opomulero:
Yes that was exactly what i did.....so all search light is on me.

Hi Opomulero,

Can you assist me with the template of the letter you used for sponsorship as well as if you have a cover letter template as well?

Is 1.5M reasonable enough to cover expenses of 2 adults and 2 children for 7 days in your opinion?

Flight (Round trip) x4 - 1,025,000.00
Accomodation - 150,569.00 (325)
Transportation - 47,500.00 (100)
Feeding x 7days - 142,500.00 (300)
Attractions - 95,000.00 (200)


Is the above good enough as itinerary?

giselle237:
Both of u should attach the following... employment letters, payslips, introduction letter from employers stating boldly how long u have been in employment with them, annual salary, position, if it’s paid and/or permitted leave, where you are going to and when you are expected to resume back at work for each person, covering letters and planned itineraries of everything you will do in the UK written efficiently, letter of sponsorship of wife issued by husband, 6 months statement of account for both, hotel bookings, provisional flight bookings, marriage certificate, children birth certificates, family pictures including kids, school fees receipts and term reports to show the kids are in school and will definitely return, childrens’ passports, copies of past visas and travel stamps 4all, copies of landed properties/cars/assets plus pictures if available, then any other documents you find on this thread that would be important.

Hi Giselle, God bless you for this. I sincerely appreciate it.

Regards

giselle237:
@opomulero or so. He sponsored his wife, she’s a home maker and used I think all of his documents. His posts should give you a bit of insight.
In the meantime, whats ur husband’s salary, whats ur salary and then his account balance at the time u intend to apply? It will help our judgement..
Sure u can reference ur husband’s application when filling your form. U will be asked if u re traveling with anyone in the form.. u should fill in his details here.
Pls also give a full itinerary of what u plan to be doin for evry day of ur travel. Ur husband will answer in his own form too.
For number 3. Whether he is co-sponsoring or fully sponsoring you will be given the visa once u can establish your ties ... all your assets will also help to cement your application but ur husband’s stuffs can be infront. Again pls check the poster I referenced at the top and @ or pm him.

Thanks so very much.

This is much clearer. I will search for his posts. Thank you for the insight.

giselle237:
[beautyx5
1. Everyone that needs a visa will fill a separate application and will pay his or her fees even if from same family.
2. Disposable income= Monthly Salary - Monthly expenses
3. All applications should carry adequate information and details even if from same family.
4. Your husband can sponsor the trip

Hello Giselle,

Thank you for you responses. Though some of it are not directly addressing my concerns but I appreciate the feedback.

1.Does my account balance of 50k suffice since my husband is the one sponsoring or should I liquidate some money from my MMF into my account to show proof of funds? From your experience, what do you advise?
2. How can I reference my husband's application? should my itinerary be for one person or for the both of us?
3. Will I need to provide the same documents as my husband? i.e Landed properties, tax clearance e.t.c for both of us or just his?


I have gone through 100 pages of information but haven't been able to find responses that can help me address these specific concerns hence why I am asking.

But thanks again.

beautyx5:
Hi everyone,

Good evening. Please I need your help. I want to apply for a Visa with my husband to visit the UK for about 7 days for vacation.

I observed that the Visa form does not allow for joint applications (family applications). I have read through as much as I can to see if I can find a page where people in my situation have provided feedback but I am not yet successful. Maybe I am not searching well. However my request goes thus:

1. Can anyone please point me out to a section on this forum that addresses couples application for Visa?
2. I have a good paying job but my husband will be the one sponsoring this trip. My current accounts dont have more than 50k in them at the moment because I have moved funds around to help cater for the home however, I have about 1.5M in my MMF. I dont want to make any sudden bulk transfers and my travel date is in the 1st week of April. Is this okay since my husbands accounts is sufficient to take care of both of us on this trip?
3. How can I reference my husband's application? should my itinerary be for one person or for the both of us?
4. Will I need to provide the same documents as my husband? i.e Landed properties, tax clearance e.t.c for both of us or just his?
5. In my home, I do most of the caretaking with about 60% of my funds while my husband takes care of much larger expenses. This is our agreement in running the home. It would look like most my funds are disposable income; does anyone have an idea on how I can sell this to the ECO?
6. I would appreciate useful nuggets that can be included in my application letter to increase my chances of getting a visa.

Thanks for your feedback and help.

Help please!!!!!!

Also my kids have US passport and will likely be going on this trip with us depending on circumstances. What do I need to do? DO I include them in my plans? is there any special process for them since they dont need a visa for the UK?

