I will stick by what we have written here repeatedly: the "change of intent" letter is not a valid procedure. What matters is what the applicant declares in their application and interview, and then again at the port of entry. No matter how many times we say this, we will still be flooded with these letters. And they will all be deleted without any change or edit to the applicants' files.

It is true that the B1/B2 visa is valid for childbirth and other medical tourism. That said, if Customs and Border Patrol determine at the POE that the applicant misconstrued their purpose of travel, that they can not afford their medical care or are in any other way ineligible, the traveler will be barred from entry and sent home. This must be a miserable experience. That is why we recommend that applicants come in for another interview to specifically declare birth intent. No, it is not required, and yes, it will cost another $160. But compared to the extreme cost and inconvenience of being turned around at the POE, it is a small price to pay.

OmoBendel24:


Dear @LagosNIV and @AbujaNIV sirs; Your words almost all the times on here with the exception of when you categorically state that "these are my personal view and not necessarily that of the US Government" are as good as sacrosanct and good to be taken to the bank. This development during an interview session with an applicant at your embassy seems to be not in synchrony with what we have come to believe here in recent times as touching the "Change of Intent Letter" as almost being worthless if not spam. If you may sirs, what could explain and draw some sort of balance as to these somewhat varying views please? Thanks

Be assured, people are arrested frequently for these misdeeds. And yet the practice continues.

coldsummer:





By the time you make an example with just 2 or 3 persons, trust me this whole madness and agents will stop forever.


Make an example, we will help u spread the good news with their pictures.

People are annoyingly senseless


Arrest a few and watch this matter resolved with the speed of light


Case solved.

Hi Mitchely. Your family is welcome to reapply, however, they should be prepared to offer new evidence in support of their application. Certainly it has an effect that you once said they would stay behind, and then you suddenly reconsider once your own F1 visa is approved. Once your whole immediate family is in the US, it can be hard to demonstrate there are sufficient ties to bring you home. The added difficulty with dependent visas like F2s is that the total costs of living overseas increase substantially while the earning power of the family unit decreases. A bond signed with an employer is difficult to enforce from across an ocean.

Mitchely:
Good day VOs, please your kind advice will be appreciated. My wife and daughter were recently denied F2 visas with the rejection letter stating no strong home ties. From the interview, I also think my response that they were not coming with me during my own interview played a role in the rejection. Please what are suitable home ties for F2 applicants? I am actually on paid study leave from my workplace (a Federal University of Technology) in Nigeria, and signed a bond to return at the end of my study, will this be a sufficient home tie? Also how does one rectify the discrepancy in responses during both interviews majorly due to a significant change in situations? And what is the impact of time of reapplication on the outcome after such rejection as we are considering reapplying? Thank you.

Hello all. This is a general public service announcement. We've been seeing an uptick in counterfeit visas and stamps in applicants' passports. These people have been fooled into thinking that these false endorsements will help them get a US visa. If you come into the US Embassy/Consulate with fake visas/stamps, the best case scenario is that you will be denied. If we decide to pursue the matter, we will contact the local police, and you will be arrested, while your passport is forfeited to the Nigerian Immigration Service. To be sure, your credibility will be trashed, and you will find it nearly impossible to ever qualify for a US visa for the rest of your life.

This should be common sense, but please tell your friends and family so that they do not fall prey to agents and touts wanting to enrich themselves by selling fake documents.

Hello Phoenixkreuger. I'm familiar with your case. You need to reappear at the Embassy to redo your fingerprints. Our staff should be in touch with you soon to schedule a time.

Phoenixkreuger:
Hi Abuja NIV,

I had my interview for a study visa approved on the 4th of December in abuja and instruction manual for document pick up and a congratulatory message printed on a small white paper with guidelines about port of entry requirements was given to me.

More so my passport and my sponsorship award letter from the petroleum technology development fund was retained by the consular officer saying it will be returned alongside my passport.

10 days have gone past since my interview and I haven't been notified of my document pick up and my school start date is fast approaching.

I managed to log into the CEAC website to track status of my visa and I found out it was under Administrative processing and had the below information:

Case created : 4th Dec
Case last updated - 11th Dec

Please what should I do at this point as other scholars of the petroleum technology development fund who had their visa interviews in lagos and Abuja have had their passports returned to them?.

