Nehemiah77:
Interviewed by the young white man at window 1
26th June

Vo: Good morning
Me: Good morning sir.
Vo: How are you today?
Me: I'm alright and you?(with a smile )
VO: I'm fine.Pass me your passport and other documents
Me:Okay sir (Passes it)
VO: I can see you're going for masters degree
Me: Yes..I'm going to Illinois state university Normal Illinois for a masters degree in Economics.
VO: What do you do?
Me: I work as a real estate agent at Bleep, a family business. I also volunteer as a research assistant to Dr xxxx at African institute of Applied Economics
VO: You volunteer where?
Me: Had to repeat myslef
VO: Okay. Who will pay for the cost not covered by your funding?
Me: My uncle
VO: Does your uncle have 13,000 USD. What does he do?
Me: I gave a smile when he asked if my uncle has the money(like Oga the guy dey ball hard)._ He has the money. He's a major distributor of petroleum in the south east. He owns 7 filling stations in that region.
VO: Really? That's something.
VO: Your undergrad was Economics right?
Me: Yes. I have a a Bsc in Economics from Bleep
VO: How many schools did you you apply to in the U.S
Me: Four schools....University of Cinncinati ,Georgia state university ,Kent state university and Illinois state university
VO: Why did you choose ISU?
Me: Coupled with the fact that i was awarded a GRA with a full tuition waiver, I have the opportunity to work with Prof Bleep whose current research is on structural impediment in developing countries to achieve the sustainable development goals. Prof Bleep research is funded by the UNDP so this will enable me participate as a strategic analyst in the UNDP campaign against poverty in Nigeria
VO: You have this funding?
Me: No..Prof Bleep
VO: I'd like to see your GA letter
Me: Passes it. *This was where the miracle happened. He started reading it carefully and turned the next page,he then noticed a miniature land document that was printed at the back of each page of the document. I didn't see that thing prior to my interview. I guess the people that printed my GA letter used recycled paper*
VO: this proves that you're in real estate.
Me: Oh..I'm so sorry sir for having it there sir.
Vo: It's alright. So what will you be doing after your studies?
Me: I will return to take the position of a research associate at NISER and also consult for the CBN to build economic models(cuts in)
VO: it's okay. Your visa has been approved.

I'm so grateful to God. A big thank you to everyone here giving their time and resources to make dreams come true. God bless you.

ysteph:
God day all,
I applied for emergency appointment and was approved.
However i logged in to reschedule but i am getting a message ''your group size is larger than the current allocation''
Please what does this mean and how can i proceed from there?
Thank you.

shoyoyebiodun:
Hello house i have been checking there is currently no date in Lagos previously denied i will like to know if is still possible to still get date in Lagos.

Brown2Green:

I am also going for a second bsc.
And my appointment is on the 12 of July
Any advise

My advice for you...

Go through this thread from page one and count the numbers of denials second Bsc has so far...

blacbard:
So for those who have had their Visas approved and are looking to book a flight. There is this App that's gives students discounted prices for flights and hotels. You will need to upload your Visa and admission letter.
The name is STUDENT UNIVERSE.
You can find it on Apple store and Play Store.
Thank me later

