I just prayed within me that God should take all the glory.

Cons: Pass me your documents
Me: (passed my passport, I20 and Sevis receipt)
Cons: (looks at the I-20) you are going for Masters in Electr….
Mecompletes it for him) electrical engr at XYZ University
Cons: so tell me, how did you hear about this university
Me: During my undergraduate days at ABC university…
Cons: Is that school here in Nigeria
Me: Yes, (continued with my explanation), I had access to some of their papers and I was impressed with the quality of work
Consjots down what I said) You saw their papers and you liked it?
Me: Yes
Cons: Did you apply to any other school?
Me: Yes, I applied to a total of 3 schools
Cons: Tell me their names (Told him)
Cons: Ok, tell me about this school’s program
Me: Well, in my 1st year at the school, I will be doing …… (gave him some info the school had sent to me, and at some point I mixed up somethings and stammered a bit)
Cons: (cuts me) Ok, at least you have told me some things
Cons: When you finish, what are you gonna do
Me: come back to Nigeria to work in the oil and gas industry
Cons: where?
Me: (expantiated that probably in an indigenous company like oando or even NNPC)
Cons: okay, we’ve settled that
(At this point, I thought everything was over but na lie)
Cons: I see that you’ve paid your SEVIS fee (looks at the I-20 again)
Cons: Your school resumes Sept 21, so you still have ample time. Your fees is $36,645, how do you intend to pay
Me: I have a Tuition Scholarship from the school
Cons: (looks at the I-20 again) Can I see a letter from the school to show that
Me: (gave him the letter)
Cons: that covers about $20, 000, so how do you intend to pay for the rest
Me: my dad is paying the rest
Cons: Did he write me a letter
Me: (showed him the letter)
Cons: Ok, he has promised to pay, Can I see his bank statement
Me: (showed him the statement)
Cons: that’s quite a lot of money
Cons: take this form and go collect your visa on Monday… (started a long story about me entering the US only 30 days before the commencement of the program, not putting my I-20 in my luggage because of Port of entry, blah blah blah!)
At this point, I was just thanking God.
Cons: I will collect your I-20 and passport. Do you have any questions for me?
Me: (for where? The only question I for ask him was why was he denying people anyhow because almost 6 people that he attended to before me were all denied including one 70yr old woman) I just shook my head and walked out before he changed his mind and I silently prayed for OjaP that he would not meet this guy. Other applicants were giving me thumbs up, but no be me o, It was totally God.
The guy no type anything at all in to the computer, he just took his time to face me and conduct a proper interview

@Gongo aso,
thanks for your efforts when I needed to courier my I-20 and thanks for your sincere concern (as promised).

@OjaP,
I am very happy for you too. Being denied is not a funny experience as I saw people getting depressed after denials. I will send you a mail if we can hook up at VFS office on monday

@Nethacker,
I hope you can now hook me up with people in my prospective city. should be sending you a mail soon.

@Other prospective applicants,
Never give up, I had many challenges/obstacles but as has been said on this thread, don't let the words "give up" be in your dictionary. I wish you all the best…

@ kspecial
Congrats about your visa. So, happy for you. But guy, you no complete your story oooo. How about that girl you were talking with before the interview? You think say I go forget?

And as per the consular being mean or not. Reading through your interview, I do not see any traces of him being here. I am not saying you lied. But I simply want to assume that some applicants frustrate the consulars too by not answering some questions very well. The consulars over react to that in a mean way. It pleases me to assume that way, than going to the embassy with fear of any consular (mean or mild). If a mean consular = visa denial; why did the mean guys grant you and Ojap the visa eventually? I even read that the dreaded Chinese woman at Abuja granted someone visa in abuja few weeks ago. So, those of us preparing fro spring, lets not entertain any fear. Mean or mild, what will be, will be.

Once again, I congratulate all those who have got their visas for Fall 2010! May you all enjoy your stay in the US, and may you all come back home with lots of blessings when ever you choose too. Amen

@ Ojap

Congrats Man! I am really happy about you. Enjoy your stay in the US, and ensure you make your family a proud one. One love!

@ bomly

Hello House,

Greetings and regards, I arrived Atlanta yesterday, from Atlanta I took a connecting flight to Salt Lake City in Utah and from Utah i left for Idaho, I am in my school and things are going as planned. I really want to appreciate the house for the warmth and encouragement, I am here and I would support this thread all the way, also I would do my best to keep the flag flying.
Enjoy everyone.

