Hello cosade. I think you can safely answer "yes" to this question, as both the Abuja Embassy and Lagos Consulate operate under the same system. In any case, the visa officer will be able to see where the previous visa was issued.

cosade:
Dear VO,

Please educate me on the right answer to this question "Are you applying in the same country or location where the visa above was issued, and is this country or location your place of principal residence?".

My last F1 visa was issued in Abuja, Nigeria and I intend applying through Lagos, Nigeria. In view the fact that the city of application is changing, do I answer "No" to the question?

From your previous posts, I should be able to use the dropbox privilege despite the change.

Thanks for your usual prompt answer.

Then I would advise you to follow the specific instructions you were given. Typically, people file police reports when they lose their passports, and that report may also be requested.

KnowledgeIsPawa:


Thank you for your reply but the consulate told us in the reply that before the lost visa is invalidated and entered into record, we need to send the lost/stolen visa notice with the original email that was used to apply for that visa in the first place.

Hello KnowledgeIsPawa. Make a new e-mail address and profile. E-mail addresses are free. The profile is based on biographical information that that applicant should know innately without having to look at a previous version.

KnowledgeIsPawa:
Good afternoon AbujaNIV

I am writing on behalf of an old lady who is right now between a rock and a hard place. She is an elderly aunt of mine who was invited by her son after his wife had a child. She was granted a B1/B2 visa but that is the beginning of her predicament. Unfortunately, she lost her passport and belongings in a mall. Unaware of the process and also not computer literate, she had someone help her send an email to ustraveldocs instead of LagosNIV. Hence, usatraveldocs sent her a form email, telling her how to apply for a replacement visa when she has loses her valid visa. Apparently, that visa was not invalidated. Oblivious of this, she went on to apply for a replacement visa later, only to be told she already had a visa. The miss up ensured that she was rejected. Hence, we have been trying to rectify the issue. We have sent an email to LagosNIV but her biggest problem now is that she no longer has the documents where she entered the application email addresses and passwords. Since she was not computer literate, she was walked through the earlier application process by her tenant who helped her register an email and create a profile for the application on the portal. Now, she has lost those particulars where these information were written down, along with the passport. The young man remembers the email address, but he does not remember both the password to the email and the password to the application portal. Because he wrote them down for her somewhere which she has lost. Now, we wrote an email to LagosNIV about the lost passport/visa, using another email and the reply was that they do not have that new email on their records. They said she should use the original email address that she used to apply in order for the information to be processed.
My question is, since she no longer has access to that original email address, what should she do?

We've gone over the document question many times on this thread. Read and learn.

dotuniyi1:




Dear VO,
Thanks for your response it was helpful. What documents am I meant to take along on the day of my interview apart from (DS160, SEVIS, I-20, VISA FEE PAYMENT CONFIRMATION) considering the fact that I have done part of my flight training in Kenya(Private Pilot License) and also being a Nigerian applying for US Visa in Kenya?

Hello Oyinola87. Take your photograph where? If you are applying via interview waiver program (dropbox) then you should be using DHL to send in your passport and DS-160. If the photograph is uploaded electronically, then that's all you need to do.

Oyinola87:
Good morning,
Please I uploaded my passport photograph on the ds- 160 form.. do I need to take my passport photograph along again. I am doing drop box. Thank you

Hello dotuniyi1. In our experience, flight students should be very attuned to the specifics of the equipment they will be training on and the qualifications they will seeking. Flight school is a huge investment of time and money, so be prepared to explain how such a program in the US will make educational and economic sense for you.

dotuniyi1:
Hello VO,
I plan to go to USA for completion of my flight training, I applied for M1 visa few years ago in Nigeria and it was refused, so I decided to travel to Kenya for my flight training. I have gotten my Private Pilot License in Kenya and would still really love to go to United States for the rest of my training.
The reason why I need to go to the United States is that upon completion of Private Pilot License the next training would be Instrument rating which would make me more proficient flying instrument because I would build the rest of my flying hours on instrument and not VFR the way it’s done here in Kenya. (Airline Pilots fly instrument not VFR). I need advice on how to explain that to the VO here in Nairobi. It would really enhance my flying career!

Thanks

Hello nefertitiram. In principle, one can do these things on a B1/B2 visa. That said, US business law and taxation are complex matters that often require the assistance of lawyers and accountants to navigate. Even if the business principle is a foreigner, the business is still subject to taxation in the US. For people starting relatively large businesses in the US, there is a special category of visa known as E-2.

nefertitiram:
Hi VO,

I've been wondering about something.

Can someone open a business office in US on a B1 business visa, hire staff to man the office and oversee from a remote location?