Hello TashaStPatrik. Bank documents are not typically examined, unless the applicant endeavors to do something expensive in the US, such as education or medical care. The name on the visa must match the name in the passport.

TashaStPatrik:
Hello NIV,

My husband, myself and our 5 months old baby are planning to visit the US for the first time. We are at the process of filling the application form. We have a working registered company which he is the sole signatory to the company's account. Can we provide the company's statement of account as a proof of available funds for the trip? or use his own personal account? He will only stay for a week or two cos of work, while my baby and i may stay up to a month. Secondly, as a housewife, can i still use the same statement of account? Athough my dad says he will sponsor baby and i for the trip, can we use the two statements of account? ( i mean Dad's and Husband's)

Secondly, i have not changed the name on my passport to my marital name, but have every other proof of marriage ready at hand. Do i need to change the name on passport before applying?

Hello bosstos. Applicants through the interview waiver program (dropbox) may still be called in for an interview. Sometimes it is because we have additional questions, and sometimes it is random. Anytime the actual travel deviates from what was stated in the interview/application, it invites more scrutiny.

bosstos:
Hello,

a friend of mine eligible for dropbox was requested to come for a follow up interview.he has only visited u.s once on b1/b2 spending 4months though initially went for a 2wks seminar but ended up spending 4 months since his visa allows up to 6 months. pls what could be the reason for the follow up interview? is it presssumed he overstayed or what?

Greetings Yeanca. You are welcome to elaborate on income sources if it comes up at the interview.

Yeanca:
@LagosNIV.. I thought the space for monthly earning is for the job I do,didn't know. Have to put all earnings and I have submitted,I have a government job and I have a land I leased for farming and get 150k per monthly,am going for a visit/wedding anniversary of my big cousin..I only wrote 79k which is from my paid job(a Lagos state government), how do I rectify it...interview date is in January 19th 2018

Hello bunmi284. You can carry both passports with you when you travel.

bunmi284:
Hello vo, i got my visa last year with my maiden name before getting married.my passport's got expired but with my valid visa so I have renewed the passport but with my husband name. My son was denied once but has been issued visa now.
Will there be any problem at the Poe for the change of name.

We do our best to apply the law and to not let emotion or mood impact our decisions. Customer service is a central tenet of our organization, and we try to live up to it:
https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/us-visas/visa-information-resources/customer-service-statement.html

Even if an applicant is rude, we would still judge them on their own merits. However, if an applicant is uncooperative --such as by giving vague or evasive answers-- then it becomes impossible for us to determine their merits, and the default answer is "no."

A manager once suggested that visa officers imagine how they would want their own parents to be treated if they were applicants.
My father is an older guy who doesn't hear so well, and he's not very sophisticated when it comes to websites. So for applicants like that, we try to speak slowly and explain whatever they don't understand right away. Above all, the applicant deserves to be treated with courtesy and respect.

NothingDoMe:
Thanks VO. People sometimes mention the mood or disposition of the VO as a deciding factor in their application. Thinking about it I was wondering what could get a VO so annoyed (according to them) to turn down an otherwise good application (according to them).

Hello NothingDoMe. To be sure, we have our own internal policies and controls.

NothingDoMe:
Good day VO,

Can a Visa Officer get into trouble for issuing a non-immigrant visa to someone who later violates his Visa conditions?

Hello innominate. First of all, condolences for your son's illness. The section of the law that you're referring to is 214b, and it covers a wide range of ineligibilities. Every applicant must qualify on their own merits, and having an American citizen relative does not equate to an approval. There are many countries in the world with health care systems equal to or better than that in the United States.

innominate:
Lagos NIV,

I am a medical practitioner of nearly thirty years experience,and also an MD of a thriving medical practice here in Lagos.However,I have an American citizen son who is a minor,but currently suffering from type 1 diabetes,which we have been managing for some years now.Unfortunately some few months ago he developed some complications for which we have seen a number of specialists here in Nigeria with no improvement.In view of this we got in touch with an Endocrinologist in California who accepted to see him and gave us an appointment for the 15th of this month.But since he is still a minor I and his mum intends to take him there to make the necessary arrangement for him and pay the hospital bills.
We were at the embassy in Lagos last week.After the interview we were both denied a visa base on section 241(b).I wrote a letter to the embassy on my son's plight and what is the way forward for him.The reply I got was very silent on the boy's issue and focusing only on what denial base on section 241(b) means and that we are welcome to reapply if our condition improves.
I have no interest in traveling to America but how a 14 year old boy would be able to see his doctor so as not to cut his life short.Thanks.