Hi everyone,

Good evening. Please I need your help. I want to apply for a Visa with my husband to visit the UK for about 7 days for vacation.

I observed that the Visa form does not allow for joint applications (family applications). I have read through as much as I can to see if I can find a page where people in my situation have provided feedback but I am not yet successful. Maybe I am not searching well. However my request goes thus:

1. Can anyone please point me out to a section on this forum that addresses couples application for Visa?
2. I have a good paying job but my husband will be the one sponsoring this trip. My current accounts dont have more than 50k in them at the moment because I have moved funds around to help cater for the home however, I have about 1.5M in my MMF. I dont want to make any sudden bulk transfers and my travel date is in the 1st week of April. Is this okay since my husbands accounts is sufficient to take care of both of us on this trip?
3. How can I reference my husband's application? should my itinerary be for one person or for the both of us?
4. Will I need to provide the same documents as my husband? i.e Landed properties, tax clearance e.t.c for both of us or just his?
5. In my home, I do most of the caretaking with about 60% of my funds while my husband takes care of much larger expenses. This is our agreement in running the home. It would look like most my funds are disposable income; does anyone have an idea on how I can sell this to the ECO?
6. I would appreciate useful nuggets that can be included in my application letter to increase my chances of getting a visa.

Thanks for your feedback and help.

Dabira19:
Good evening, my ppl. Pls what's this airbnb package like? To the best of my understanding, their package looks 'funny'...as if one wld v a host. Trying to make enquiries abt their Elpaso accommodation.

Hi Dabira,

It's pretty straightforward and all the power lies in your hands. Every house has a host. However not all hosts stay on the same premises as the property they are leasing. Like mine doesn't.

Check the house rules and amenities. There is a part 'interaction with guests'. You can know if your hosts stay closeby and if their availability. And you can check multiple houses and read reviews too. They help alot.

Cheers!

CNOROYALCLAN:
Thanks for the great job guyz. Please is anyone travelling to El paso in June? What route do you intend to take? I really want to avoid Houston POE. I am thinking of JFK but I feel it’s going to be VERY VERY stressful. Advise pls.

Hi, you can go through Dallas instead.

Cheers

LadyGuinivere:

Don't mind the eediats! That's what unity bank staff wanted to do when I de find pta. Why are we noot reporting them sef?

Was it Mary at Unity Bank on Adetokunbo Ademola?

Hi All,

I am currently in Houston. Used JFK as my POE and I was sent for secondary inspection. Nothing too serious tho. Was asked if I was going to pay and how. And they checked my records.

For those looking for flights from JFK to Houston, I think its only jetblue that flies direct to Houston from JFK. But its an afternoon flight and I dont think they fly weekends.

Other direct flights to Houston are from Laguatdia and Newark. I did alot of research prior to travel.

For accommodation, please consider checking airbnb if you can afford it. Elpaso, Houston, Chicago.... Airbnb is easier. No lease anything. You may have to pay per night or week but alot give discount rates for weekly or monthly rentals.

I got a 2 bedroom and parlour for about 1700 per month. Slightly above my budget but it's in a safe neighbourhood and I have my privacy. that's what I wanted though. Just take your time.... it's pretty easy and straightforward. Read reviews and host rules as well as cancellation policies. Check distance to hospitals based on the area accommodation is located and decide.

Its not advertising. It's one more option to consider accommodation wise.

Cheers everyone!

mrsbw:
Hello...pls those tht used WHMC, could you pls advise on accomodation? I am looking for a 1-bedroom apartment (non-sharing) which Soulcare doesnt have at the moment. Pls help oooo...its quite urgent

Thanks

Try checking airbnb

modath:



I knew the water wasn't clean when i tweeted @ them for confirmation & it was crickets from their end..

I filled a cart in anticipation but i just didn't fall !!!

CBN should be invited into this criminality! !

Nefertitiram , favoredgal , omodadi , apple19, .... copy cpd@cenbank when you send a protest mail, they should have sent a message to stop people from buying, not sneakily putting their accounts in debit..

Hi,

It was an honest error and not meant to fool anyone. Apologies to everyone that was affected.

Cheers!

mrsbw:
okay guys..wanted to wait to be debited before confirming the Form A stuff.

I intend using Dr La and WHMC. WHMC does not accept wire transfers, so I got Dr La's wire transfer details.

I went to Stanbic IBTC on Thursday for the processing.

Documents required:
a) Letter of reference from specialist doctor, or specialist hospital in Nigeria -
b) Completed Form A
c) Passport, visa and air ticket
d) Correspondence with overseas specialist doctor stating the cost of treatment etc.