#JustAsking #RandomMusing

Hello Amakyzuu. The parents should come with their government-issued IDs. This should be common sense--that whenever you enter a secure, government facility, you should have ID. If there's any portion of the tuition or expenses not covered by the scholarship, the student or parents should show a bank statement or some proof that they can make up the balance.

Amakyzuu:
Good day,
I would like to ask some questions regarding preparation for interview for an F-1 visa for my sister (a minor of 15years).
We have a print out of her I-20 with a detailed full (1-year) scholarship offer from the high school she would attend, her admission letter (scanned and sent by email from the school) and a letter to the consular officer (scanned and sent by email from the school) indicating that she has been accepted as a student and that information regarding her scholarship is on the I-20 form. I would like to know what documents my parents need to get ready for her interview to demonstrate her intentions to study and return to Nigeria for college/University. How can i prepare her for the VO's questions? I do not have any experience at all.

Thank you in advance

Hello Rebionak. The qualifications for an F1 visa are the same as a B1/B2 with the added criteria that you are a bonafide student able to pay for your education. In a sense, it is a higher hurdle than the B1/B2, where you have recently been denied. Applications are considered to be sworn documents by the applicants. Mistakes or misrepresentations made on them reflect solely on the applicant him/herself. Finally, it seems a very tall order to be a full-time student while also caring for an infant in an expensive foreign country.

Rebionak:
Goodmorning, I'd like to ask some questions;

I am a single mother due to circumstances and my baby has a different surname as me and I want to apply for a student visa next month via Kaplan. What are the possibilities of getting an approved visa with a 4month old?

Another question; I applied for a b1/b2 visa last month and got denied. An agent applied for me. But now I know better. Would that affect anything? Thanks.

Hello RexNdubest. The interview waiver program (IWP or dropbox) is still in effect. In general, you qualify if you principally reside in Nigeria and your last visa expired in less than 12 months. There are other qualifications that are best perused on your own time:
http://www.ustraveldocs.com/ng/ng-niv-visarenew.asp

RexNdubest:
Good morning AbujaNIV.

I want to renew my visa and they are giving me the option for Dropbox renewal. I've heard people say there isn't any more Dropbox visa renewal for Nigerians. Now, I'm confused. Would you advise me to do the Dropbox or just apply to visit the embassy? Thanks

He may ask inside the Embassy/Consulate. That said, it's really best if the applicant attempts to speak English. It really begs the question how an individual can follow instructions on an airplane or navigate an international airport without ability in English or some other common language.

mybelovenigeria:


Thanks a lot VO. Your response is well appreciated.

May I ask, is he going to request for an interpreter at the point of interview from the Consular, or at the outside security screening area from a security officer?

Sorry to bother you please.

Sure.

Energgyyy:
Dear abujaniv,

Thank you for your prompt response.
My actual question is this: my bank statement was requested, while submitting it can i also attach a proof of my scholarship from my school.

Thanks

Greetings rotormast. It's somewhat unusual for both nationality and name to change. I would advise to bring to the interview all your old passports and whatever evidence you have of the legal name change.

rotormast:

Good Morning VO,

I once applied for study visa 3 years ago in Nigeria but I was denied . 3 years after, I changed Nationality to my Mom's country and also had to do change of name ( all my name). the present company I work for wants to send me for two weeks training in the U.S.. I will like to enquire how I can go about my case .. I have a stamped and signed court affivadit and a newspaper advert for my change of name..i will like to know what i need to do during my visa application as i believe that the embassy will definitely have access to my previous record.

Hello corrall. If you put no value on time and convenience, you are welcome to make four separate trips.

corrall:
Hi, please I would like to ask when applying as a family, is it best to apply together or separately?Its me, hubby and our 2 kids.

When you discover the method for instantly determining who has genuine intent and who is a fraud, please let us know.

yduring:
I dropped off a genuine document as requested.but why does this happen to people with genuine intent.I am just wondering and surprised.

Hello yduring. There's no ambiguity in that message.

yduring:
Got a message from the embassy stating... Thank you for your email. According to our records, your application is currently undergoing administrative processing. Once administrative processing is complete, your application will be reconsidered.

In the meantime, your passport has been returned to our DHL Document Collection Centre. Please check with them there. Do not return Passport back until it is requested.

Sincerely, what does this mean?

Hello bigyemat. It sounds like you will need to make alternative arrangements for your accommodation, as Texas and Virginia are not exactly close. That said, we advise against purchasing tickets or paying for hotel reservations until you have the visa in hand.

bigyemat:
Dear VO, I have a conference in Plano Texas and I have filled and submitted the DS160 form and my interview is booked for 14th of July but I just realized that I booked a wrong hotel at a different location which is at Virginia which is a different location from my conference.please what can I do? Help me out

Hello Frenzied. If you were instructed to send in additional documents, then that is what you must do in order to be issued the visa.