Congrats! I pray you enjoy your studies/stay in America, and may you come back home with lots of goodies when ever you choose to. Enjoy!

@ Elpieda

@4ril witht eh dirver;s licence issue, yeah if you can get an intl driver's license I guess that will help and I wanted tog et it before i got to texas but dint know how to get one so i just took my Nigerain drive's licences with me, Note: all the different states in the US have different laws concerning driver's license, like in texas, u can only use your intl dirver's licence or nigerian licence (if u have one) for just one year after which you are required to get a Texas driver's license, How i got around was i was lucky to have friends who had cars and who took me to necessary places like walmart and co to get foodstuff and all that, I just got my texas drivers license and it wasnt so hard, once your between the ages of 18-24 its easy to get one, cos the laws for people in that age bracket are different, so i will advice u read the laws concerning drivers license in the state u are in, so say your in Louisiana, google the department of public safety in louisiana and read how to obtain a driver's license for non-citizens, hope that helps

Thanks so much. What I can deduce from here is that one can always go with his/her valid Nigerian License if one doesn't have or know how to get an International Drivers' license abi?

@ bebure & House

Hey guys sorry I've not posted for a minute. I got to the US last week saturday and have been extremely busy ever since. I got to Louisiana on Saturday night although school doesn't start till next week monday. My advice to anyone coming to school in the south would be to hae an international driver's license on hand before leaving Nigeria so you can renet a car when you get here and eventually buy/lease one when you get a US driver's license (which is quicker and easier to get once you have the international driver's license). If you don't you will suffer until you make friends unless your school is in a very tiny, compact town.

Bomly and Chiazogom congratulations. Being accempted and rejected within the same week is truly a miracle. I'm still very busy but when I'm more settled i'll go through this thread more thoroughly and give more detailed responses. To everyone who still has an interview go with God and best of luck to ya.

So, how can one get International Driver's License while still in Nigeria? Details about the cost, the paper work involved and where to get it.

@ chiazogom

@4ril our interview was in Abuja. Good luck to you.
Please flight advise abeg. Cheapest suggestion.

Like I once said, I'm so happy for you guys and I have taken my time to search the internet for cheap deals. Please click on the link below. But I do not advice you to pay online. That is just to give an idea of the price. From the link, I think Quarter Air is the cheapest, followed by emirates. I would advice you to try locate their office or any of their agents in Nigeria and pay in cash. Based on my search, the rate is from Lagos to New York. If I were you, I would land at New York first, and find my way from there. Probably another flight from NY (if you are rich), or Bus, Train, Cab, Keke Napep, Marwa or okada Just any other means of getting to your school; so long you an in US already.

http://www.farecompare.com/airfare/results-flights-marketsearch.html?cabin=Coach&altAirports=false&flexDates=false&onlyNonStops=false&type=results-flights-market&departure=LOS&destination=NYC&t=o&s=d&saveMySearch=false&departdate=20101220&returndate=&p=1

If that link does not open directly, please copy and paste to your browser. Its the link from the search I did for you.

@  djunit1

There is no need to get back at john4uu that way. He is not the first, and would not be the last to talk like that. Regardless of what they say or how discouraging their comments are, people will still do what they gotta do. The Lord who granted you the visa miraculously, has already gone ahead of you to yankee. And he will never stop the good work that he has started in your life, and you shall never be stranded. So, my guy no fear at all

@ House
It shouldn't be a big deal again for us to hear that life in yankee could be difficult at initial entry. I assume its a normal thing, and it's not peculiar to US alone. People moving from my village in Ekiti, would also face some challenges if they relocate to just Lagos here and not to talk of far away U.S. So, it's a normal thing to face some challenges as your intend to settle in a strange land. No matter how worse the story in Yankee is narrated to be, let's not be fearful. I simply believe that once we have been surviving the high level of abject poverty, gross unemployment, oppression, insecurity of life and property, injustice, lack of basic amenities, uncertainty about a great future for our selves and children, poor healthcare, poor governance, crippled economy and failing Nation, we should be able to survive what ever hardships these Nigerians in the U.S are talking about. I see everything as a matter of choice, determination, confidence, pro activeness and perseverance.