Nehemiah77:
Interviewed by the young white man at window 1
26th June

Vo: Good morning
Me: Good morning sir.
Vo: How are you today?
Me: I'm alright and you?(with a smile )
VO: I'm fine.Pass me your passport and other documents
Me:Okay sir (Passes it)
VO: I can see you're going for masters degree
Me: Yes..I'm going to Illinois state university Normal Illinois for a masters degree in Economics.
VO: What do you do?
Me: I work as a real estate agent at Bleep, a family business. I also volunteer as a research assistant to Dr xxxx at African institute of Applied Economics
VO: You volunteer where?
Me: Had to repeat myslef
VO: Okay. Who will pay for the cost not covered by your funding?
Me: My uncle
VO: Does your uncle have 13,000 USD. What does he do?
Me: I gave a smile when he asked if my uncle has the money(like Oga the guy dey ball hard)._ He has the money. He's a major distributor of petroleum in the south east. He owns 7 filling stations in that region.
VO: Really? That's something.
VO: Your undergrad was Economics right?
Me: Yes. I have a a Bsc in Economics from Bleep
VO: How many schools did you you apply to in the U.S
Me: Four schools....University of Cinncinati ,Georgia state university ,Kent state university and Illinois state university
VO: Why did you choose ISU?
Me: Coupled with the fact that i was awarded a GRA with a full tuition waiver, I have the opportunity to work with Prof Bleep whose current research is on structural impediment in developing countries to achieve the sustainable development goals. Prof Bleep research is funded by the UNDP so this will enable me participate as a strategic analyst in the UNDP campaign against poverty in Nigeria
VO: You have this funding?
Me: No..Prof Bleep
VO: I'd like to see your GA letter
Me: Passes it. *This was where the miracle happened. He started reading it carefully and turned the next page,he then noticed a miniature land document that was printed at the back of each page of the document. I didn't see that thing prior to my interview. I guess the people that printed my GA letter used recycled paper*
VO: this proves that you're in real estate.
Me: Oh..I'm so sorry sir for having it there sir.
Vo: It's alright. So what will you be doing after your studies?
Me: I will return to take the position of a research associate at NISER and also consult for the CBN to build economic models(cuts in)
VO: it's okay. Your visa has been approved.

I'm so grateful to God. A big thank you to everyone here giving their time and resources to make dreams come true. God bless you.

Amme018:
VISA APPROVED @ 4th attempt

Date: Friday, 21st June 2019
Location: Abuja
Time: 7:30am Appointment
Status: Was on AP till 25th June when it turned ISSUED.

BACKGROUND
Previous attempts: 2 attempts in December 2017 for Ball State University (for Spring 2018) and an attempt in July 2018 for George Washington University (for Fall 2018) ....All at Lagos Consulate.

I posted past transcripts when I needed help in preparing for my 3rd attempt. I also posted my proposed transcript for the 3rd attempt, but I did not post the outcome because I was quitting then. Although there was no much difference between the proposed transcript for the 3rd attempt and the outcome other than that not all the questions I prepared for were asked.

However, I requested my admission be deferred to the following term (Spring 2019) only to be informed that admission to the program is strictly for Fall Terms. I requested it be deferred to Fall 2019.

Finally when I decided I was going to try the 4th time (which I promised it would be the final), I returned to this thread as a full-time reader, I chose not to ask any question because there are answers to all the questions that anyone would want to ask here already. I read every posts everyday 'as e dey drop'. I researched more about my school and program. I looked for unique features of my school and program, which I integrated into my proposed transcript. I did not post my proposed transcript because in my head, I was not returning to the embassy the 4th time for an interview but to go and talk (have a conversation)

I chose Abuja this time because I learnt there is a bit of serenity over there than Lagos; like not too crowdy and you could sit for a little while before joining the queue for interview (important for someone like me that doesn't like stress).

I had my conversation with the VO, an elderly white woman at window 6. I was the 3rd she attended to that morning, the two before me were denied.