Hello Farrang. It shouldn't be an issue. If you haven't already, you should report to the Embassy/Consulate that your passport with the valid visa has been stolen. You are not eligible for the interview waiver program (dropbox), and will need to appear at the Embassy/Consulate if you wish to apply for a new visa.

Farrang:
Good day VO,
I am applying for a B1/B2 visa with a new passport (renewed passport with the previous passport number on it). The old passport expired this year but had a valid visa on it. However, since my old passport was stolen with my bag in the US the last time I travelled, I filled the DS-160 with the new passport number and stated all the facts regarding my old passport and visa under the appropriate sections. Now my problem is that my profile on the visa application page has my expired and stolen passport number, which is different from the new passport number on the DS-160 confirmation. Is this an issue?
Thank you

What is also curious is that the first few times this narrative was posted by Onyiify, it was about her brother, who somehow morphed into her husband. A husband priest who skipped from one wife to another in a matter of weeks. In our experience, a person who lies about small details is also likely to lie about more serious things. These people are not ideal visa applicants.

LadyGuinivere:
@naakua

This your "friend's husband ' has posted here and been answered. All these monikers and new additions and epistle....
1. Yes. Previous denials factor into new applications

Hello Oluwadamilola89. This is not a forum for hypothetical medical questions. Anytime the purpose of travel varies greatly from one interview to another in a short period of time, it does raise questions as to the applicant's credibility.

You are welcome to apply again at any time. Considering that your current medical intent is orders of magnitude more expensive than your previously declared purpose of travel, your finances are likely to be an issue.

Oluwadamilola89:
A big shout out to all those who have contributed greatly to the forum. Been a silent reader of this forum. I will like to find out is it possible for one to be pregnant and get to find out close to 4th month. No pregnancy signs, not even in any way looking pregnant as stomach is as flat as a piece of slice bread. I have Google's search and I saw so many replies stating the possibilities. I even read a. Particular which states 1 in 450women don't know they are pregnant till 5month while 1 in about 1,000 don't know why they are pregnant till they are due for labor. Am a bit confused though doctor says all is fine, scan results reveal baby is doing well . Now I want to apply strictly for B2 (childbirth) next year as EDD is May. Informed my sis last week and she's already helping me with getting a correspondence and cost of child birth in Indiana as that's her base.
Now the issue is?

Hello daddyfisayo. Your question was answered. As to your income, your recent comment on another thread (Practically all income I earned is use for buying fuel to power my generator everyday,portable water and visit mechanic place to repair my car) indicates that you may be stretched to afford international travel.

daddyfisayo2015:
Morning sir, you are yet to respond to my enquiry as per the implication of changing the income stated from all other sources and primary employment income in previous application to the income that is attached to my main primary employment income only in my new application. And must the income be in Net pay or Annual pay. Hoping to get back response soon

You are welcome to appear at the interview with your nephew. Again, minors typically qualify through their parents. Appearance by the parents and/or evidence showing that you are the legal guardian may be required.

Teslas:


Thanks Abujaniv,

The father is no more and my sister has remarried with a different surname and the new husband is not ready to adopt him. but my nephew is using his father surname because he has his primary school and secondary school certificate with that.

Please what will i do in this case. Note: My guardian document is a court order from Lagos Island high court in Lagos.