And as Naija guys, I know we shall always find our ways. No matter how hard. The oyinbos even know us, and that's why them no dey take Nigeria matter joke at all,   

May God bless you my Brother. If I could make it in Lagos state, Made it in Edo state, and then back to Lagos state, then made it in the dreaded warri with all the robbers and militants then back to Lagos I believe there is no where I wont make it if God stands by me. Even in hell; I know God would never follow me to hell though

LOL!!!!!! 

@ Bomly & Chiazogom

Congrats to both of you.  . I will pop champaign here because of both of you, but remember to do same for me when I get my own visa ooo, lol.

Please where did you guys take the interview? Lagos or Abuja?

Congratulations to everybody that have gotten their visa, and to those that were rejected,I say be strong and try again.I know the road is not that easy but is worth fighting for.I was once like you before untill I was given a visa last spring.To God be the  glory everything is going fine for me.


The visa is the most challenging issue  in getting to the US,that seems the end of the road ,but it is  the second phase of your journey.The best advice here is what people dont really wants to hear.America is not a bed of roses.Yes  there is no doubt  its the most beautiful country in the world,but establishing yourself as first timer is not that easy to crack mostly on non-immigrant visa.You will see beautiful stuffs and I wonder how long will you continue to be looking for  beautiful things.

I believe most people coming here to school cant really afford the tuition rate.Guy is really expensive,but there are supports anyway with good academics background.I only came here with money that would afford me just a  semester.I was initially admitted into second  bachelor though I did  graduate prep with just three couses and now I am doing my master's in Computer Engineering.

Choose schools that you know you have relatives around  but unknow to  the embassy.That would  help you adjust easily.Dont ever think of coming here with the  great hope  that working here would pay for your tuition and living expenses.Based on my own observation most  of the international students that I met  here have rich parents sponsoring them here.The money is really expensive except you get schoolarship ,TA and TF.Prepare your coming if you know u wanna school here.If you dont  I understand.  F-1 students are not allowed to work out of the school(off campus ),but you can get jobs inside the school,jobs u can use to keep the body and soul together.Though you can work after   you have spent  two semesters.


I am not discouraging you, rather  telling you the difficulties for first timer and  how you will get ready for it.Make sure u have relatives here to guide you through for the main time. I wish everybody good luck in the US

My Brother thanks for your advice but this is really really really discouraging. See, it is not every one in naija that have rich parents your hear? Most guys who get visas are guys who have worked their Assssss off to get the visa and now you come to discourage us all? I believe there is a better way you would have told your story instead of planting fear in our hearts. This is what people did to me when I was going for my interview, planted so much fear in me that almost got me disorganized but God put me through and showed them he is greater. Bros, if you could survive we too will, if things were that bad why are you still there for masters? Come back home now.

@  djunit1
There is no need to get back at john4uu that way. He is not the first, and would not be the last to talk like that. Regardless of what they say or how discouraging their comments are, people will still do what they gotta do. The Lord who granted you the visa miraculously, has already gone ahead of you to yankee. And he will never stop the good work that he has started in your life, and you shall never be stranded. So, my guy no fear at all

@ House
It shouldn't be a big deal again for us to hear that life in yankee could be difficult at initial entry. I assume its a normal thing, and it's not peculiar to US alone. People moving from my village in Ekiti, would also face some challenges if they relocate to just Lagos here and not to talk of far away U.S. So, it's a normal thing to face some challenges as your intend to settle in a strange land. No matter how worse the story in Yankee is narrated to be, let's not be fearful. I simply believe that once we have been surviving the high level of abject poverty, gross unemployment, oppression, insecurity of life and property, injustice, lack of basic amenities, uncertainty about a great future for our selves and children, poor healthcare, poor governance, crippled economy and failing Nation, we should be able to survive what ever hardships these Nigerians in the U.S are talking about. I see everything as a matter of choice, determination, confidence, pro activeness and perseverance.

And as Naija guys, I know we shall always find our ways. No matter how hard. The oyinbos even know us, and that's why them no dey take Nigeria matter joke at all, 

got to the embassy, I saw the chiniese lady, she was in charge of finger print, after the finger print i sat down, it got to my turn, I walked up to the consular.