APPROVAL CONVERSATION

Me: Good morning Ma (VO did not answer greeting. I guess because of her experience with the family she interviewed before me. The old man was reluctant to leave the window after she denied him and his family)
VO: Pass your passport and i20
Me: I obliged
VO: Why do you want to study in the US?
Me: I want to study in US because the US have one of the best educational systems in the world. Also, I like to be taught by world class professors, which would make become a world class program monitoring and evaluation specialist.
VO: How did you hear about this school.
Me: I conducted internet search for top MPA programs in the US, I reviewed the result with USNews.com, Webometrics, Times Higher Education, Princeton Review and the website of the Network of Schools of Public Policy Affairs and Administration, I then streamlined the result based on my area of specialization.
VO: So why this school?
Me: My decision to attend GWU was firstly informed by the opportunity to study under professor Kathryn Newcomer, who happened to be the year 2017 president of American Evaluation Association. She is currently having a research on Public and Nonprofit Performance Measurement and Evaluation which is inline with my area of interest as I am interested in looking into Monitoring and Evaluation Framework with the use of Objective Indicators. Also, the MPA curriculum at this school is such that will equip me with administrative-cum-managerial skills and an in depth understanding of the modern principles and techniques of program evaluation and policy analysis which I will be needing to run a consulting firm back home in proffering solution to the challenges of inadequate monitoring and evaluation framework..(wanted to add the 3rd point which is about my $20k fellowship award, but she cuts in)
VO: When did you had your BSc
Me: January 2013....(she looks on her screen and nods, I guess she confirmed what I filled in my ds160)
VO: So what have you been doing since then?
Me: I went for NYSC program, after which I started working in June 2014 at ABCD as EFG where I am responsible for HIJKLMNOPQR (she cuts in before I could finish stating my job roles. She kept her eyes on her computer screen and nodding her head while answering this)
VO: Did you applied to other school?
Me: Yes, I did
VO: Which other school?
Me: Uni of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania and Uni of Georgia at Athens
VO: You got admitted into all?
Me: No, I got admitted to GWU and Uni of Pittsburgh.
VO: Tell me about this program?
Me: This program focuses of the process and products of government and nongovernmental organisations decision making. It is also meant to development and enhance the ability to analyze ramifications of public programs and policies. It comprises of courses like .........I listed about 8 courses( I maintained permanent eye contact while answering)
VO: What's your study plan?
Me: I will be studying for a total of 40 credit hours courses, out of which 12 credit hours are core Public Administration courses, 25 credit hours of concentration and elective courses with a capstone seminar of 3 credit hours at the final semester. I will have to maintain a CGPA of not lower than 3.0 throughout the 4 semesters of the program which I will complete in May 2021 after which I will return to Nigeria
VO: What do you want to do with this degree?
Me: I want to consult for public and nonprofit organisations in the area of Program Monitoring and Evaluation as well as offering policy advice to policy makers in taking the best decisions as it affect program success in this part of the world. I would also love to work as a Country Program Monitoring and Evaluation Specialist at one of the international development organisations around. (we're both looking at each other eyeballs-to-eyeballs as I answer this)
VO: You were denied sometimes ago?
Me: Yes
VO: Why
Me: Well (with smile), I think I was probably not able to convince the Consular Officer that interviewed me then that I am qualified for this class of visa
VO: OK, you took GMAT
Me: No, I took the GRE
VO: Oh, OK, what's your score?
Me: I had 282
VO: OK, What about TOEFL?
Me: I didn't take TOEFL ....(we both looking at each other eyeballs-to-eyeballs)
VO: Is your wife joining you?
Me: (With big smile) That is not in the plan, because of her job. However, I will make it up to my family during school holiday.
VO: OK, who will be sponsoring you for this program? GWU is one of the most expensive schools in the US.
Me: I have a Global Initiative Fellowship Award of $20k and my elder brother will...(she cuts in)
VO: Listen, this school is expensive, you will be having a deficit of $41+
Me: Yes, I know, my brother have what it takes to take care of the deficit.
VO: OK, what does he do?
Me: He is into petroleum products marketing. He is also in charge of the management of my late father's real estate investment
VO: Do you have his bank document?
Me: I have his statement of account
VO: Pass it
Me: Passed (VO checked thoroughly, from opening balance, through the transactions to the closing balance, and checked the account name if it corresponds with what I filled in my ds160)
VO: Now listen, (looking into my eyes) I will keep this with me, we will have to check to be sure it is not fraudulent. If it is fraudulent, you will be banned for life from entering the United States. Do you want me to continue?
Me: Please go ahead ma (while looking into her eyes)
VO: OK, I will give you these papers (the white pick up location paper and a congratulatory-small white one). You will have to keep your i20 with you at all time when traveling and make sure you enter the US before the start date of your program.
Me: Nodding, OK Ma (while packing my stuffs) Have a good day Ma....couldn't wait to hear her respond.

