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Travel › Re: General South Africa Visa Enquiries by AKO1(m): 5:56pm On Apr 27, 2016

Hello everyone,

Would I need a yellow card as a Nigerian if I live in the US and am traveling straight from the US?

Thanks

Food › How Do You All Proportion Your Blended Stew? by AKO1(op): 9:26pm On Feb 19, 2016

So I recently got a blender which means I can finally stop using canned crushed tomatoes for stew grin

But I blended stew myself before. How do you proportion the red bell pepper, tomatoes, onions and rodo to still get that authentic flavor and color? The two times I've done it, I went about 70% red pepper 20 tomato 5 onions and 5 rodo.

I'm wondering whether I'm doing this right.

Food › Re: What Is The Difference Between Soup, Stew And Sauce? by AKO1(m): 9:19pm On Feb 19, 2016

Lol was thinking about this the other day. Great responses.

It's also a matter of how language is used. Some people annoyingly call ofada stew ofada sauce to try and sound fancy.

Travel › Re: Why I Hate Winter. by AKO1(m): 9:37pm On Feb 01, 2016

Thank God we don't have snow in Nigeria.

We can't even figure out how to get rid of refuse properly.

4 Likes

Food › Re: Cook In Your Kitchen, Take Pictures And Post It Here. SIMPLE! by AKO1(m): 5:09am On Jan 25, 2016

Beef & prawn stir fry

3 Likes

Travel › Re: General U.s.a (student) Visa Enquiries-part 8 by AKO1(m): 10:13pm On Jan 17, 2016

Jchi9876:
How high is too "damn high"?

A studio in a decent neighborhood in Manhattan typically costs upwards of $2,500 a month. If you're willing to share in a two/three bedroom, half that.

A studio or one bedroom further from town in deeper parts of the Bronx or Queens could go from anywhere between 1k if you're lucky and 1.8.

Travel › Re: General U.s.a (student) Visa Enquiries-part 8 by AKO1(m): 6:34pm On Jan 16, 2016

SophiaLisa:
Good Day All,

On Tuesday morning, was at the Lagos Consulate for my F1 interview (Sorry for the late post).

Please view my transcript below;
VO: Please come forward.
SL: Good morning.
VO: (no response; He must have been cranky). *Flips through my passport*. So you have a running B1/B2 Visa
SL: Yes.
VO: So why do you want to study an MBA ....
SL: No, not an MBA. Its a Mastes degree.
VO: I'm sorry, why do you want to go for a Masters in Project Management?
SL: *Gave him my story, linking it with my being an Investment Banker*. When I was done, I said, and here's a letter of introduction from my company.
VO: Without looking up, he kept typing but said "Never mind".
VO: So, have you paid the SEVIS fee?.
SL: Yes I have. It's right there (pointed at the paper in front of him which he clearly missed out).
VO: (Keeps typing and typing and typing).
VO: Your visa has been approved, pick it up in three business days. Also, make sure you don't present the B1/B2 visa at the POE so it doesn't raise any issues.
SL: Thank you very much.
SL: So the B1/B2 visa is still valid?
VO: Yes it is.

I thanked him again and left!

Thanks to God, everyone that prayed with me as well as the Special tips from AKO1, KennyRonny, Meritdee.

Tuesday was just miraculous because before me, they had only approved a visa for 1 woman and her daughter (an Indian). Every other person had a blue paper (denial). In fact, the three F1 applicants ahead of me were rejected out-rightly. I remember praying as I walked before the VO. God is faithful and kind.

Next off, who lives in New York here oooooo. Looking to share an apartment.

Congrats!

And good luck finding a place in New York! I work in NY but live on the outskirts, the rent is too damn high!

Travel › Re: Cheap Calls From USA To Nigeria by AKO1(m): 11:11pm On Jan 08, 2016

Google voice is great.

Travel › Re: My Horrible Experience At Murtala Mohammed Airport::::::(see pictures):::::::::: by AKO1(m): 8:03am On Jan 07, 2016

cannonnier:
. Look at it this way; "atleast you had exercised you bones".

That sentence is everything that is wrong with Nigeria. We'd rather manage than fix sh*t.

1 Like

Food › Re: Cook In Your Kitchen, Take Pictures And Post It Here. SIMPLE! by AKO1(m): 2:16pm On Jan 06, 2016

Crab meat fried rice

7 Likes 1 Share

Travel › Re: General U.s.a (student) Visa Enquiries-part 8 by AKO1(m): 1:51pm On Jan 06, 2016

dannybrown19:
Hello everyone, I was not given the I-94 form at JFK when I came in last week, how do I get it now?

Customs and Border Protection no longer issues paper I-94s. http://www.cbp.gov/travel/international-visitors/i-94-instructions

You can check your record here https://i94.cbp.dhs.gov/I94/consent.html

Travel › Re: General U.s.a (student) Visa Enquiries-part 8 by AKO1(m): 1:37pm On Jan 06, 2016

SophiaLisa:
Good Morning Everyone!

God bless you all and Happy New Year.