Me: Good morning
Consular: Good morning how are you today?
Me: I am fine thanks and you?
Consular: can I have your forms, 1-20, DS - 160 and passport
Me: I gave them to him
Consular: Have you traveled out of Nigeria before?
Me: Yes, to France, Belgium and the Emirate
Consular: Why do you want to go to the US?
Me: For study
Consular: To study what?
Me: Masters in Public Health
Consular: What is your discipline?
Me: I had a first degree in Biochemistry.
Consular: Do you work?
Me: No
Consular: Did you take GRE?
Me: Yes and showed him
Consular: How much did it cost you to register for this exam?
Me: $200
Consular: What is the quantitative part about?
Me: --------------
Consular: tell me about the Verbal part?
Me: It has to do with synonymy
Consular: I am sorry I cannot grant you a visa at this time
Me: Thanks for your time.

Nah so oo House, well I have intentions of trying again, I just pray to get a date, my school resumes on the 16th of August. I have purchase both the MRV and VFS appointment now i need a date.

@ Bomly,
I'm really very sorry about that.

@ All
I used to think that Abuja is very promising for visa interviews. But with this Chinese woman there, is Abuja as safe as it is painted to be? Does it really make sense to leave the embassy very close to one in Lagos, subject oneself to unnecessary stress and go to Abuja and yet be denied by that Chinese woman? She asks u predictable questions, and I have not read of anyone who satisfied her. Do we still generalize that Abuja is the best despite the amounts of denials from that embassy lately?

@ Sparta @ Bomly, thanks for checking up on me. I do appreciate. But I was denied. It was the Chinese woman, I tried to avoid her, but after trying so hard, unfortunately she eventually interviewed me. She asked if I've travlled before and I said yes, to where, I said UK. and she said can I have your SAT and TOEFL score, I said I was exempted and she said maybe the school gives international students admission just to make money from them. I said my school gives in-state tuition. She was not interested in seeing the WAEC result. Anwway, I am going back next week. I just want to know if I need to pay the MRV fee again, since they took the print out from me. Do I also need to pay the vfs fee since, I already have a date.

Sorry about that chiazogom.

But what is it with that Chinese woman self? Somehow, I just believe that her major job responsibility is to deny every applicant. If not, why is it that every applicant she interviews is denied? I am aware that "No SAT score and No TOEFL score are red flags. But from all I have read about her, I'm not sure she would have given you the visa even if you have those standardized exams. Wetin be her own self?

My advice for you.

Please do not give up. Try again. But if I were you, I would defer my admission to spring 2011, and take those exams. If you cant take the two, take one at least. Honestly, that is what I did. I was admitted to a graduate school for this fall, and GMAT was waived for me because of my strong GPA. But the gurus in the house advised me to take the GMAT regardless of that, because the consular officers could use that as an excuse. I followed the advice, and took the GMAT. My score was not that high, but I don't really mind because I have been admitted already. The GMAT is just for embassy formality. I have to defer my admission to spring 2011 because of the GMAT I just took. My girl friend in the States is mad at me because I have to defer when I have been admitted for fall already. But I told her I would rather defer and wait 3 more months in Nigeria than be denied, even when I can see the red flag in my own application. My advice might be the last you will want to consider now, but I think it's safer that way. Because I am sure the next time you go, the consular might likely ask for any changes/improvement on your application or status. If everything remains the same, and you get the Visa, just know you got it due to divine favour, and not because you merit it. It is stated on the US embassy that you should be ready to present your standardized test scores. Even if your school does not require it, I think the consular wants to see it.

On a final note, having all the documents doesn't guarantee the visa especially with that dreadful chinese woman they are talking about. However, we should always be prepared. God is more than everyone in that cubicle and his favour shall never depart from us. No one shall be on our way to fulfilling our dreams, and not even that Chinese or chinko woman. For those of you still going for your visas this month, go in peace and come back with testimonies.

since you said you had a bachelors degree in Political science before leaving Nigeria, I believe you will definitely know somethings about Nigeria. I do not know how long you left Nigeria. But in the last 10 years, the only improvement I see in Nigeria is our telecommunication sector. That means if you are in Nigeria within the last 10 years, I don't think Nigeria should be much different from the way you left it. So, I expect you to still know more about the Nigeria you left. I will advice you to do your homework well, before jumping into the plane. Do not rush here until you are certain of getting a promising offer. If you feel that it's uncertain that you will get a job in US, then you should know that you are coming back to face a higher level of uncertainty. However, I still recommend you try those companies suggested by realborn. However, I will not advice you to gamble. You should only come if invited. That is my own advise for you.