CREDITS:
....To God for the grace
....To 'My Special One' for the unending supports
....To fairheart for helping to review my proposed transcript prior to my 3rd attempt then
....To walspring for assisting in registering for my GRE around early 2018
....To everyone that has ever posted on this thread; be it questions, answers, suggestions, opinion, even 'drama'. Believe me, it all helped. THANK YOU ALL


LASTLY.
Will I be able to get Okada or Keke to take me from Washington Dulles International Airport to my school?

Passion2009:



Wow! You were really drilled. Congratulations!

So, you were admitted to study at GSPIA(University of Pittsburgh right? Which program? And why did you pick GWU ahead of GSPIA? Did GSPIA not offer you any funding?

Huncho1:
Please house I’m asking for a friend
I need your views on this "How possible is it to apply as an international student to two universities and one community college in the US upon getting the visa with a university the student opts out for the community college?"
Because I heard it’s not possible she has to attend the school stated on the visa but I need clarity on this thanks
Are there any penalties incurred though she got admissions from all 3 schools just that one is a community college “undergraduate studies “

Mudicua:
Your friend has to attend at least one semester in the school whose i20 got her the visa. Remember on the visa the name of the school is stated there and thus her information is tied to the school. now if she gets into the US and does to report at the international office and have the international advisor check her in, she might be putting herself in trouble.
She has to show up at the school, register for that semester, and then transfer to the school she really wants to go.

Amme018:
VISA APPROVED @ 4th attempt

Date: Friday, 21st June 2019
Location: Abuja
Time: 7:30am Appointment
Status: Was on AP till 25th June when it turned ISSUED.

BACKGROUND
Previous attempts: 2 attempts in December 2017 for Ball State University (for Spring 2018) and an attempt in July 2018 for George Washington University (for Fall 2018) ....All at Lagos Consulate.

I posted past transcripts when I needed help in preparing for my 3rd attempt. I also posted my proposed transcript for the 3rd attempt, but I did not post the outcome because I was quitting then. Although there was no much difference between the proposed transcript for the 3rd attempt and the outcome other than that not all the questions I prepared for were asked.

However, I requested my admission be deferred to the following term (Spring 2019) only to be informed that admission to the program is strictly for Fall Terms. I requested it be deferred to Fall 2019.

Finally when I decided I was going to try the 4th time (which I promised it would be the final), I returned to this thread as a full-time reader, I chose not to ask any question because there are answers to all the questions that anyone would want to ask here already. I read every posts everyday 'as e dey drop'. I researched more about my school and program. I looked for unique features of my school and program, which I integrated into my proposed transcript. I did not post my proposed transcript because in my head, I was not returning to the embassy the 4th time for an interview but to go and talk (have a conversation)

I chose Abuja this time because I learnt there is a bit of serenity over there than Lagos; like not too crowdy and you could sit for a little while before joining the queue for interview (important for someone like me that doesn't like stress).

I had my conversation with the VO, an elderly white woman at window 6. I was the 3rd she attended to that morning, the two before me were denied.