So, I have an F1 Visa interview on the 12th and trust me I am nervous to say the least. There is so much to read but so little time. So I beg you all to please assist me with feedback and clarifications. Abeg.

US Visits - I have an existing B1/B2 Visa which I got in August 2014. I traveled with it to the States in September 2014 and I came back in October 2014.
Foreign Trips - I have made multiple trips to UK, Dubai, Gambia. Came back in due time as well.
Sponsorship - I intend to fund my studies through my savings, on-campus jobs.
Admission - I got admitted into New York University for a Masters Degree in Project Management (Spring 2016). Classes starts on January 25, 2016.
Documents - I have my I-20 form, SEVIS fee document, Statements, Car document.
Employment - Currently employed in an Investment Bank.
Relatives in US - Aunty in Texas,
Residence in US while studying - Staying with a friend at Queen's NY.

So, guys, that's about it.

Please share your views on what I need to do, prepare for or look out for. Biko!

God bless you all!!!!

All the VO wants to know is that you're actually going to study, you can pay for it, and you will come back at the end. Don't lie, don't contradict what you filled in the DS-160, speak and stand confidently, keep answers brief and to the point, don't give any documents you're not asked for.

Might be a good idea to take along some kind of proof of your employment like your offer letter or ID card, since it looks like that's about your strongest tie to Nigeria.

Since you don't have an on-campus job offer, it might not be a good idea to use the mere prospect as evidence of your ability to pay your way. Other people here may have different opinions on this.

Good luck.

2 Likes

Travel › Re: !!!UPDATE!!! Traveling With Expired Nigerian Passport by AKO1(m): 11:53pm On Jan 03, 2016

Haha folks out here starting threads and pretending to ask questions when they're simply looking to confirm their prior assumptions.

Looking forward to how this turns out.

Food › Re: Cook In Your Kitchen, Take Pictures And Post It Here. SIMPLE! by AKO1(m): 3:34pm On Jan 02, 2016

Supper

12 Likes 1 Share

Food › Re: Why Is Jollof Rice Cooked With Firework Sweeter Than The One Of Gas Cooker? by AKO1(m): 2:58pm On Jan 02, 2016

Probably has to do with the smoke that gets into the rice and adds flavour.

Same reason why grilled meat that's smoked vs grilled meat that's cooked in the oven taste different.

1 Like

Travel › Re: General South Africa Visa Enquiries by AKO1(m): 6:43pm On Jan 01, 2016

Hello house,

I'm planning to visit SA from the US later this year, I live and work in the US. Would I still need a yellow fever card because I'm Nigerian?

Thanks

Travel › Re: General U.s.a (student) Visa Enquiries-part 8 by AKO1(m): 11:44pm On Dec 30, 2015

Two side notes here: I was at the Lagos embassy yesterday. I've never seen a more organized set of Nigerians before, queuing quietly and waiting their turn without haggling anybody. It's amazing how our people suddenly behave when at the mercy of a visa.

I heard at least two people get denied because they had fake stamps in their passports. WTF!! huh

? You think America will not know?

Travel › Re: Pls How Can I Get Work Permit From Nigeria To USA by AKO1(m): 5:57pm On Dec 30, 2015

ttmacoy:
The H1 is very difficult to get as the company must be able to prove they couldn't find an American and also you must meet certain criteria such as minimum salary etc.

This is a common misconception. It applies in a lot of other countries but not in the US.

For a US work visa, the company needs to prove that they'll pay you in a range suitable to the position and comparable to what they would pay an American.

They do this through the Labour Condition Application, or LCA, which would also affirm that current workers would not be adversely affected by the employment of a foreigner - that's different from saying you couldn't find an American.

In almost all instances, companies can find Americans; there are only a few jobs in the world that are so specialized that not one in 300 million+ Americans won't be able to do. In fact, the whole H-1B visa system has been criticized for many years and for many reasons, including that it displaces skilled Americans especially in tech.

2 Likes 1 Share

Travel › Re: U.S. Non-immigrant Visas: We’re Listening by AKO1(m): 6:22pm On Dec 17, 2015

Hello VO,

I have a question about the H-1B. Based on the list of documents here, http://www.ustraveldocs.com/ng/ng-niv-typework.asp

The I-129 receipt number is required for the interview to verify the application, but no longer the I-797 receipt.

The link says I must bring "The receipt number printed on your approved I-129 petition."

I'm confused as to whether I just need to have the number handy, which I do, or bring along a copy of the I-129 petition with the receipt number written on top of it. By my understanding, USCIS keeps the original for their records.

Thank you.

Travel › Where Can I Change Dollars To Naira In New York by AKO1(op): 7:13pm On Dec 11, 2015

Can I?

Travel › Re: General U.s.a (student) Visa Enquiries-part 8 by AKO1(m): 9:07pm On Nov 13, 2015

Great thanks

slimmy05:
Shouldn't exceed 3-4 hours including wait times. You can always get a bus to Ife even at 5pm in Lagos

Travel › Re: General U.s.a (student) Visa Enquiries-part 8 by AKO1(m): 6:02pm On Nov 13, 2015

AKO1:
From Ife. But getting to the embassy is not the issue, I want to know roughly when the interview process would be over so that I can plan a sleepover if it's going to be late.