Please Advice

Hello igwemesh. You can discuss your travel history at the interview.

igwemesh:
thank you for the response

i completely finished filling my DS 160 form and have a date for my interview ..but while i was filling the form ..i stated that i had been to Benin republic which i went to in d year 2014 to buy my car without a passport..and my passport was issued in 2016...can this be used against me since the passport is newer to when i traveled to Benin..my passport was not stamped.. i only entered Benin with a slip given to me at the road boarder ..Benin is just about 20km away from my house..

can i just explain myself to the consular in charge when i get there or fill another ds 160 form.. my interview is middle next month




thanks

Hello listaby. Anytime actual travel deviates from what is declared in the interview/application, it invites greater scrutiny. There is no valid procedure for changing your purpose of travel to childbirth after the interview. Applicants are expected to declare such intent at the interview and also at the port of entry.

listaby:
Hello, officers.

My last us visa expired in 2015. Before it expired, I had written the embassy to notify them that I intend to go to the us to have my baby on that visa since I initially obtained it in 2013 to attend my sister's graduation.however I ended up not traveling again due to the fact that I developed DVT. Now my question is will the fact that I didn't travel that time for the purpose mentioned before affect my application next year when I need to go to the USA to attend My sister's wedding? Thank you.

Hello labsgal. It shouldn't be an issue. Be sure to point it out when you come in for the interview--we can amend the passport number at that time. The number on the passport will be represented on any visa that is printed and applied to it.

labsgal:
Good day,

I just found out that it's my old passport number that is on my visa application payment confirmation page. The lady at the bank mistakenly inputted my old passport number instead of new. Should I go ahead and fill my application form with my new passport number, or do I have to go back to the bank? Thanks

Hello Chynwey. This is a question best posed to customer service.

Chynwey:
Good day,
Is it possible to attend a visa interview in another country after making visa payment in Nigeria?
Thanks for your quick response.

Hello Justmey. You may be able to use the profile you submitted previously, though you should look through it an update any information that needs editing. Be advised that unless you have new information to supply in support of your application, the result is likely to be the same.

Justmey:
Please, when reapplying for another interview after getting form 214b, will the person need to fill a new DS 160, or is it the old one that will be used? Before going ahead to pay visa fee and scheduling another appointment

Hello Teslas. Minor children tend to qualify through their parents, so your nephew may need to appear with his mother and father. This is to protect against human trafficking.

Teslas:
Hello, AbujaNIV and LagosNIV

I have a valid US visa for tourism, i have been to the US once and i want to apply for my sister's son who is 15 years old to travel with me for tourism meanwhile he has never travel before. Please what documents will i need in applying for him.

NOTE: He will be travelling with me as his guardian and i have a guardian document to back my application up in case.

Please kindly advice.


Please is there any reply to this

Hello osewanu. Applicants are allowed to reschedule one time per visa fee receipt. If you are unable to do this on your own, you may inquire to customer service. You may apply for an emergency appointment, though the situation you describe does not appear to qualify for one.

osewanu:
Good afternoon consular officers, thank you for all you do to help us.
I made a mistake when filling my form ds160 but unfortunately, i discovered the mistake a day to my visa appointment.
I subsequently filled a new ds 160(since i'd already submitted the other one with the error).
I took the old one and the new both with me on the day of the interview.
However, I wasn't allowed in for the interview as they said my changes hadn't reflected in the system.
Am I eligible to reapply?
Will my MRV receipt still be valid?
If so, can i use it for another application?
Can I get consideration for an expedited appointment?
I'm at my wit's end, please help!
Thanks

If you are not enrolled in school, you can not remain in the US on a student visa. It doesn't matter what expiration date is printed on your visa. If you remain in the US when not enrolled or if your school has halted your SEVIS status, you can accrue illegal presence. This can lead to deportation and travel bans.

Havre:
Hello, please I would like your opinion on my case.
I am thinking of completing the semester but then I will be paying for what I wouldn't use. Can I apply for a J1 visa for spring internship, with my current f1? Also when fall 2018 comes, how do I go about my f1 visa while in the US?

Hello Lilyroad. We don't discuss chances on this forum--the US visa process is not a form of gambling.

Lilyroad:
Hello!

I have a job and family resources however I used my friend in the US (same state as my school) as my sponsor due to ease of access to her bank statements when I applies.... I do have a few relatives including a brother in Boston but he's paying off loans and can't be a sponsor.

Pls does have a US citizen as a sole sponsor reduce my chances for F1?