Hope this helps cc: @biollar1 @chloe7 @kemo88 @beautyx5

Hi ma,

God bless you greatly for this information.

Currently about to use Unity bank to process the Form A. The letter from your specialist doctor or hospital, Was it from your regular obgyn? Or just from your hospital? And what did it say exactly?

Thanks so much as you respond.

Cheers!

mrsbw:


Dr La (WHMC) has started accepting wire transfer. WHMC will not though, so you'll only be able to use it for Dr's fees

I'm currently exploring that option myself. Will give you feedback if successful

Hi,
Please I am very interested in your outcome. I am also using Dr La and this will be of great help to me.

Thanks alot!

biollar1:
Biko assist me too I moved all my funds from diamond to unity, was able to convince DH to do same ....hoping dem amts go entice dem but we still dey waiting list.

plsssssssss daaalu dakun biko

Please which branch and how do I get on the waiting list for Unity?

ZillyO:


Madam shey I sent u a personal message which you didn't respond to. Don't judge a book by its cover, I wanted to help.

@ZillyO: Please I need help getting PTA. Any advice you can give, I am open to. I dont have an account with stanbic or standard chartered yet though and I will be travelling in April.

I have been following you guys on the PTA issue, so I will be opening accounts from these banks by tomorrow. But I need any 'insider' info I can get.

Thanks alot.

cc: anyone that can help with PTA!!!!

gusfy823:
Hello, nairaland family. Pls what accommodation do you recommend for me, will be having my baby at whmc, texas in may. I need an affordable one room apt. Thanks

Hi,

You can try airbnb. You might be lucky to get something affordable and a good 1 bed apartment.

Cheers!

emeriem:
Hello house, i have been following for sometime now but never participated in anything.
I renewed my visa through a dropbox late last year. I'm getting ready for my journey and seriously need some advice.

I'm 34 weeks gone, intend to travel by February 28/29th. My EDD is March ending.
My problem is that i'm on a very low budget . My Hubby is currently unemployed so i'm on this alone. I intend traveling with my 4 year old daughter and all i have at hand now is 2.5m. I will deliver via CS or VBAC(if possible)
1.I need advice on how to get a cheaper ticket for both of us by tomorrow.
2.The cheapest doctor i can get in Houston.
3.Cheapest accommodation i can get in Houston.
4.Can i get someone to share accommodation with me?
5.If i open account with IBTC tomorrow, will it be possible to get PTA from them before i leave?
6.I dont want to stay too long after birth since i dont have the fund. How many weeks should i give after delivery?
7. What airline can i use at 36/37 weeks?

I need your help my dear people, i'm so exhausted right now, i have been working day and night to raise cash.

Hi Dear,

I quite understand you dilemma at the moment but would like you to consider a few things.

1. Your budget is 2.5M which is supposed to cover
a. Hospital Fees
b. accomodation
c. Feeding
d. Flight tickets
e. Contigencies
f. Some shopping perharps

Based on the above, Birthing in Houston via CS will be costing you between 7k - 10k depending on the hospital. (2.17M to 3.1M @310/dollar)

Ticket alone will me costing between 250k - 320k depending on the flight you choose

Accommodation - depending on what you can get, 900 - 1500 dollars for 1Month (279k - 465k @310/dollar)

Feeding could cost 50-100 dollars weekly

And I am all for taking your daughter with you especially if there is noone that can really care for her. Taking care of a toddler needs diligence and willingness. Please if you are not 100% guaranteed that you can leave her behind with her dad or anyone else, then dont. I have friends with experiences that are not too good. And it is not an indictment on daddy in any way.

However, valid points have been raised again about her upkeep with you. Who will take care of her during your delivery and recovery?

My point is, based on the above, Your budget may not be able to cover the cost for houston.

I was going to suggest elpaso, but you will also be cutting it really close and travelling abroad requires you to have some form of contingencies even if we trust God and have faith that all works out well. Please, you may need to get an extra say 1M to help boost what you have or wait this one out considering how far gone it seems you are. There are other payments for birth certs, visas, passports and all that are not even included in the budget yet.

Another option would be to get PTA @the official rate. But you are entitled to only 4k. So you may still need to buy black market.

I may be wrong though and you actually have this all properly worked out and figured out which I am hoping is the case. But I thought I should just raise my concerns.

Cheers

LadyGuinivere:

She sha hepped me when I dey search for PTA.
Oya Abefeokin be guided! cease and desist for sarcasm and Show everybody the love u showed me .