APPROVAL CONVERSATION

Me: Good morning Ma (VO did not answer greeting. I guess because of her experience with the family she interviewed before me. The old man was reluctant to leave the window after she denied him and his family)
VO: Pass your passport and i20
Me: I obliged
VO: Why do you want to study in the US?
Me: I want to study in US because the US have one of the best educational systems in the world. Also, I like to be taught by world class professors, which would make become a world class program monitoring and evaluation specialist.
VO: How did you hear about this school.
Me: I conducted internet search for top MPA programs in the US, I reviewed the result with USNews.com, Webometrics, Times Higher Education, Princeton Review and the website of the Network of Schools of Public Policy Affairs and Administration, I then streamlined the result based on my area of specialization.
VO: So why this school?
Me: My decision to attend GWU was firstly informed by the opportunity to study under professor Kathryn Newcomer, who happened to be the year 2017 president of American Evaluation Association. She is currently having a research on Public and Nonprofit Performance Measurement and Evaluation which is inline with my area of interest as I am interested in looking into Monitoring and Evaluation Framework with the use of Objective Indicators. Also, the MPA curriculum at this school is such that will equip me with administrative-cum-managerial skills and an in depth understanding of the modern principles and techniques of program evaluation and policy analysis which I will be needing to run a consulting firm back home in proffering solution to the challenges of inadequate monitoring and evaluation framework..(wanted to add the 3rd point which is about my $20k fellowship award, but she cuts in)
VO: When did you had your BSc
Me: January 2013....(she looks on her screen and nods, I guess she confirmed what I filled in my ds160)
VO: So what have you been doing since then?
Me: I went for NYSC program, after which I started working in June 2014 at ABCD as EFG where I am responsible for HIJKLMNOPQR (she cuts in before I could finish stating my job roles. She kept her eyes on her computer screen and nodding her head while answering this)
VO: Did you applied to other school?
Me: Yes, I did
VO: Which other school?
Me: Uni of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania and Uni of Georgia at Athens
VO: You got admitted into all?
Me: No, I got admitted to GWU and Uni of Pittsburgh.
VO: Tell me about this program?
Me: This program focuses of the process and products of government and nongovernmental organisations decision making. It is also meant to development and enhance the ability to analyze ramifications of public programs and policies. It comprises of courses like .........I listed about 8 courses( I maintained permanent eye contact while answering)
VO: What's your study plan?
Me: I will be studying for a total of 40 credit hours courses, out of which 12 credit hours are core Public Administration courses, 25 credit hours of concentration and elective courses with a capstone seminar of 3 credit hours at the final semester. I will have to maintain a CGPA of not lower than 3.0 throughout the 4 semesters of the program which I will complete in May 2021 after which I will return to Nigeria
VO: What do you want to do with this degree?
Me: I want to consult for public and nonprofit organisations in the area of Program Monitoring and Evaluation as well as offering policy advice to policy makers in taking the best decisions as it affect program success in this part of the world. I would also love to work as a Country Program Monitoring and Evaluation Specialist at one of the international development organisations around. (we're both looking at each other eyeballs-to-eyeballs as I answer this)
VO: You were denied sometimes ago?
Me: Yes
VO: Why
Me: Well (with smile), I think I was probably not able to convince the Consular Officer that interviewed me then that I am qualified for this class of visa
VO: OK, you took GMAT
Me: No, I took the GRE
VO: Oh, OK, what's your score?
Me: I had 282
VO: OK, What about TOEFL?
Me: I didn't take TOEFL ....(we both looking at each other eyeballs-to-eyeballs)
VO: Is your wife joining you?
Me: (With big smile) That is not in the plan, because of her job. However, I will make it up to my family during school holiday.
VO: OK, who will be sponsoring you for this program? GWU is one of the most expensive schools in the US.
Me: I have a Global Initiative Fellowship Award of $20k and my elder brother will...(she cuts in)
VO: Listen, this school is expensive, you will be having a deficit of $41+
Me: Yes, I know, my brother have what it takes to take care of the deficit.
VO: OK, what does he do?
Me: He is into petroleum products marketing. He is also in charge of the management of my late father's real estate investment
VO: Do you have his bank document?
Me: I have his statement of account
VO: Pass it
Me: Passed (VO checked thoroughly, from opening balance, through the transactions to the closing balance, and checked the account name if it corresponds with what I filled in my ds160)
VO: Now listen, (looking into my eyes) I will keep this with me, we will have to check to be sure it is not fraudulent. If it is fraudulent, you will be banned for life from entering the United States. Do you want me to continue?
Me: Please go ahead ma (while looking into her eyes)
VO: OK, I will give you these papers (the white pick up location paper and a congratulatory-small white one). You will have to keep your i20 with you at all time when traveling and make sure you enter the US before the start date of your program.
Me: Nodding, OK Ma (while packing my stuffs) Have a good day Ma....couldn't wait to hear her respond.

CREDITS:
....To God for the grace
....To 'My Special One' for the unending supports
....To fairheart for helping to review my proposed transcript prior to my 3rd attempt then
....To walspring for assisting in registering for my GRE around early 2018
....To everyone that has ever posted on this thread; be it questions, answers, suggestions, opinion, even 'drama'. Believe me, it all helped. THANK YOU ALL


LASTLY.
Will I be able to get Okada or Keke to take me from Washington Dulles International Airport to my school?