I really wish to know

got my student visa this morning. I woke up around 4.30am, left my house around 5.30am and got to the Lagos embassy at 6.10am but I still met people. After the cue, the hussles and the waiting, I was interviewed by 8.50am. The guy that interviewed me already rejected two students in front of me so when he called the next person I don enter am today(for my mind), so the interview below

me: good morning
c: good day, hw ar u today, your I-20, passport and application please
me: gave him
c: oh u are going for a masters in physics
me: yes
c:I did my undergraduate studies in physics at UCBerkeley even though I work as a consular.
me: for my mind I say na me send u do consular job.
c: so what is super string theory(advanced level physics question even MSc holders for physics go stammer small)
me: explained everything in details
c: looked at me and said, the Einstein unification theory, do u believe in it
me: yes
c:why
me: explained in details(einsteins unification in the 30's, abdus salam unification in the 60's) and I said maybe I will be the next to unify the four forcesand get the God unified theory
c:laughs, may be I will do the research with u. what do u want to do with a graduate degree in physics
me:explained my research option(nanophysics), and told him its relevance in todays world and Nigeria.
c:I can see u have a scholarship, can i see a letter to this effect(about 35k per year for 2yrs)
me: gave him
c: why didnt you choose UCB
me: because they dont do experimental nanophysics but theoretical(I just said sometin sha even though I wasnt sure)
c: which school did u finish from
me: University of Lagos
c: ok, i am checking your sevis payment, gave me the green ticket and a white paper to pick up my visa,



House, even though the interview was technical I thank God I scaled through, I was not asked for any documents unless my scholarhip letter, house you can actually wow the consular, when I was explaining all the physics jagons, he was lyk wow!!!!!!!!!!!celebration mood nw, NC here I come.

Can you see? Someone said he was asked some mathematics probably because he didn't take the SAT exam, and some people were criticizing him saying he could be telling lies. Why do we keep expecting the same questions in every interview? Check out the interview quoted above. They were asking him some tough questions in physics. What would have been is fate, assuming he didn't have answers to those questions? And why is no one criticizing his own interview too, because of the physics questions. Let's not criticizes one another here. Let's try to learn from others experience even if we feel they are telling lies. On a final note, I will advise we all should try to know some basics about our undergraduate degree as well as the course we intend to study in the US before going for the interview.

To the guy who got the Visa, congrats!

@ Uche M and djunit1

hhmmmmmm Nigerians and gist,

What time on earth did the guy have to ask you to solve mathematics during a visa interview? Let us always post realistic and truthful threads,

My brother I am surprised, if you notice this guy;s interview would have taken more than 10 mins because he answered more questions than every other person. This is ludicrous. Abeg dont put fear in our hearts.

Well, I do not see any reason why the poster should tell lies about the questions in his interview. I think what he has posted is helpful enough. I have the opinion that those consular officers are posted there primarily to deny every applicant, except such applicant gives a good reason why the visa should be issued. The consular throws silly questions which will be used as an excuse for the intended denial. It is now left for the visa applicant to give such consular officer a reason to change his mind. I believe every visa application is a unique case therefore, all applicants should not expect the same question all the time. Therefore, I am not surprised that he was asked to solve some mathematics. I am so sure that if the consular discovers all the posts in this thread, they might likely start developing new questions. They might stop asking questions the way most of us expect on NL. I just pray they don't discover this thread until I get my own visa too.  Because this thread na real US Visa expo.

Is it advisable to speak with a US Consular officer outside the embassy?

A US consular officer just lodged into our hotel now. I checked her records, from her name I can see that she has interviewed some people I know before. I live in the hotel where I work, and her room is just next to mine. I have been restless since she came in. I have been struggling within myself whether to approach her about my travel plans of not. I do not know if she could find that offensive, and that is the reason for my restlessness. She is checking out tomorrow. I prefer not to talk to her at all, than talking to her and regretting it. House what do you advice? Make I go word am?