@modath thank ye o! Humour dey neccessary to avoid kiri kiri depression o.
@FTM thank you. When are u changing your name to secondtimemum abi 2TM

Hi Lady G,

Please did you actually get PTA from the Unity bank on Adetokunbo Ademola? Can you help me with what was required asides a travel ticket and passport? Like do I need to have an account or pay in cash?

Also, what branch of stanbic did you go to that was selling?

God bless you as you respond.

Cheers!

Hi,

I am filling the DS-160 for my mum. I am now at the passport photo page but I dont have her passport and I remember that last 2 years, we were able to bypass that page. Can anyone who has filled the DS 160 offer me advice on how to proceed?

Cheers!

Hi twingirls,

Praise God for your safe arrival.

I would like information regarding soulcare and wont mind if I could contact you.

Please let me know what works for you.

Thank you!

twingirls:
Kudos to those posting their POE stories as soon as porting. Been jetlagged, sleeping like a pregnant woman and shopping away.

I flew BA with a nairalander, a planned journey but it was worth it. Was at travelex d previous day and was told I cld only get PTA wt my burden pass.

Got to d airport early, went straight to travelex wt my cash only to be told they don't av dollars. But was advised to check back in 2 hours but with no promise.
Went to check in my luggage, fit to fly was asked, I went to port health where I got one, though backdated to 32 weeks.

Went back to travelex and eventually got 3k, after divine intervention (pls shine ur eyes and never sign wout reading what ure to sign)

BA flight was good and half filled up, got a window seat. And was able to lay on three seats and relax. The only but was that I was starved, crap food but I ate cos I was really famished.

Got a wheelchair at Houston and was wheeled to d CBP, about 5 pple ahead of me on d que, and it was finally my turn.

CBP- what are you here for?
ME- childbirth
CBP- for how long?
ME- 2 months
CBP-Any family in Houston?
ME- No
CBP- how much do you have?
ME- 3,000 cash and over 3m in my accounts and I av the card
CBP- you wil have to go for secondary inspection so your data could be entered

Was wheeled for d second inspection wt my nairalander partner, we have the same accomodation, same doctors correspondence.
We waited for about 5 minutes and my name was called, I was actually surprised cos we met lots of people inside

CBP- why are you here
Me- childbirth
CBP- do you have doctors correspondence?
Me- Yes
Glanced at it,
CBP- how much do you have?
ME- 3, 000 cash and 3 million in
CBP (interupted) how much do you have in total for the childbirth purpose
ME- over 16000 dollar
CBP- keep ur receipt, do not accept medicaid bla bla bla
( nothing was checked apart from docs correspondence).

Waited for some minutes outside d office for my now turned sister nairalander friend, we were botth wheeled for our bags, no question was asked and nothing checked

Waited a while for soulcare driver, we were driven straight to dia restaurant where we were treated to a free hot plate of pounded yam and rich egusi soup! Never felt so satisfied with ameal, after such punishment from BA food.

Already enjoying my stay and yet to have a boring minute, met so many new mums and Nigeria preggos already. Now waiting for my docs appointment.

All glory to God for the favour galore.

This is to inform everyone intending to buy PTA/BTA from GTBank that the service has been temporarily suspended.

Gracydee:


Senior Moms in the house, come and help a sis.

Hello Ma'am,

You dont need to change pediatrician if you dont want to. It all depends on the cost. if you know a very good pediatrician cheaper than the one you used in the hospital then i suggest you change.

Regarding what you need to know post having your baby, I think most of it will come naturally to you. However, be prepared to feel harassed and shed a few tears at some point.... lol... especially when baby is crying at 2am in the middle of the night and you have tried everything in your power to make him stop. Its a phase, it will pass.

Also, dont feel too bad if your baby cries, its natural and there is only so much you can do... so just pray to have a calm spirit and do your very best. And please read...... the internet has so much material post baby and you will benefit tremendously. Infact, you will be surprised that alot of things your baby is going through is totally normal and you can get advise that can help your situation. Different people will give different advise, especially the older generation, you should be able to discern which one is good for you and your baby and which one isnt. No one knows your baby more than you do.

Where it concerns medical issues, please ask your doctor. And trust me, you will do great! There is no hard and fast rule to being a mum or parent.... its a learning process. Just be open to it and it will work out as you go along.

Cheers!

Please when will the post UTME for unizik be held? And how can my sister apply for it?

Also how can i get the past questions for her to practise? Please help a sister with information!

boldbabe:



Medela manual breastpump is okay because i used it for my 6 months exclusive breastfeeding, though it was given to me by the hospital as part of my freebies.