Huncho1:
God bless you
Okay ,for instance she uses Harvard to get the visa and wants to opt out to Barack Obama community college .....during that one semester in Harvard she has to apply for a transfer to Barack Obama community college right ?
Even tho when she started the application before getting the visa she applied to Barack Obama community college which still gave her admission but didn’t make use of their I-20 rather used Harvard’s own
Hope you understand where I’m coming from ?

bayocanny:

Sup bro, I pm you kindly check your email.

Mudicua:

Yeah I do get you.
First things first, she has to show face in the school printed on her Visa. (That I know 100%)

For transfers i do not know 100%.
But I do know for any transfer to take place, you must first get admission from the school you are going to. (Now in her own case, she already has the admission, however she will be unable to attend in the semester she is admitted for because she will be in the school whose i20 gave her visa).
So here is what i think she should do:
1. Contact the community college and find out if she can defer to the following semester... Now she has to give good reasons why she is doing this, and telling them she used another school to get into US might not fly ...(but again i do not know)
2. She should have a talk with the international advisor of both schools to see how this would work.

I honestly do not have any more ideas...
But I know you can transfer.
I know you can change from grad studies to undergrad studies.

I am just not cognisant of the process of transfer.

amb001:
While filling my DS160, I selected Nigeria, Lagos. While scheduling for visa interview, can i choose to go to Abuja instead of Lagos? Or do i hv to refill another DS160 selecting Abj??

dumbiri99:

Nice.
You had the fellowship last year too?

amb001:
Pls who can hlp wt this

dwilliams707:
Please how do I save my Dsform as it’s almost 30 days on their database,so I don’t have to start filling over again.

Help pls

Mudicua:
Okay so here it is people.

First of all, my case is kinda peculiar and not the regular ones common here. As such, I do not know if my transcript will help due to that, but I sincerely hope it gives someone some clarity or guide for their own interview.

Date: June 26, 2019
Venue: Lagos Consulate
Time:6:30 a.m
Gender of VO: Male
Window: Window 9. (guy was doing fingerprinting initially, but later The CGI guys blocked him off for interviews) Kinda heavy set, with beard.

VO: Good Morning, Pass me your I-20 and passport.
ME: Good Morning again (VO looked up at me when I used “again” with the good morning. Well this was cos he had done my fingerprinting) while I gave him a very big smile… and then passed the requested documents to him.

VO: Why are you going to US?
ME: I am going for a doctorate degree in Human Sciences with a specialization in global family health (stumbled a bit) and wellbeing, at UNL, Lincoln, Nebraska.

VO- I see you are going to Nebraska?
Me- Yes I am.

VO: Is that the main campus? Lincoln?
ME: Yes.

VO: You been to Lincoln?
ME: Yes I have.

VO: How long did you stay in the US? And where have you lived in the US
ME: About 4 years, I lived in Oklahoma and Nebraska.

VO: So why did you chose UNL?
ME: The school has a very rich learning culture, and a very distinguished faculty. It also provides an opportunity for students to study families using a global mindset, where local ideas are adopted to solve global family issues and global ideas... (VO cuts off)

VO: Okay so why Nebraska? You been to Nebraska? So why there (in my mind I’m like shuo… shebi I just told this dude I stayed there)
ME: (Huge smile) Yeah I lived in North Platte during my optional training… (I stopped cos he gave me a look, and huh?) Well Nebraska is a pretty place to stay, I have interacted with persons from there, the people are nice and welcoming. It is surely more than the corn fields (another small smile).

VO: (Picks up my passport and start to flip through) Why do you have another student visa on your passport?
ME: (cannot remember exactly what I said, but it was more like) I applied to other schools, some of which were in the country and got admitted and also applied for visa which just came through (cuts in)

VO: But you wanna choose the US school?
ME: (smiles) Yeah, that is correct.

VO: (nods) Okay. So what other schools did you apply to in US?
ME: BYU, UMN, OSU and UNL (I said these all in full)

VO: (nods) How many gave you admits?
ME: UNL and OSU

VO: Your previous masters where did you do it?
ME: At the university of …….