Frenzied:
Hello V.O,

I hope this post meets you well.
I attended an interview on the 29th of June 2017 for f1 visa at the embassy at abuja. My application was approved and I was handed the white paper containing pick up locations.

My visa status on ceac website indicates "issued" since July 3rd. I have not received any notification for my passport pick up yet; I rather received a mail on Friday directing me submit some documents as part of administrative processing. I need your insight on this as this occurence have been puzzling me.

Regards.

Hi Coefficient. If it is a degree or certificate program, then a student visa is required.

Coefficient:
Hello Abujaniv,

I'd like to know the class of visa to obtain for a short course spanning 6 months to 1 year in the USA.

Thanks

Hello fibonaci. If you have found an electronic form of the DS-5535 that should suffice.

fibonaci:
Hi..

This is my issue: After a lengthy administrative processing, I got an email frm th Consulate to submit my passport.

I did that and after 3 weeks got another email from Consulate directing me to collect my passport frm GSS collection centre, fill out a (supplemental question) form that was attached to the email, then resubmit my passport together wt the form.

Unfortunately the attachment wouldnot open. I've tried to open it for days without any luck.

Email the consulate back informing them of my conundrum last week but I still havent gotten a response back.

However I noticed the name of the attachment (DS5535) and did some research on it and came across a form online thats called a DS5535 form and titled supplemental questions form.

I believe its the same form as the attachment that wouldnt open.

Do you figure I should fill that out and send it back together with my passport. Or what do you advise??

Thanks...

Hello yduring. It's not a good idea to make travel plans before the visa is in hand. Unfortunately, we can not give a timeline for the length of administrative processing.

yduring:
OK.I understand that I will get my passport after the administrative processing is done with,but I would like to have an Idea of what the situation described above in my writeup means.passport is ready for pickup while its still showing administrative processing. Am confused.when it happens like that does it mean I will most likely be issued or not. What signs should I expect to see if I was denied or issue?thank you for the first response.waiting for the answer to this one.I already made travel plans for the 10th so I am anxious.pls reply

Hello mybelovenigeria. Between our officers and local staff, we have speakers in the Embassy/Consulate of all the languages you mention.

mybelovenigeria:
Hello VO,

Please I'm asking this question on behalf of a friend. He doesn't speak good English, only Pidgin. But he speaks Hausa and Yoruba fluently. He is being invited to the US by his elder brother who happens to be getting married in October. My question is " how is he going to be interviewed at the Embassy". Is it through pidgin, or hausa or yoruba. He filled only hausa and yoruba as his spoken languages in the ds 160 form. Thank you in advance.

Hello Mrsdoctor007. The interview waiver program (IWP or dropbox) is not a guarantee for renewal.

Mrsdoctor007:
Hello, thank you for the job you are doing here. My question is I was issued a B1/B2 NIV in 2012, and 2015 via Dropbox. 2 weeks ago I tried to reapply for another visa for 2017 via Dropbox but I was sent a mail and a yellow 221g form saying I should come for an interview. I'm worried. I never abused my previous visa travelled about 4 times stayed 4weeks and never stayed beyond 12 wèeks though the last trip my intention changed to childbirth and I told them at the POE even though I was allowed up 6months. I'm married now and I included it in my form but I haven't changed my name, my husband has his valid visa so I didn't renew with him. I'm worried. Thanks a lot

Hello Energgyyy. Your application will not be completed and the visa will not be issued as long as it is in 221g status. You are required to present the documents asked for to complete the process.

Energgyyy:
Dear abujaniv,

During my interview, my visa was approved. Days after i got an email from the consulate with 221(g) attached and my bank statement was requested. I received some sort of funding, can i submit the bankstatement along with the proof of funding? The funding came after my i-20 had arrived. Thank you in anticipation

Hello yduring. Your passport will be returned when the administrative processing is completed. There is an e-mail address on the paper you were given. You may write to that address if you have specific questions pertaining to your application status.

yduring:
Hello VO.I am a bit worried about a recent occurence.I applied for and attended a U.S visitors visa (b1/b2) on the 8th of June 2017 and was given a white paper with a ticked portion that states drop off a document (bill of lading).the consular officer said I do not need to come back to the embassy and she collected my passport.I followed up my visa status on their site using the CEAC and it showed administrative processing with case created a day before my interview which is the 7th of June.it was last updated to 8th of June which was my date of interview and remained so till now. I tracked my passport initially and it showed that passport is still with us embassy.after about 3weeks the status changed to There is no status update available for the passport number submitted.then all of a sudden about 2days ago which corresponds to about 4days to my intended date of travel,I saw passport is ready for pickup when I tracked my passport but on the CEAC page it still shows administrative processing.I don't know if I was issued the visa or not.what should I expect.