@iyawotobe Medela is truly an awesome breast pump o. Doesn't hurt the breasts and very easy to use. I even use the manual one cos it's therapeutic for me. Please invest in one. You won't regret it.

raydd:

Hello Everybody,
Thanks for providing all the information on this site.

I have shortlisted three locations 1) El Paso (Doctorspareti) 2)Houston (Oakbend & Dr Fa) 3) Phoenix (MIHS)

Can anyone share their recent experience with Doctorspareti?

Any would be moms in May/June? I plan to arrive in US little early and I can catch up anybody planning to visit in May, June.

It seems Doctorsparaeti have been over used and their quality of service has degraded over last few months.Any comments welcome.

Hello raydd,

I dont know where you got the information that Doctoresparati services has 'degraded' over the last few months. I had my baby in December at the Del Sol medical Center and the care and professionalism were top notch. I had my ante-natal with Dr Mattel at the East Side Women's Clinic, and I cant even find anything to fault. The guy is very jovial and friendly and doesn't rush anything or coerce you into doing something you are not okay with.

You ask questions to the doctors or nurses and they will take their time to explain and ensure you understand. This was my experience and I loved every minute of it.

Let me quickly add that you shouldn't confuse the administrative body (doctoresparati) with the hospital (Del Sol Medical Centre) or antenatal clinic (EastSide Women's clinic).

Hope this helps you!

Cheers!

isysleek:
Hello house, still waiting for a response to my post below.

Those who have stayed/staying in intown suites in El Paso, Pls assist o! Thank you.

@isysleek it depends on how you intend to sleep with the baby. If the baby will sleep on the bed with you after he is born, them go for a 2 bed room. If you intend to get a cot or bassinet for the baby, then a one bed will work.

I got a bassinet for my baby and he slept on the bed occasionally. Some people get one bed and get an extra mattress or something to sleep on the floor with.

Hope this helps!

Ask not what your country can do for you, ask what you can do for your country! - J.F Kennedy

nefertitiram:


You are not sorry, I can bet you have no idea the true meaning of I am sorry! Please stop comparing US and your crappy system, there is no comparison and you are further making a mockery of the entire purpose of sharing experiences.
If you have nothing nice to say, just hush!

Hello Ma,

I think it's enough! And i think it's unfair how you have blamed this one doctor for all the problems all pregnant women have encountered. Just as you have made valid points, so has he too.

Your loss hurt me when i heard about it. But this Dr is not to blame. If we question his certificate, then we should question the certificate of everyone that went through a nigerian schooling system. Yours and mine inclusive.

This is a faceless forum but we are all interconnected somehow. The question we should ask is how to move forward and be positive changes despite what we experienced. Leave all the pettiness and fighting and unnecessary bickering.

@everyone, as difficult as it may be sometimes, let's keep an open mind and be focused. If advice or opinions are given and you don't agree with it, feel free to disagree and move on. Don't keep flogging issues and taking them to new levels for further disagreements.

Be the change you want to see in the world. - Gandhi

God bless us all!

MamaTobenna:
thanks Phema and kizluv. When labor starts, will they allow one to wait a bit in the hospital lounge while labor is progressing before checking patient in. I am asking this cos you know the way they do packages where u cant be on admission for more than a particular number of hours or else , you may have to pay extra.

Hi mamatobenna,

You are not admitted to the hospital until you are 4cm's dilated. I went in to LandD and they hooked me up to machines and checked me and all that but it did not affect my bill even if i wasnt 4cms at the time

however it may be because my labour progressed and before they could send me back home i was already 4cms... lol

I was also advised by my doctor that if my labour starts at say 8pm the previous day, i should try to wait till 12am before checking into the hospital. The reason being that the remaining 4hrs of that previous day already counts as 1 full day and takes away the advantage of having a full day from your package. Hope you understand? Lol

Cheers!

@intending Elpaso peeps, please feel free to explore Ramada or other accommodation. Intown was cheap but the service provided could have been better.

The Internet continued to be crappy till I left. When i day crappy, i mean it is like Internet in Nigeria in 2009. So Yea, our current naija Internet is lightyears better than it (you can't stream common YouTube. .... it is that bad.) and security wise, they leave something to be desired. The only plus side is the support you get because there are alot of Mommas.

For those at intown, when you have your baby, ask them at the reception if you have a letter from the time you get home because of the SSN. The reception had the funny habit of calling when you have a package or parcel but they won't call when you have a letter and the SSN comes in the form of a letter. It usually arrives in the first week.

Hope this helps someone. Cheers!