Travel › Re: General U.s.a (student) Visa Enquiries-part 8 by AKO1(m): 6:02pm On Nov 13, 2015

slimmy05:
you have still not stated where you are coming from

From Ife. But getting to the embassy is not the issue, I want to know roughly when the interview process would be over so that I can plan a sleepover if necessary.

Travel › Re: General U.s.a (student) Visa Enquiries-part 8 by AKO1(m): 2:11pm On Nov 13, 2015

Sure I'll be there at 7 if necessary, I'm more concerned about how long it would take because I'm traveling back home outside of Lagos.

slimmy05:
it depends on where your coming from. Atleast be at the embassy an hour early so incase you need to do other stuffs.

Travel › Re: General U.s.a (student) Visa Enquiries-part 8 by AKO1(m): 1:23pm On Nov 13, 2015

Hello,

Those of you that have interviewed at 11 a.m., when did you get to the embassy, roughly how long did it take, and how soon were you out of there?

Thank you!

Travel › Re: General U.s.a (student) Visa Enquiries-part 7 by AKO1(m): 3:26pm On Aug 27, 2015

slimmy05:
Any possibility of entering Canada with expired F-1?

I doubt it, and frankly am not keen to risk it; the bigger issue is I need the H1 to re-enter the US.

Travel › Re: General U.s.a (student) Visa Enquiries-part 7 by AKO1(m): 3:16pm On Aug 27, 2015

biikeys:
No, you're not.

Cool, thanks. That's a bit tricky for me because I'm switching from F1 status and an expired F1 visa. So if anything goes wrong I won't be able to re-enter the US right away.

Also, there's this: http://canada.usembassy.gov/mobile//visas/visas/categories-and-requirements/important-notice-for-applicants-with-a-visitors-permit-to-canada2.html

"With rare exceptions, visa applicants temporarily visiting Canada should apply at the U.S. Consular Section in their country of residence. If the applicant is not a resident of Canada, interviewing officers at the U.S. Consular Sections in Canada may not have experience in evaluating the circumstances in the applicant's country of residence. The applicant will, therefore, have greater difficulty establishing eligibility for a U.S. visa in Canada than would be experienced in the applicant's home country.

A substantial percentage of visitors to Canada are denied visas under these circumstances. Consequently, we strongly urge visitors to Canada to apply for U.S. visas in their country of residence."

Travel › Re: General U.s.a (student) Visa Enquiries-part 7 by AKO1(m): 3:07pm On Aug 27, 2015

Thanks, first time stamping.

You sure I'm not required to go to my home consulate to get stamped?

My passport expires in two months.

biikeys:
I believe you can only renew your passport 6 months before expiration. BTW you can as well get your H1B stamping done in Canada.First time stamping or renewal?

Travel › Re: General U.s.a (student) Visa Enquiries-part 7 by AKO1(m): 12:42pm On Aug 27, 2015

Hello everyone, two quick questions (for context, I'm in America):

1. Is it possible to renew my passport here before it expires? It's expiring just before I plan to travel home later this year.

2. Can I have someone else pay the GTB fee and collect the receipt I need (cant remember what it's called) to book an appointment in Lagos from here? While I'm home, I need to get an H1B visa stamped and want to book the interview well in advance (yes I've already been approved, etc etc.)

Thank you, and sorry if I'm slightly off topic.

Politics › 34-year Veteran Jim Clancy Just Left CNN After Twitter Arguments by AKO1(op): 7:59pm On Jan 16, 2015

Via Mediaite:

Just one week after he engaged in a heated Twitter debate over the terror attacks on Charlie Hebdo, CNN international correspondent Jim Clancy announced he is leaving the network after more than 30 years at the network. In a short note to his CNN colleagues, Clancy did not give a reason for his departure.

Read the full memo below:

After nearly 34 years with Cable News Network, the time has come to say Farewell!
It has been my honor to work alongside all of you for all of these years. This is one of the greatest news organizations in the world. It has truly revolutionized information delivery while driving technological advances in how we gather the news.
Through it all, CNN has been a family to my own family. That means something.
As I reflect on all of the great adventures and achievements of the past, I wish you great success in the future.
Jim Clancy

http://www.mediaite.com/online/34-year-veteran-jim-clancy-leaves-cnn-after-controversial-charlie-hebdo-tweets/

Politics › Re: Photo: What's This Ugly Badge That President Jonathan And NTA Newscasters Wear? by AKO1(op): 9:55pm On Jan 15, 2015

Dlionsheart:
Arms forces remembrance day badge. Today is arms forces remembrance day - 15/01/2015.

Ah I see, thanks.

Still ugly af.

Here's a prettier poppy:

4 Likes

Politics › Photo: What's This Ugly Badge That President Jonathan And NTA Newscasters Wear? by AKO1(op): 9:39pm On Jan 15, 2015

I have no idea.

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