@ gongo aso

The GMAT SCORE AND THE CONSULAR.

Some time ago, I stated here that my school admitted me without GMAT. Some Pros in the house advised me to take the GMAT regardless of that, because of the consular. Yeah, I did the GMAT, but I didn't score high enough. In short, I got 400. I was not surprised about my score, because there is no place to take the GMAT tutorials around me, and I didn't have the time to study on my own. I only paid for the GMAT and did the exam almost immediately. Remember, the school did not require the GMAT, so it would not affect their decision. Infact, I did not send the GMAT to the school. My questions are as follows. Does the consular have any business with my GMAT score? Do I have to write another GMAT again to get a High SCore? Can the consular capitalize on that score to deny me the visa? All my questions appear to be a kind of repetition. Please dont mind me. I just need to express myself as simply as possible. I am looking forward to hearing from you pros in the house. Thanks!!

Thanks for your response. I am really very grateful.

The GMAT SCORE AND THE CONSULAR.

Some time ago, I stated here that my school admitted me without GMAT. Some Pros in the house advised me to take the GMAT regardless of that, because of the consular. Yeah, I did the GMAT, but I didn't score high enough. In short, I got 400. I was not surprised about my score, because there is no place to take the GMAT tutorials around me, and I didn't have the time to study on my own. I only paid for the GMAT and did the exam almost immediately. Remember, the school did not require the GMAT, so it would not affect their decision. Infact, I did not send the GMAT to the school. My questions are as follows. Does the consular have any business with my GMAT score? Do I have to write another GMAT again to get a High SCore? Can the consular capitalize on that score to deny me the visa? All my questions appear to be a kind of repetition. Please dont mind me. I just need to express myself as simply as possible. I am looking forward to hearing from you pros in the house. Thanks!!

So, why can't Mr Lekan or Nigerian Tribune Contact Nigerian Ambassador to UK? Is anything preventing Mr. Lekan from travelling back to UK, and get a Lawyer if the Briton is difficult to get on phone?

@ frank_ike

@ illinois, which GMAT centre did u write your GMAT? Do they allow the use of calculator?

GMAT does not allow the use of calculator. In fact, in the center where I took mine last week, the exam administrator did not even allow me to go in with my own biro or pencil, and not to talk of calculator. I went in with nothing except my ID. If the issue date on the ID you are providing is less than 6 months old, you might be asked to present another one to support it.

I wrote mine at first logic, Oba Akran Avenue, Ikeja Lagos. Once you schedule your appointment online, you can choose were to write your exam. In the confirmation of appointment letter sent to me, they even gave a road description to the exam center. So, don't worry yourself so much. Hope this information helps?

@ WARYZ

WATS UP FOLKS?its been a while.i applied to cuny(city university of n/york)and i av been sent an email that i will be notified very soon about my addmission,by may 2010,omo till now nipost neva deliver my letters,out of six schools that i registerd to av gotten a letter from onewhich is cuny baruch cllge,and i was not acceptd to dat one.[pls everybody that applied 4 d fall 2010 semester in the house,have you gotten your acceptance letters,if yes pls is it not frm the same nipost we are gettin our letters from abi schools 4 yankee dey send letters with overnyt posts,and wen i went to the post office i was told that i should chill 4 a while but me i know get tyme.please someone hlp me fast oooo

whos in d house?pls is there any problem if i apply to collges in new york cuz that is what i did,nd i av never read anything about pple applying 4 a skool in newyork,cuz dats wat i did,hpe no problem wif that

Though, I am still in Nigeria but my advice could still be of help. I wouldn't like to ask you to relax just like that. I applied to 2 schools, and I received my admission letters from the two schools in April and May respectively. And yeah, they are for the fall semester. If one of the schools actually sent you an email, that you would be notified about an admission decision in writing, I would advice you check that email again, and call the phone number you see in the mail. I believe the admission office of any school should have a number you can call. Do not hesitate to contact them. But you must have all your information before you do that.

If you applied to a graduate school, I expect a graduate counselor be assigned to you. it might interest you to know that some graduate counselors are bad, probably they don't care if you are admitted or not. Or they are carried away by the competition from students who are applying. For me, I was not fortunate to be assigned a good graduate counselors in one of the schools. He never picks his calls, and he never replies to e-mail. yet, the school keeps asking me to contact him. How could I achieve that? I wrote directly to the Program Chairman and the program coordinator. I didn't report him directly, but I included it in the letter that I couldn't get my counselor on phone, and he didn't reply to my emails. I guess they called him to order, and you can't believe it, a decision was taken on my application within two weeks. and from April to may, I received admissions from 2 schools.