Hello daddyfisayo2015. Enter information pertaining to your primary occupation. At the interview, you may go into more detail about other jobs and sources of income.

daddyfisayo2015:
Evening sir, Please I need a solution as regard these challenges am being faced with. (1) can I state all the income I earned in a month from my regular paid employment job and income from my private business in my Ds 160 form or (2) should I stated only the income earned from paid employment. Because I have applied initially stating all income from other sources. . Your response will be appreciated.

Hello domcreative. Answer all questions truthfully. You were complicit in falsehoods entered in a previous application/interview, so own up to it.

domcreative:



AbujaNiv, LagosNIV, please i need your help to answer this.

I did write here that i had previously contracted an agent in applying for a US visa who misrepresented me by filling wrong information, however, you wrote that i should find a way to bring this up when i come for interview.

My questio, what do i answer to this.

"Have you ever sought to obtain or assist others to obtain a visa, entry into the United States, or any other United States immigration benefit by fraud or willful misrepresentation or other unlawful means?"

Do i just answer YES and assume the interviewer will see it on my DS-160 without having to bring it up during the interview if i'm not asked or answer NO and bring it up when i show up for interview.

Thanks

Hello Algbenguze. The visa fee receipt is valid for one year after payment.

Algbenguze:


Hello Abujaniv,
My B1/B2 visa will expire on 6th January 2018 but I intend travelling in December 2017 and thought I should renew before travelling because my return date may be after visa expiration. I had paid the N64k fee and initiated the renewal process before realising I don't need a renewal yet. I have my Dropbox confirmation letter but no DS160 application confirmation since I haven't submitted yet.
Will my visa fee still be valid for renewal after I return when the current visa would have expired?
Kindly advise. Thanks

Hello milieve. I would advise that you follow the instructions given by CBP and USCIS. If your student visa was cancelled or is no longer valid, you may reapply. That said, whatever issues led to you being denied entry previously will need to be addressed.

milieve:
Hi,
I have a question on how to apply for readmission into the US. I am a grad student at Prairie View A&M university in Houston. I lost my father earlier this year and had to attend his funeral last month. Before leaving the states I checked in with my DSO on what I needed to travel and she assured me that my I-20 will suffice. On my way back to continue my studies in the states I was stopped by the immigration officers. I was told that I did not have a valid visa for reentry but was told I could pay $585 for a visa waiver of which I told them that I could pay the amount if it is required of me but after my interview with one of the officer they decided that I was inadmissible to the US and so I was deported. I have never been convicted of a crime and have maintained my F-1 status during my stay and I’ve been a model citizen ever since I started my educational pursuit in the US. My SEVIS and I-20 are all up to date. Now, I have missed the fall semester after paying a tuition of over $8,000. I still have a few more semesters to go before graduating. I’ve been trying to figure out how to reapply for admission back to continue my studies when I came across the I-212 form. I will like to file this form but I’m not sure where to file it at.

Thanks for your help

Hello temitoe2598. You may also send an e-mail to ConsularAbuja@state.gov or LagosNIV@state.gov, depending on where you applied.

temitope2598:
Hello @AbujaNIV

I had an interview 3days ago and subsequently issued a 221g letter to schedule another appointment at no extra cost to bring some additional documents.
I have tried to used my old visa fee code to no avail
I have contacted support_nigeria@ustraveldocs.com by phone and mail but I still can't book an appointment

How soon can this be fixed please so I can book a follow up appointment soon as dates are filling up fast.
Alternatively, can I pay a new visa fee and book a new appointment if it's not resolved by next week?

Thank you.

Hello crownofwealth12. Your uncle is welcome to come onto this forum and ask a question about our process.

crownofwealth12:
Hello @Lagos Niv,I don't really understand why US deny genuine applicants,my uncle went for interview this morning and was denied,this will b his red refusal from US consulate, he has been to UK,stidied in UK and he came bk home,he's married with 3 kids and he's presently a lecturer,what other strong ties does US consulate need...it just looks like US refuses Nigerians intentionally..it's really sad..this man is outspoken and can defend himseof anywhere...please tell me what he can do......Thank u