Hello gomez1only. I think you know the know the answer to your question. You brother is accruing illegal presence in the United States. Penalties for this range from a three- to ten-year ban on entry into the US. Your brother should depart as soon as possible.

gomez1only:
Hello everyone, I'm asking this question on behalf of my younger brother in yankee. He got a 2 years US visa in April this year, then travelled in middle of May, on his arrival at the POE, he was told he can only stay in the US until 1st of June 2017 (2wks stay). But, today is 8th of July and he's still in the US. But he plans on leaving by next month to come back to Nigeria. So, we're just scared of what might happen if he wants to return probably by next year. Will it be possible for him to also apply for a visa for his wife & kids? We need advice's please. What's his fate on coming back next year? What will happen to the current 2 years visa?

Abeg, make ona no fry us too much with yabbing o! Just go straight to the point on your advice please, Lol. Thanks in advance!

The qualifications for a student visa are pretty simple: that you are a bonafide student and able to pay for your tuition and living expenses. There are, unfortunately, some applicants who see the student visa as simply a means to get into the US, and are therefore not bonafide students. Visa officers see through their intentions relatively quickly. The finances are another matter. Education and living expenses in the US escalate quickly. Even at a cheap school, it will cost around $20,000 a year, and possibly a lot more. Multiply that by four for an undergraduate degree. So your $1,200 spent is just a drop in the bucket. Going to school in the US is a huge investment of time and money. It has to make educational and economic sense, and that is what you have to demonstrate to the visa officer.

djpope:


apologies...in fact i want the complete truth. the thing is i had already ventured into it before coming across the nairaland threads and nobody said anything about the VO and their inquisitiveness. they made it sound like getting the i-20 was the hardest part. now i have the 1-20 and i'm really bothered about the embassy interview ( denial no be easy thing o)

what do you advise having in mind that i already paid about $1200 for the whole process of getting the 1-20 so i just have to forge ahead.

i'm sure i'm not the first person to be in this scenario so i really need your help on how to go about it.

Thank you.

In your previous question, you were intent on traveling to a conference. Make up your mind and apply again if you want--the qualifications will be the same.

Sebastine1606:
Hello VO,
Truth is that, as at last year Nov that I made the application, I was still single,yet I explained to the VO incharge that I am engaged to be married, now I am married to my wife in June this year.
The question is this, can I apply now as married since I am going with her for a short stay vacation......?

Thanks

Hello uniquema. "Commodities" is a very broad term. As long as the goods are legal buy and sell and you transport them correctly, the B1/B2 visa is appropriate.

uniquema:
Dear VO

I need help.
I have a B1/B2 VISA which I have used once for a visit. In the course of my visit, I stumbled into some commodities which i can buy and sale in my home country.
Now my questions are,
1. Can I travel to the US frequently for the purpose of buying these commodities for sale in my home country as often as i have order for them.
2. Do I need a different visa category for visiting the US for the purpose of buying these items.

Plz note: I do not want anything that will amount to misuse of VISA.

Hello Awaino1214. I assume you mean "basic travel allowance." This is not a feature of US immigration law. However, travelers and students are expected to be able to fund their stay in the US. There is no set amount, but if you show up at the border and tell CBP that you're coming for a month and you have only $17 and no credit cards, you may be subject to some thorough questioning of how you will pay for your food and housing.

Awaino1214:
Do I need a BTA to travel as a student?
What are they requirements after getting a student visa and at the point of entry.?

Hello sshola. It is now common for visa officers to request bank documents and transcripts/WAEC. If the applicant doesn't have one --or any other documentary evidence that may be requested-- the application can be put on hold (221g status) until the documents are presented.

sshola:


Hi,

What if a visa officer requests and one doesnt have it (since its not a requirement), does this hamper one's chance of approval

Hello djpope. I see that you've already gone through these inquiries on another thread, and that you seem to be casting about for "whats the best answer." If you are considering any answers besides the complete truth, I advise you to abandon your US education plans altogether. We do not discuss "chances" here--this is not gambling.

djpope:
hello team, well done for the good work.

please is age going to affect a F1 visa during interview?

Also if there is a long gap of like 9years between finishing WAEC and application to a college in the US...what are the chances of getting a visa?