Why do i have to tell you all my stories? Just to let you know that there is no harm in contacting the school if you are worried. It could even be used to determine how serious you are. If the school says that your I-20 had been mailed to the address you provided, that is when i think you have to follow up with the post office.

@nethacker,

Thanks for your response. Femilangy once said the same and I agree completely with you guys. However, there is a an important question which you omit. and this is the question again ;does the GMAT score really matter to the consular? does a very high score increase my chance? does a low score reduce it at the consular?

I am asking the question to determine how hard I should prepare for the test. If the score doesn't matter to the consular, honestly I wouldn't want to stress myself too much about the test. I just wish to write it, put in my best and leave the center. I have a tight schedule that would not allow me to burn midnight oil for any exam at the moment.

Nethacker's response

Although your score doesnt matter to the consular but which ever way u wanna look at it, i will advise u to prepare hard for it n get high scores cos that can help u wen u get to school, perhaps wen u try to get some kinda assistantship.

@ Nethacker

Thanks so much. In fact, I have started reading for the exam now.

@Kenzema,

I congratulate you on your visa. As regards your girl, I feel so sorry about her. From the experiences of people I know, she only stands a good chance if you are going through lottery. But with F-1 visa, you might end up forgetting her against your wish. Since the day I started applying to graduate schools in U.S, I stopped toasting girls. And its because of a thing like this. I just hate to see a lady cry when I'm happy.

Generally, I'm enjoying this thread. Its getting more interesting. Nethacker, Femilangi, I feel you guys! Keep it up!

@nethacker,

Thanks for your response. Femilangy once said the same and I agree completely with you guys. However, there is a an important question which you omit. and this is the question again ;does the GMAT score really matter to the consular? does a very high score increase my chance? does a low score reduce it at the consular?

I am asking the question to determine how hard I should prepare for the test. If the score doesn't matter to the consular, honestly I wouldn't want to stress myself too much about the test. I just wish to write it, put in my best and leave the center. I have a tight schedule that would not allow me to burn midnight oil for any exam at the moment.

I have some questions about TOEFL and GMAT here, and my questions are as follows.

Question (1) Does the Consular really care about your TOEFL and GMAT scores? Does your high score widen your chance of getting the visa? Does your low score narrow your chance even if you have great documents with high confidence in yourself?

This is another case, which has its own question. My school waived the GMAT for me. In my admission letter, it was stated that I was admitted based on my past achievements and my strong GPA. I also had the TOEFL waiver based on the same ground. However, some friends are advising me that regardless of the waivers from my school, I should take at least one among the standardized test (TOEFL or GMAT) for the sake of visa interview.

My questions as regards that is this;

Question (2) As a graduate student, which one would you advise I take, since I am only considering ONE for the interview? I don't need it for my admission because I have been admitted already. TOEFL or GMAT?

Femilangy, you have answered this question before through our private conversation and I agree with you. I throw this question open here because I have started seeing some people in my shoes. I guess they can also learn from the comments of pros like you guys  

@femilangy

Yeah u sent then a bankstatement that is 3 months old,remember in 4 months time that bankstatement would be obsolete,and they wont be able to determine your current financial standing,so i advice u defer your admission,send them the updated bankstatement in like 2 months time so they can prepare your new i-20.

Let me know if this helps, and keep us updated.

Thanks so much. Surely, I will keep you updated. Actually, I am supposed to speak with my graduate counselor about the procedures. You know whatever my graduate counselor says, would be heard by me alone. I deliberately post the questions here, so that others in my shoes would learn from what you guys are saying. You are all doing a great job. Keep it up! I will definitely keep you guys updated as this goes.

@ nethacker

Can anyone give me info about these questions please?

Assuming I am admitted for fall 2010, but for new developments in my place of work, I would not be able to make it at fall. Then I decide to defer my admission till spring 2011. My Questions

(1) What is the procedure for deferring an admission
(2) Would thesame I-20 issued at fall 2010 be useful at spring?
(3) If the Consular finds out that I defer my admission from fall to spring the following year; what would be the consequence on my application? Any adverse effect because of that?