VO: What was your major?
ME: Family life education …….

VO: I see you have been to Canada?
ME: Yes

VO: How long did you stay there?
ME: Just a couple of weeks.

VO: Where in Canada did you go?
ME: Ontario, Toronto

VO: (picks up i20 and looks through) Why did they not give you full funding? Why do you have partial funding here?
ME: (omo I did not prepare for this question) Oh, I myself was surprised, and actually called the departmental chair about that, who said they have a lot of outstanding intakes this year, and it would only be fair to ensure everyone gets some sort of funding. (V.O nodded)

VO: Okay but you seem to have a whole lot more money than your deficit why is that?(picked up i20 to show me)
ME: Oh that, (smiled) the deficit is the total funds available to me minus the funding already taken care of by the school. The whole lot of money is inclusive if funding as well as my family funds. (VO nods and start to type)

VO: So who is gonna pay this balance?
ME: My brother and his wife.

VO: (nods) Okay. Where is he?
ME: In Uk. (V.O nods)

VO: What university did your brother go? (this question shocked me)
ME: University of Benin (V.O nods and starts to type again)

VO: Do they have kids?
ME: Yes.

VO: (nods) Okay. In your first masters program who paid your tuition?
ME: (Huge smile) My mom. (V.O nods)

VO: So why is she not paying now? Why is your brother taking charge of your bills?
ME: (with another killer smile and a sweep of my hair… lol) she is a senior citizen now, and is retired.

VO: What is your duty as a GRA?
ME: (did not hear very well) sorry?

VO: You have assistantship what are your duties?
ME: Oh… I’m gonna be assisting my supervisor Prof TTTT on her research on refugee women in Kenya. She is interested in African families and so we will be working together. (VO Nods) however the details of my research and other duties will be finalized in the first week of fall.

VO: And after your program, what is the program going to do for you?
ME: First I am very passionate about families, and the growing trend of domestic and intimate partner violence in Nigeria is a cause for concern. Hence after my program I will be able to contribute to policies that can help families in Nigeria and in developing countries.

VO: Are you married?
ME: No.

VO: (nods) Okay. Your Visa is approved. Passes the white paper and my i20, and asked that I pick my passport in 3 working days.
ME: (Now smiling widely). Thank you and have a great day.

VO: You too.
ME: Smiled again at him, put my white paper and i20 in my folder, and then walked out.

Now these are some of the things that helped me:

Confidence: I was nervous… (normal reaction, but after my first 2 sentences with the VO, I relaxed) and started to flow.
Collected: I did not rush, nor was I too slow in answering the VO. But I took time to think.
Background history: I did not violate any immigration rules while previously in US (so I had good background history). All my previous school bills were fully paid. I filed all my taxes as well, even this last tax season. (for those in US please do not take this for granted, and file correctly)
Travel history: My travel history in and out of US is there on my DS160… so when he asked if I have been to Canada, I told him yes… and how long I stayed. (but it is on my i94). Also I did a lot of traveling home while I was schooling there.
God Factor: Yes oooo… this is key. The scriptures say “when ye are prepared ye sha not fear”. I had all the right documents, but I was worried what if I said something out of place. P kept praying to be able to say the right things to the questions asked. And then I was prepared. and was able to say the right things.

Gratitude Corner
I want to say thank you to everyone who contributes to this thread. This is why it is still alive.

To those who proffered suggestions to questions I asked on this platform and even privately I say a very big thank you.
@Brown2green, @Time2win, @Walspring @Texrem for taking time to respond to my email and questions I asked, thanks.
And to those who did not or could not respond to my email request, I also want to say thank you cos I understand how crazy schedules can be.

@Twoods, I want to say thanks as well. Your comments on my post actually made me think more clearly… I actually wanted to send you an email, and in afterthought chose not to. Thanks for responding to my email request. I quite understand why and how you react the way you do. But again it is better to advise or give suggestions rather than put down others and trample on their hopes and aspirations.