I am asking these questions because I have been approved for fall 2010. But it's likely I defer it till spring 2011 (just 4 months in between).

Please, I need an advice. I'm I about to do the right thing?

to your questions
1) Just send a mail to d int'l admissions co ordinator.
2) No. Another I-20 would be sent to u.
3)The consular has no business in your admission processes.
Simple as dat.Hope dat answers all your questions

Thanks so much!

@ femilangy

Just a recap on what nethacker said,you will also need to send you sponsors updated bankstatement to the school.
Hope this helps.
All da best

Thanks for the information. I am really very grateful.

But the bank statement I gave them, is just three months old. I sent it in January. I thought only bank statement beyond six months old would not be acceptable. Are you insisting that I shall need another bank statement? I don't mean to bother you. I just want to ensure I do the right thing. Thanks.

Can anyone give me info about these questions please?

Assuming I am admitted for fall 2010, but for new developments in my place of work, I would not be able to make it at fall. Then I decide to defer my admission till spring 2011. My Questions

(1) What is the procedure for deferring an admission
(2) Would thesame I-20 issued at fall 2010 be useful at spring?
(3) If the Consular finds out that I defer my admission from fall to spring the following year; what would be the consequence on my application? Any adverse effect because of that?

I am asking these questions because I have been approved for fall 2010. But it's likely I defer it till spring 2011 (just 4 months in between).

Please, I need an advice. I'm I about to do the right thing?

@suxes2005

Even my school CSUN has toefl waiver
but at the embassy d guy asked for it
and i said my school waived it, so he said
he can he ascertain that i understand english?

Anyways, TOEFL is N30, 000 (26, 425 to ETS)
and the person registering for u will collect
extra charge making it 30k. You need to write the
ibt like 5 hrs or so. It not that hard

SHALOM

Thanks so much. I am really very grateful

What is it about this TOEFL of a thing? My school already admitted me, without insisting on the TOEFL requirement. But my friends are asking me to take the TOEFL exam, regardless of the TOEFL waiver I got. They say that the consular can capitalize on that, to deny me a visa. Now, I am considering taking the TOEFL exam. Which do I take? Is it the Internet Based test or the paper based test or both? Then how much is the total cost of taking the TOEFL exam? I am not interested about the cost of taking lectures. Just the exams alone. Those who have done it, please give me info please.

Thanks

@ Nethacker

Consular general,
Embassy of The United states of america
2 walter carrington crescent,Victoria island
Lagos

Thanks for your prompt reply. I feel you!

@ Nethacker

If my sponsor (Uncle) needs to write a notarized letter to the US Consular, stating his relationship with me and why he is sponsoring my Masters degree. To whom should the letter be addressed? Please, I only need a hint on the recipient's address, that's all. Please, you may write out the address.

I notice that some people, instead of admitting that they do not know the response to a question, they turn around to insult the poster or insult another person who tries to answer the question. This is not good. Even if you consider the question of someone silly, or you consider the response of another as misleading, you do not need to insult anyone. Simply ignore silly questions or try to come down to the level of the poster. This way, you might be able to understand what he/she is saying. You do not have to talk all the time. Also, if you find the response of someone misleading, try to correct it, without insulting anyone. My heart breaks each time I see helpful members of this thread insulting one another.

To me, this is the best thread on Nairaland. You guys, I need not mention all names have been saving lots of Nigerians a lot of money. On this thread, you can easily determine if you are qualified before you apply for visa or not. So many people out there have been wasting their money applying for US visa and and they never get it, because they are not aware of what you guys are saying here . Let's keep this thread moving huh? This is just a digression, and I'm sorry for that. I just feel like expressing my mind.

My question is on the first paragraph. Response please.

The embassy's address

Thanks for your prompt response. Of course, I know the letter should be written to the Embassy in that given location. But addressed to whom there? Is it to the Consular General or whom? Are you saying the sponsor should just go ahead and write the embassy address alone in the body of the letter?

For example, you want to apply for your academic transcript. In your transcript application letter, you address it to your school registrar, before you proceed to writing your school address. I am talking about similar thing here, and I'm sorry to bother you more. Thanks!