Finally, A very special thanks to @Sharwama. See this girl, she took time to respond to me, went through my transcript, provided suggestions and even gave me a mock interview. Most importantly she allayed my worries… she kept telling me to breathe and just go do me… and do me I did. . Thanks mama... I stan!!!

One Last Note.
Please note this key fact... it is important to know what you are going for.... be passionate about your course of study. When you are passionate it will show in your eyes and your hands. Y
When you pick a course or school without much knowledge about it, then there is room for error or gaps in the conversation with the VO.
Best of luck to all visa hopefuls.

Amme018:

Yes

elhadji19:


https://www.uscis.gov/working-united-states/students-and-exchange-visitors/students-and-employment/changing-a-nonimmigrant-f-or-m-student-status

This will answer ur question

dikachi484:
Hi guys, just seeing this thread. I have an issue with my sevis fee. The person who paid for me since Monday has been telling me to wait that it'll reflect on the sevis site but till now it hasn't reflected. My interview is tomorrow by 6:30. Pls any advise on what to do

zizie:
Visa Transcript

Location: Lagos

Deficit- US$87k

Status: Approved

They were just busy denying everyone, even students who came from a top private school in Benin. The only thing I saw was pink papers everywhere. The lady had denied 4 people who after drilling them well. After drilling she still says sorry you are not qualified.

VO: Good Morning

Me: Good Morning

VO: Pass Me your Passport ( Notices the i20 and says Pass me your i20) She now begins to type very fast and Says Why are you going to the US. She continues to type fast

Me: I'm going to Xyz University for my MBA

VO: (looking angry) Who asked you to speak. She then continues typing fast for about one minute and says what other school did you apply to

Me: Yale, University of Southern California, Washington University St Louis

VO: Oh USC....(looking impressed)

VO: How many admits

Me: WashU (Olin) and USC

VO: So why did you choose this school

Me: I choose this school because of its MBA concentration and it provides me with the option to specialize right from my first semester.

VO: why do you need this MBA

Me: I'm at a stage in my career where I"m transitioning

VO : Ohhhhhh stop it, you can't be attending this type of school and presenting a rehearsed speech. But its ok to be nervous

VO : Did you take any tests

Me: Oh yes I did I took the GRE I had a 310

VO: You GRE score is not so great how come you received a scholarship

Me: I'm sure I did well at the MBA interview and probably because I have the CFA qualification

VO: what's CFA

Me: Chartered Financial Analyst

VO: ( Begins to type very fast ) Is your wife coming along with you?

Me: NO

VO: I have noted this down, whenever she applies for the F2 visa she will be denied

VO: When did you graduate

Me: 2006

Vo: Course

Me: Real Estate

Vo: And you are currently working in that field

Me: Yes, Private Equity

VO: so how are you paying for this

Me: I got a scholarship, My employer has placed me on study leave with pay, personal Funds and a loan

VO: Clearly I can see that you have a scholarship. Tell me about the loan

Me: Its an Mpower loan of 25K USD

VO: Do you have any documentation

Me: Oh yes, (passes the document and tries to push it in further)

Vo: (In an angry tone) Are you aware that you can just drop the document and I'd pick it from there

Me: Oh sorry Maam

Vo: wow, the interest rate on this loan is very high, how do you intend paying for this

Me: Upon returning I should earn higher and I'm also on study leave

VO: Do you have other financial documentation

Me: Yes

Vo: (she scans the documents and does some calculation) I see that you have only fund to cover your first year. how do you intend to fund the other year. I also see that you wrote that you earn N1.2 m monthly but the document you presented shows that you 900k

Me: No its 1.2 that document is a loan investment of 9m and not 900k. Also I'm on study leave and I'd earn higher when I return

VO: But still this can't barely cover you assuming your wife is working

Me: My wife works

Vo: I know but it won't cover you.r expenses. I'm saying this because I also took a student loan to fund my education and I'm still paying till date. what I can say is that if by next year you don't have funds to complete your education, please come back to Nigeria.

Vo: (Passes back my i20, reaches for the white paper), Thank you

Vo: Next